History of GAYpril at Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Rutgers students have adopted this affectionate term for their celebration during the month of April. “GAYpril” is an opportunity for the entire campus to involve itself in educational and celebratory programming on queer and trans communities and issues.
Past featured guests include: TS Madison, Big Freedia, Latrice Royale, Nico Santos, The Prancing Elites, Lena Waithe, Jujubee, and more.
Save the dates!
Events are from April 1 – May 6, 2026.
More events are being finalized and added to the list below.
Please check back often for more details and updates!
Queer Crafternoon: Bring Your Own Crafts
Wednesday, April 1, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
2nd Floor of SJE at 17 Bartlett St, College Ave Campus
Join CAPS counselor, Wil Vargas, as they lead you through a wellness-focused afternoon of relaxation, connecting, and crafting!
SparkNight: Queer Pride featuring Papi Juice
Thursday, April 2, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Zimmerli Art Museum at 71 Hamilton St, College Ave Campus
The Brooklyn-based art collective Papi Juice takes over the Zimmerli Art Museum for a night of dancing and learning, featuring an array of DJ sets, performance-lectures, and poetry readings. Join us as we celebrate queer art and joy through activations of the refreshed American Art Gallery and the special exhibition Andy Warhol: On Repeat!
DJ sets by Daniel Baez, Oscar Nñ, and Love Higher.
Reading by writer Kyle Carrero Lopez, whose forthcoming poetry collection, Party Line, examines US-Cuba tensions, transnational Black identity, and revolutionary gatherings through a queer lens. Also, a special guest performance-lecture by Newark-based DJ, songwriter, and music producer UNIIQU3, exploring the sounds of the electronic genre Jersey Club.
Free and open to the public. Complimentary light refreshments.
This event is in partnership with Garden State Equality, Scarlet Arts Rx, and the Zimmerli Art Museum.
Queer Ball: The Cosmic Ball
Thursday, April 2, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Trayes Hall, Douglass Student Center
Ticket Purchase: LINK HERE
Queer Ball is a charity ball that welcomes all students at Rutgers to celebrate the Queer POC community! Everyone is welcome to attend. This year's theme is Cosmic which entails sci-fi, space, and stellar looks and concepts intertwined in the ball atmosphere. Our focus is honoring Afro-Futurism and the intersection between Afro-Futuristic principles as it relates to the Queer POC experience rooted in themes of resilience, new realities, and social change. Food will be served, there will be featured performances, and a chance to dance the night away! MUST purchase a ticket to attend!
This event is sponsored by LLEGO, the queer people of color organization for Rutgers students.
Queer Crafternoon: Friendship Bracelets
Monday, April 6, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
2nd Floor of SJE at 17 Bartlett St, College Ave Campus
Join CAPS counselor, Wil Vargas, as they lead you through a wellness-focused afternoon of relaxation and connection while making friendship bracelets!
This event is being hosted by and in partnership with Rutgers Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program, and Psychiatric Services (CAPS).
Fictional Queer Media Slideshow Night!
Monday, April 6, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Kathleen Ludwig Building
Are your favorite queer TV show and movie characters all you talk about? Then look no further and join us for our Fictional Queer Media Slideshow Night! Prepare a slideshow of fun facts, favorite movies, or other interests about your favorite fictional queer movie or show character while you enjoy snacks and beverages!
This event is sponsored by Rainbow Pines, a queer student organization with SJE and Douglass College.
QUAC Presents: GAYpril Queer Movie Fest
Multiple dates starting Tuesday, April 7
Movies start between 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Canterbury House at 5 Mine St, College Ave Campus
This April, Queer and Christian (QUAC) is hosting a GAYpril Queer Movie Fest! Join us at the Canterbury House to watch new and old classic queer movies! Allergen Notice: Cats will be present at the house!
Visit QUAC’s Instagram @ruquac for the full move line-up!
GAYpril: Free Hot Breakfast
Wednesday, April 8, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities, College Avenue Campus
Did someone say FREE breakfast for GAYpril? Oh yes, we sure did! Join us on Wednesday, April 8, at 9:30 a.m. at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center on Busch Campus for a chill and relaxing morning. Come be in good company with your peers while you enjoy all of the delicious breakfast foods we’ll be providing.
This event is in partnership with Being Black and Queer, Queer Caucus, and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.
