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: Big Freedia, Latrice Royale, Nico Santos, The Prancing Elites, Lena Waithe, Jujubee and more. This year’s celebrity guest is TS Madison. See info below.
Save the dates!
Events are from March 29 – May 1, 2024.
More events are being finalized and added to the list below.
Please check back often for more details and updates!
Queer Ball w/ LLEGO
Friday, March 29 | 07:00 – 11:00 p.m. EST
Livingston Student Center | Multipurpose Room
Step into the spotlight with us at Queer Ball: Burlesque Edition! Get ready to dazzle and delight as we celebrate the beginning of GAYpril at LLEGO’s annual signature program. Ft. Little Mx. Bunny, burlesque performer.
Tickets available for purchase at: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/sabo/4785/event/1374546
Trans Day of Visibility w/ oSTEM
Monday, April 1 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
This event will take place on the day after Transgender Day of Visibility, which is on March 31. The presentation will include the history of the holiday and the importance of transgender visibility and representation in STEM. The end of the presentation will include questions for members about transgender identity and visibility in STEM.
GAYpril Fools w/ JAQs
Monday, April 1 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Hillel | Palovsky Student Office
Happy GAYpril and April Fools Day! Come celebrate the first day of GAYpril by analyzing and discussing which gay stereotype is the best!
Douglass Drag Bingo w/ DEI @ Douglass Residential College
Tuesday, April 2 | 06:00 – 8:00 p.m. EST
Douglass Residential College | Ludwig-Schonberg Room
Join us for a fabulous Drag Bingo night featuring Taco Tuesday delights, exciting prizes, and a chance to strut your stuff in drag! Bring your friends and unleash your inner diva for an evening of laughter, entertainment, and tasty treats. It's a colorful celebration where everyone is welcome to express themselves and have a blast!
RSVP: https://rutgers.campuslabs.com/engage/event/10027509
Drop-in Like It's Hot - SAS Academic Advising
Wednesday, April 3 & 17 | 11:30 a.m. – 01:30 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
It's time to drop-in like it's hot! Join us for affirming drop-in hours from campus partners throughout the month of GAYpril. Michelle Neumyer, Frankie Lewis, and Lauren Dudzak from the School of Arts and Sciences will be providing affirming academic advising services for SAS students.
SPONSOR: School of Arts & Sciences
Latine & Queer Community Meet-up
Wednesday, April 3 | 06:00 – 07:30 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Do you identify as Latine/x and queer? Join us in community as we gather with some good food, friends, games, and laughs.
Hosted by: Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
Drop-in Like It's Hot - SEBS Academic Advising
Thursday, April 4 & 18 | 02:00 – 04:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
It's time to drop-in like it's hot! Join us for affirming drop-in hours from campus partners throughout the month of GAYpril. Sharice Richardson from the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences will be providing affirming academic advising services for SEBS students.
SPONSOR: School for Environmental and Biological Sciences
Drop-in Like It's Hot - SOE Academic Advising
Thursday, April 4 & Friday, April 19 | 02:00 – 04:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
It's time to drop-in like it's hot! Join us for affirming drop-in hours from campus partners throughout the month of GAYpril. Ilene Rosen from the School of Engineering will be providing affirming academic advising services for SOE students.
COSPONSOR: School of Engineering
SparkNight: GAYpril
Thursday, April 4 | 04:30 – 08:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers University Zimmerli Art Museum
Join us at the Zimmerli for an evening to 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 who participated in Windows of Understanding. Experience drag performances curated by New Brunswick’s own La Gatita Collective, engage in a hands-on artmaking workshop, join pop-up tours highlighting queer artists, and capture the magic of the night in an artful photo booth!
COSPONSORS: Rutgers SJE @rusjelgbt | New Brunswick Cultural Arts Center @artsnewbrunswick | Arts Institute of Middlesex County @artsinstitutemc | Windows of Understanding @windowsofunderstanding | State Theatre New Jersey @statetheatrenj | Highland Park Pride Center @pridecenternj
RSVP: https://zimmerli.rutgers.edu/event/sparknight-gaypril
GAYpril RU FIT w/ Rutgers Recreation
Thursday, April 4, 11, 18, & 25 | 06:15 – 07:00 p.m. EST
Werblin Recreation Center | RU FIT Studio
In honor of GAYpril, join Tikvah (they/them) for queer RUFIT! This is an opportunity to try out RUFIT in a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment. RUFIT is a total body workout class that will leave you feeling great! With a new workout every week, this type of training provides strength and cardio benefits in just 45 minutes. All levels are welcome. Our coach will provide motivation and modifications.
Hosted by: Rutgers Recreation
GAYpril BODYPUMP w/ Rutgers Recreation
Sunday, April 7 | 02:30 – 03:15 p.m. EST
College Ave Gym | Upper Gym
In celebration of GAYpril, join Victoria (she, her) for BODYPUMP. Engage in a full-body workout in a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment. Victoria will coach you through the moves and techniques while pumping out encouragement, motivation, and great music. Please note that to access this class, participants must climb several flights of stairs to reach the Upper Gym. During the class, participants may rest as needed and may choose to use light, or even no weight for the exercises.