Queer Crafternoon: DeStress with Friendship Bracelets
Wednesday, April 8, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
2nd Floor of SJE at 17 Bartlett St, College Ave Campus
Join CAPS counselor, Wil Vargas, as they lead you through a wellness-focused afternoon of relaxation and connection while making friendship bracelets!
Bi+ DeZine: In Memory of Those Before & in the Future
Wednesday, April 8, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
SJE at 17 Bartlett St., College Ave Campus
At this event, students will create Zines featuring Bi+ elders, resources, media reviews, and more to contribute to greater representation of Bi+ people within the SJE and Rutgers communities. A personalized research session will also take place on the topic or person each student would like to make their Zine about. Boba and sweet treats will be provided!
Prideful Future Movie Night
Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
In-person Registration HERE: SSB 218 at 65 Bergen St., RU Newark
Join via Zoom: click here
Join Prideful Future of Healthcare in person (Newark) or online by watching Netflix's "A Secret Love," a movie exploring themes of aging, healthcare decision making, and resilience within the LGBTQIA+ community. Food provided! Discussion to follow.
Register HERE to attend in-person!
Live Your Truth: A Conversation with OUT and PROUD Employers
Thursday, April 9, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
2nd Floor of SJE at 17 Bartlett St, College Ave Campus
Virtual Option via go.rutgers.edu/liveyourtruth
According to a recent study by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), 40% of LGBTQ+ workers have withheld their identity at their job due to fear of being stigmatized or facing violence at work.
In collaboration with the Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities and in celebration of GAYpril at Rutgers, join us in conversation with representatives from various companies who are working to break this statistic. Whether you’re worried about coming out, transitioning, or finding ways to express yourself in your future workplace, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are just one way for you to find your q-mmunity in the world of work after Rutgers.
This conversation can be joined in person or virtually. Any questions or accommodation needs? Email pm976@echo.rutgers.edu.
Hosted by the Access to Career Pathways Program. Check in to this event to earn a stamp for the #RutgersWorks Tuition Challenge.
Handmade Letters
Friday, April 10, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Room 309, Murray Hall on College Ave Campus
Join us for our Handmade Letters event where we’ll be using the Scarlet Letterpress and calligraphy materials to write letters to friends and loved ones!
This event is sponsored by the Aro and Ace Alliance, an organization for Rutgers students identifying within the aro and ace umbrellas.
Drag Night
Friday, April 10, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Student Activities Center, College Ave Campus
Join Queer & Asian for a vibrant Drag Night featuring exciting drag performances and delicious food. Come celebrate community and culture with us!
Pride Shabbat
Friday, April 10, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Rutgers Hillel at 70 College Ave, College Ave Campus
Happy GAYpril! Come celebrate GAYpril with Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs) at Pride Shabbat on Friday, April 10, at 8:00 p.m. Services start at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome and encouraged to come share in queer Jewish joy!
This event is being sponsored by Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs) and Rutgers Hillel.
SJE at The Career Closet
Tuesday, April 14, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Gateway Transit Village 4th Floor, 106 Somerset Ave, New Brunswick
RSVP: go.rutgers.edu/sjecloset
Join the Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities (SJE) as they take over The Career Closet! Drop by at any time between 10 am and 4 pm to browse The Career Closet, pick up clothes for your next interview/career fair/professional event, and enjoy free swag from the SJE!
Brought to you by the Access to Career Pathways Program. Check in to earn a stamp towards the #Rutgersworks Free Tuition Challenge. Any questions or accommodation requests can be sent to pm976@echo.rutgers.edu.
Noche de Arte & Orgullo
Tuesday, April 14, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Location TBA
A collaboration between LLEGO and the Latino Student Council, Noche de Arte & Orgullo will explore Latiné art history to highlight different figures throughout Latino America, including Chicano artists and Queer Latiné artists.
Digital Safety for the Campus Community: Protecting Your Presence
Wednesday, April 15, 12:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Room 202, Livingston Student Center
Register to Attend: go.rutgers.edu/dsafersvp
Grounded in ACE’s commitment to Access with Integrity, this workshop equips students, faculty, and staff with practical tools to strengthen digital security to support full and safe participation in academic life. Combining technical guidance and lived experience, participants will implement safeguards that reduce risk, protect personal data, and counteract online bullying and harassment.
Gain hands-on experience:
- Implement digital safeguards used by the former executive director of an international transgender tech organization
- Learn strategies to reduce risks like hacking and doxing
- Understand how to navigate online targeting and data exposure backed by lived experience
This event is sponsored by the Tyler Clementi Center and the LGBTQ+ Learning Collaborative at the Honors College of Rutgers.
Guest Speaker: Professor Max Thorton
Wednesday, April 15, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Pavlovsky Student Office at Rutgers Hillel, 70 College Ave
Join us as Professor Max Thornton guides us through some primary sources revealing queer identity in Judaism from long back, and how contemporary queer Jews have taken from these texts to develop their own customs around queerness.
This event is sponsored by Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs), a student organization open to queer Jewish students and their allies at Rutgers.
BIPOC Alumni Panel
Thursday, April 16, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Location TBA
Join us for an evening with queer BIPOC alumni! These alumni will share their experiences of being queer while at Rutgers and beyond post-graduation.
This event is sponsored by LLEGO, the queer people of color organization for Rutgers students.
LGBTQIA+ Grad Student Social: Paint N’ Sip
Friday, April 17, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
17 Bartlett St, College Ave Campus
A new year means new goals and aspirations, right? RIGHT! At this Paint & Sip, manifest your 2026 goals and aspirations as you visualize them through art. While you paint, enjoy delicious mocktails and treats and connect with your fellow LGBTQIA+ grads on what you plan to accomplish this year. Let’s manifest together!
This event is in partnership with BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Grad Affinity Group, GRADient, and the Office of Graduate Student Life.
Colors of Identity: Paint Your Flag
Friday, April 17, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Druskin Lounge at the Honors College, College Ave Campus
This event offers a creative and welcoming space for students to explore and express their identities by painting a flag that represents who they are, whether that reflects their sexuality, gender identity, cultural background, or personal experiences. The event aims to foster connection, celebrate the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, and provide an affirming environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and engaging with others. There will be a giveaway featuring copies of Heated Rivalry. Food and drinks will also be provided.
This event is sponsored by LLEGO and the Honors College LGBTQ+ Affinity Group along with the LGBTQ+ Learning Collaborative.
Enchanted Garden: A Kiki Ball
Friday, April 17, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Room 240, Walters Hall on Douglass Campus
Join us for Enchanted Garden: A Kiki Ball! A kiki ball is reminiscent of the ballroom scene in New York City. People can spectate or compete in categories to win gift card prizes!
This event is sponsored by Being Black and Queer, a student organization for queer students of the Afro diaspora at Rutgers.
SJE Attic/Storage Clean-Up Day
Saturday, April 18, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
17 Bartlett St, College Ave Campus
Clean up, clean up! Calling all SJE clubs and orgs to do their share! It’s time for the SJE Attic to receive some much needed tender love and care. This will be a time for SJE-affiliated clubs and orgs to organize and clean out items they’ve been storing in the attic. Anything not claimed will be thrown out, so please show up! Check in with Eunisha for sign up details.
Tea4T Party
Saturday, April 18, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location is TBA
The Transmissions yearly Tea4T Party is coming up! Join us for some delicious tea to celebrate trans people everywhere!
Queercoded Hackathon
From 12:00 p.m., Saturday, April 18, to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, April 19
Room 108, College Ave Student Center
QueerCoded Hackathon at Rutgers is a 30-hour event focused on queer experiences, organized by Out in Tech in collaboration with Rutgers organizations. The event is designed to be a beginner-friendly space to code for social good, network with peers, and participate in tech-related workshops.
Queer in Nature: Walk on Livi
Sunday, April 19, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Livingston Eco Preserve
Join Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs) for a queer walk through nature as we go on a guided hike/tour of the Livingston Eco Preserve, and enjoy a sweet treat at the end!
Students of Color Picnic
Friday, April 24, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
SJE Backyard at 17 Bartlett St., College Ave Campus
Calling all students of color! Join LLEGO for an afternoon get-together to enjoy food, games, good music, and conversation.
This event is being sponsored by LLEGO, the queer people of color organization for Rutgers students.
Rainbow Perspectives @ Rutgers Zone!
Friday, April 24, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Rutgers Zone, Livingston Campus
Join your peers for a night of fun and games at Rutgers Zone! Compete with fellow Rainbow Perspectives residents in Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart, basketball, pool, and more! Delicious, sweet and savory snacks will be provided.
This event is open to Rainbow Perspectives residents ONLY. Check-in will be required in order to attend this event.
The Natural Balance of Things: Rainbow Symphony Spring Concert
Friday, April 24, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Nicholas Music Center, Douglass Campus
Hosted by Rainbow Symphony, our Spring Concert will include works for wind bands by Katahj Copley, Rossano Galante, Julie Giroux, Cahterine Likhuta, and Michael Oare. PLUS special guest performances. Free and open to the public, no tickets required.
Learn more about Rainbow Symphony at linktr.ee/RainbowSymphony!
Triota’s DIY Maker’s Market
Saturday, April 25, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Main Lounge, College Ave Student Center
Apply to Vend: https://forms.gle/Pd7HZ8L3jsKm66cH8
This Maker's Market centers queer, trans, and feminist art and goods, providing a space for student and community member vendors to share their creations! There will be snacks and drinks for our vendors and attendees!
This event is sponsored by Triota, the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Honor Society.
Kickball Tournament
Sunday, April 26, at 1:00 p.m.
Skelly Field next to Cook Rec Center
RU LIFTS is collaborating with Rutgers Recreation to host a kickball tournament on Sunday, April 26! Scan the QR code to sign up with your org, club, or just on your own, and compete for the chance to win a prize!
Spectators are also welcome to attend with no sign up needed. Drinks and snacks will be provided for everyone. Come have some fun in the sun with us!
Vision Boards and Study Session with Rainbow Pines
Monday, April 27, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Kathleen Ludwig Building (tentative)
At the end of the semester, we can’t always decide whether we should try to envision our goals or cram as much information as we can to study for finals! We brought the two together and invite you to collage vision boards or study with snacks and beverages. Quiet music, crafts, and friends seem to be the perfect remedy for a stress free night—exactly what we all need during the most stressful time in the semester!
Visit our Instagram at @douglassrainbowpines for more info.
Cake Wars
Wednesday, April 29, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Pavlovsky Student Office at Rutgers Hillel, 70 College Ave
Join Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs) for our end of academic year celebration and show off your best decorating skills in a friendly competition of cake wars!
Visit our Instagram @rutgersjaqs for more info.
Generations of Pride Fair/Kick-Back - Tentative
Thursday, April 30, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
SJE Backyard at 17 Bartlett St., College Ave Campus
28th Rainbow Graduation
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
5 – 8 PM, In-Person at the Livingston Student Center
(84 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Piscataway, NJ 08854)
Click here for registration, award nomination, and event details.
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Past GAYpril Events
Let’s Talk Support: Focus Group for Non-binary, Trans, and Agender Students
Monday, March 31 | 03:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
We want to hear YOUR voice. All non-binary, trans, and agender students are invited to a focus group to share their needs and concerns. Light refreshments will be provided.
Hosted by: Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
GAYpril PRIDE Hot Breakfast & Black Cartoons
Wednesday, April 2 | 09:30 a.m. EST while supplies last
Paul Robeson Cultural Center
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Enjoy a hot breakfast buffet from Fritz and learn about upcoming GAYpril programs while being in good community. Come to de-stress, make new friends, or simply be.
Menu includes: French Toast Bake, Scrambled Eggs, Fresh Local Bagels, Home Fries, Pastries, Bacon and Sausage, Fruit Salad, Cinnamon Streusel, Hot Coffee and Tea
Hosted by: Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
COSPONSOR: Paul Robeson Cultural Center
PROM NIGHT: SparkNight - GAYpril and LGBTQIA+ Pride
Thursday, April 3 | 05:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers University Zimmerli Art Museum
Kick-off Prom Night with Pride! SparkNight is the free art party at the Zimmerli, inviting everyone to explore art, engage their creativity, and have fun! Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride at Rutgers University and in the New Brunswick community as we showcase the queer art of drag as well as the important contributions of queer artists on view. Free and open to the public. Complimentary light refreshments.
FREE transportation will be provided from the Zimmerli Art Museum to Trayes Hall for Queer Prom!
Pre-register here for free visitor parking, which allows you to park in Lots 11, 16, 26, 30, & College Avenue Deck. Until this process is completed, your vehicle is not registered and you may receive a citation. Special event parking and special event permits are only for visitors to the university and does not include free metered parking. Faculty, staff, and students must park only in lots where they are authorized to park. Please note, this is a unique link for this event and not valid for any other dates or events.
- For directions to campus parking lots, search by the lot number on the Rutgers map.
- Lot 16 is the closest to the Zimmerli, located behind the museum. For directions, you also may use the address 536 George Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, which is the building located next to the lot entrance.
COSPONSOR: The Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Queer Prom 2025: Fairy Tale Fantasy
Thursday, April 3 | 07:00 – 11:00 p.m. EST
Douglass Student Center | Trayes Hall
Queer Prom is BACK. Step into a magical night where fairy tales come to life—whether you’re the daring hero, the mischievous villain, or something in between! Join LLEGO and SJE for a Queer Prom filled with enchantment, celebration, and community. Dress to impress in your most whimsical, regal, or darkly charming attire, and get ready for a night of music, dancing, and unforgettable memories!
PURCHASE TICKETS & JOIN THE ROYAL COURT
Hosted by: Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities and LLEGO
Small Group Training w/ Rutgers LIFTS
Sunday, April 6 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. EST
College Avenue Gym | Main Fitness Room
Please join Rutgers LIFTS at the College Ave Gym for a free small-group training session. This beginner-friendly intro to strength session is an hour-long full-body workout. The session is private only to registrants, and we have the space for ourselves!
Jeopardy Night w/ Aro & Ace Alliance and Being Black & Queer
Tuesday, April 8 | 07:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Come join the AAA and BBQ for some boba and snacks and the chance to play Jeopardy to learn about some Aro and Ace people, cartoon characters, artists, and flags!
Queer Priest Panel w/ Queer and Christian (QuaC)
Tuesday, April 8 | 07:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Student Center | Graduate Student Lounge
Back for a second year! Join local clergy from across the queer spectrum as they tell their stories and answer your questions. Find out more about the intersection of queerness and spirituality. Ask the questions you've always been dying to ask!
GAYpril Drag Show
Tuesday, April 8 | 07:15 – 11:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Student Center | Multipurpose Room
Get ready for a night of dazzling performances, fierce energy, and unapologetic self-expression at RUPA x SJE GAYpril Drag Show! Join us as we celebrate the art of drag with an incredible lineup featuring the iconic Alisha Day alongside talented student performers Sadiva, Sockeye Salmon & King Quai, and Elizah Cream.
After the show, stick around for a photo op with the performers, where you can meet and celebrate the stars of the night while also enjoying pizza and refreshments.
Hosted by: Rutgers University Programming Association (RUPA) and the Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Gaydar Plate Making w/ Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs)
Tuesday, April 8 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Hillel | Pavlovsky Student Office
Make your own Passover seder plate themed with all of your favorite queer qualities! Supplies, instructions, and food will be provided!
Black Love and Sexuality Talk
Wednesday, April 9 | 05:00 – 07:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Black Love and Sexuality Talk is a roundtable discussion meant to discuss what it means to be black and in love with other black people. The goal is to discuss the history of black love, how it is depicted in the media, and how can we learn more about black love in the LGBTQ+ world.
Hosted by: Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
Olfactory Optics: Decolonizing Fragrance w/ LLEGO and Transmissions
Thursday, April 10 | 07:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
In collaboration with transitions, we will be hosting "Olfactory Optics: Decolonizing Fragrance" on Thursday, April 10! We'll be learning about fragrance and even get a chance to sample some fragrances!
Rutgers Women’s Lacrosse Pride Game
Thursday, April 10 | 08:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST
SHI Stadium on Busch Campus
Join us for a Pride-themed women’s lacrosse game where Rutgers will take on USC in SHI Stadium, where players and spectators come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ inclusivity and support through sport.
Hosted by: Rutgers Athletics & the Women’s Lacrosse Team
Hear Me Out w/ Aro & Ace Alliance
Friday, April 11 | 05:45 – 07:45 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
The Aro and Ace Alliance presents a “Hear Me Out” event where we are asking people to bring their most unconventional crushes to place on a cupcake! Inspired by the trend online, come join the club as we talk about our most insane fictional crushes.
Queer History Happy Hour w/ the Honors College
Tuesday, April 15 | 06:30 – 08:30 p.m. EST
Honors College | Druskin Lounge
Join the Honors College LGBTQ+ Affinity Group and LGBTQ+ Learning Collaborative for a fun and interactive "Queer History Happy Hour." There will be a presentation going over notable individuals and events within the queer community, mocktails, and the chance to win a prize during LGBTQ+ trivia. Come spend some time with us this GAYpril. We can't wait to see you on April 15th in the Druskin Lounge.
Scarlet Speaker Series ft. Tan France
Tuesday, April 15 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Student Center | Multipurpose Room
Join us for a discussion with Tan France, the star of Netflix's Emmy-winning series Queer Eye. Tan is also a best selling author of Naturally Tan, podcaster, fashion designer and entrepreneur. Seats are limited and must be reserved on getINVOLVED! This event is open to Rutgers Students, Faculty, and Staff. 10 Students from the RSVP list will be selected to participate in the Meet and Greet following the discussion.
Doors open at 7:00pm
Moderated Q&A: 8:00pm
Feel, Write, Heal: Learning to Build Community Through Zines w/ the Center for Latino Arts & Culture
Wednesday, April 16 | 01:00 – 05:00 p.m. EST
Center for Latino Arts & Culture | 1st Floor Conference Room
The Center for Latino Arts and Culture (CLAC) is excited to host this zine workshop to explore the ways we can use this medium to tell our story. This workshop will create a space for queer students to honor their identities in a way that is creative and interactive!
COSPONSORS: Queer Caucus, Latino Student Council, Rutgers Union Estudiantil Puertorriqueña
GAYpril Rock Climbing w/ Wil Vargas
Wednesday, April 16 | 06:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
College Avenue Gym | Rockwall
Get active for GAYpril! Come be in community with us and Wil Vargas, CAPS Counselor, for an evening of affirming rock climbing. No need to be an experienced climber—all experience levels are welcome!
Lip Sync Battle w/ LLEGO & Latin Images LLC
Wednesday, April 16 | 07:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Bishop Quads | Latin Images LLC
Join LLEGO in collaboration with Latin Images LLC, a vibrant and empowering celebration of queer Latin culture! This high-energy event will feature powerful lip-synch performances, and contestants will battle it out for the grand prize. With audience voting, live entertainment, and a grand finale showdown, this event promises to be a great night.
Quill and Chill: Crafting for Pride w/ HOPE & CAPS
Thursday, April 17 | 03:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Join CAPS and HOPE for a colorful and creative quilling workshop celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride. This inclusive event welcomes everyone to express their true colors through the art of quilling. You’ll have the opportunity to create a unique and vibrant quilled design that reflects your individuality. Come for the art, stay for the community, and leave with a masterpiece that showcases your pride. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Let's quill, chill, and celebrate life with every fold.
COSPONSOR: Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
Film Screening & Talkback - “Dirty Computer: Emotion Picture” w/ the Diversity Peer Educators
Thursday, April 17 | 06:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Join us for a screening of Janelle Monáe's groundbreaking film, Dirty Computer! 🌟
As part of Rutgers Gaypril celebrations, this event is proudly hosted by the DPEs, LLEGO, and BBQ. 🌈
Experience the visionary storytelling and stunning visuals that have captivated audiences worldwide. We will watch the film and be in discussion about the intersectional frameworks that impact race, gender, and radical thought. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be in community and conversation through the lens of music, identity, and freedom dreaming. Refreshments will be provided!
COHOSTS: LLEGO and Being Black & Queer
Club SJE: Pa-JAM-a Party! Ft DJ Dale Danny
Friday, April 18 | 02:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Get ready to swap your sneakers for slippers and your jeans for jammies—because the ultimate chill-meets-hype event is here! Club SJE is your chance to turn up in total comfort while dancing to the hottest beats spun live by our guest DJ, Dale Danny, who knows how to keep the energy high.
🎶 Live DJ • Lights • Vibes
🛌 Pajamas Required – The comfier, the better!
🕺 Nonstop dancing
Whether you're rocking footie PJs, matching sets, or your favorite oversized tee, this is where style and sleepwear collide. Come for the music, stay for the vibes—because the only thing better than a night out is one where you never had to get dressed for it.
To attend this event, please RSVP via Rutgers GetInvolved.
Queercoded Hackathon w/ Out in Tech and oSTEM
Saturday, April 19, 12:00 p.m. - Sunday, April 20, 06:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Student Center | Room 108
Queercoded is Out in Tech's first LGBTQ+ hackathon event, coding with pride! Our event aims to organize a community event to give visibility to LGBTQ+ students in the tech industry. The hackathon will consist of opportunities for mentorship, workshops, social activities, chances to win prizes, and more.
Cereal Night w/ Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs)
Tuesday, April 22 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Hillel | Pavlovsky Student Office
Join us for a topsy-turvy night of a cereal breakfast for dinner. There will be optional related game activities as well!
Camp Classics at the CLAC w/ the Center for Latino Arts & Culture
Wednesday, April 23 | 07:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST
Center for Latino Arts & Culture | 1st Floor Conference Room
Bring your blanket and we will serve the popcorn! Join us for a screening of "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything"
Spinning Session w/ Rutgers LIFTS
Thursday, April 24 | 09:00 – 10:00 a.m. EST
Werblin Recreation Center
Join Rutgers LIFTS for a free spinning session at Werblin Rec Center! The spin class is beginner-friendly and will provide endurance training through biking!
Annual Students of Color Picnic w/ LLEGO
Friday, April 25 | 01:00 – 03:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities | Lawn
Join LLEGO at our annual Students of Color Picnic, the last event of the academic year! Come celebrate with QTPOC and allies to end the semester and school year off right with games, food, fun, and community!
Safe(R) Space
Friday, April 25 | 02:00 – 05:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Academic Building | Room 2100
Join us for one of our Spring Safe(R) Space sessions.
Safe(R) Space is a campus-wide program designed to visibly identify students, staff, and faculty peers who support the LGBTQIA+ population, understand some of the issues facing LGBTQIA individuals, and are aware of various LGBTQIA-affirming resources on campus. Our spring dates will only be in-person sessions.
Pride Pool Party w/ Recreation
Friday, April 25 | 06:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
Werblin Rec Center | Patio Pool
A vibrant and inclusive event celebrating LGBTQ+ students and allies during GayPril. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with music, games, and a welcoming atmosphere that fosters community and connection. Join the Aquatics team at Rutgers Recreation to swim, socialize, or relax.
To ensure we provide a safe and welcoming Rec for EveryBODY, single-use, gender-neutral changing spaces and restrooms will be available throughout the event. A check-in table will be located in the lobby of the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center for any questions or additional information. Attendees are also welcome to store their belongings in designated areas of the pool deck during the party.
Pride Shabbat w/ Rutgers Hillel
Friday, April 25 | 08:00 – 09:30 p.m. EST
Rutgers Hillel
Come celebrate queer joy and pride with a free Shabbat dinner that is open to anyone and everyone! If you'd like to attend dinner, it starts at 8 pm, and all services (reform, conservative, and orthodox) begin at 7 pm.
Black Joy, Unity & PRIDE Line Dancing: A SpringFest x Gaypril Program w/ the Paul Robeson Cultural Center & Black Student Union
Monday, April 28 | 07:00 – 9:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Campus | The Yard
Come through and experience our dynamic celebration of Black joy, unity, and PRIDE, and do some line dancing! We’ve all been wanting to pop our fans and get our boots on the ground or learn the Tamia dance. This inclusive event brings our diverse community together through movement, honoring Black culture while creating space for authentic expression. Join us for this unforgettable SpringFest kickoff that unites us all in rhythm, pride, and solidarity!
COSPONSORS: Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities, Scarlet Divas
Birthday Party w/ Jewish Allies and Queers (JAQs)
Tuesday, April 29 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Hillel | Pavlovsky Student Office
Celebrate your birthday (or unbirthday ;D) from this past semester with this end-of-academic-year farewell party! Party games and cake will be involved.
Camp Classics at the CLAC w/ the Center for Latino Arts & Culture
Wednesday, April 30 | 07:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST
Center for Latino Arts & Culture | 1st Floor Conference Room
Bring your blanket and we will serve the popcorn! Join us for a screening of "Bottoms".
Rainbow Graduation
Tuesday, May 6 | 05:00 - 08:00 p.m.
Livingston Student Center | Livingston Hall
Rainbow Graduation honors the achievements of Rutgers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and nonbinary, queer, intersex, asexual, and other queer spectrum (LGBTQIA+) undergraduate and graduate students. The event acknowledges the challenges and triumphs experienced in their careers here at Rutgers University. We use this occasion to honor students who have continued our traditions of pride and activism. The celebration is a complement to a traditional graduation ceremony, such as University Commencement or other celebrations hosted by academic departments.
Gaypril Throughout the Years