Hosted by: Rutgers Recreation
Brazilian Drag Night w/ Organization of Luso-Americans at Rutgers
Tuesday, April 9 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Center for Latino Arts and Culture
✨ Step into the world of Brazilian drag at our electrifying Drag Night! ??? Tonight, we're celebrating the diverse and vibrant drag scene of Brazil with a fierce competition where participants will unleash their creativity through stunning makeup and dazzling outfits. ?? Who will snatch the crown and claim the fabulous prizes? Come find out! ?✨
Hosted by: Organization of Luso-Americans at Rutgers
Drag Bingo w/ Queer Caucus
Wednesday, April 10 | 08:00 – 10:00 p.m. EST
Busch Student Center | Multipurpose Room
Join Queer Caucus for Drag Bingo! With lots of prizes and performances from our marvelous drag hosts, this fundraiser will be sure to leave you gagging!
GAYpril Picnic at the Yard
Wednesday, April 10 | 01:00 – 04:00 p.m. EST
The Yard
This event will be an outdoor and indoor event! We will have treats for students to sit outside and hang out at the Yard. There will also be crafts and info about LGBTQ+ organizations and resources for students on campus inside the lounge.
Sponsored by: Rutgers University Programming Association (RUPA)
GAYpril Spinning w/ Rutgers Recreation
Thursday, April 11 | 05:00 – 05:45 p.m. EST
Werblin Recreation Center | Indoor Cycling Studio
In celebration of GAYpril, join Tikvah (they/them) for queer spin! This is an opportunity to take a SPINNING class in a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment. SPINNING is primarily a cardio class with a wide variety of intensities, difficulty levels, and speeds, including hills, intervals, and sprints. All levels are welcome. Our instructor will provide motivation and modifications. Arrive early for help setting up your bike.
GAYpril PRIDE Celebration featuring TS Madison
Thursday, April 11 | 07:00 – 09:30 p.m. EST
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center | 11 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Join our GAYpril Pride Celebration, as we feature TS Madison! TS MADISON is arguably one of the biggest names on social media. She’s the first Black, trans woman to have a reality TV show and is a featured voice on Beyonce’s Renaissance album “COZY”. As an influencer, her voice and likeness have found life in mainstream media via music, television, and film. She’s everywhere and in everything and NOW AT RUTGERS at the NBPAC!
Joining TS in conversation is Herby Revolus, RU ‘21, culture commentator, media critic, and influencer. Herby is also the founder of his very own independent production company, Revolus Productions.
This event is a University-wide and local community event (all campuses and friends of Rutgers are welcome).
RUTGERS ONLY - To use the PROMO CODE:
1. Type code GAYPRIL into the promo code box at the top right corner of the ticket page.
2. Click submit after typing the code in. You should see PROMO CODE GAYPRIL appear once it’s submitted.
3. Scroll to the bottom and RU Ticket should be $0.00.
COSPONSORS: Rutgers University New Brunswick | Rutgers Newark Intercultural Center | NBPAC
Tickets (Free for Rutgers Community using promo code “GAYPRIL”, $15 for Guests): go.rutgers.edu/tsmadison
Visit @RUSJELGBT for social marketing and sharing.
Pronouns Are Words Too
Friday, April 12 | 11:00 a.m. – 01:00 p.m. EST
Virtual Event
Learn how to support gender diversity on campus by affirming folks’ identities by using their pronouns. Learn more here: https://nbdiversity.rutgers.edu/capacity-building-opportunities
COSPONSOR: Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement (DICE) | Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
RSVP REQUIRED: https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6ScItkgN7YR5lxs
Queer Picnic w/ LLEGO
Friday, April 12 | 12:00 – 04:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
The Annual LLEGO picnic is an event held in SJE's backyard. It's a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, share delicious food, and engage in exciting games. It's a space for the community to enjoy each other's company. Learn more here: https://www.instagram.com/llegoru/
Pride Shabbat Dinner w/ Rutgers Hillel
Friday, April 12 | 07:30 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Hillel | Tanzman Dining Hall
Join us at Hillel for the Pride-themed weekly Shabbat dinner! Dinner is free, with gluten-free and other allergy-free options!
Rainbow Symphony Concert w/ Rutgers Rainbow Symphony
Saturday, April 13 | 07:30 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Nicholas Music Center
The Rutgers Rainbow Symphony is excited to cordially invite you to our Spring Concert. Join us at 7:30 on April 13th in celebration of queer music and performances featuring works by Mal Malone, Carlos Cordero, and Hiromi Takahashi. Admission is FREE.
Queer Hike & Birdwatching w/ oSTEM
Sunday, April 14 | 01:30 – 03:00 p.m. EST
Livingston Ecological Preserve
Join your favorite LGBTQ student clubs as we go on a group hike together at the Livingston Ecological Preserve! Learn how to locate and identify local birds with our queer birdwatching guides as we explore the preserve’s black trail. Use the When2Meet link to help us decide the best time to meet at the trailhead across from the business school; don’t forget to bring water, put on sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes! Learn more here: https://linktr.ee/ostemrutgers
COSPONSORS: Queer and Asian, Queer and Christian, Rutgers LIFTS
RSVP: https://www.when2meet.com/?24175552-UlGLV
Pride Night at the Geology Museum w/ oSTEM
Monday, April 15 | 07:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers Geology Museum | 85 Somerset St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Celebrate Pride Night at the Museum with oSTEM on Monday, April 15th from 7:00-9:00 p.m.! We are thrilled to bring the Rutgers Geology Museum to life with a fun evening social celebrating LGBTQ+ pride. Engage in various hands-on crafting activities like mini terrarium building, rock painting, and cookie decorating. Enjoy a delightful selection of coffee, tea, and snacks as we come together to craft, connect, and celebrate LGBTQ+ people in STEM.
Drop-in Like It's Hot - Career Advising
Wednesday, April 17 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
It's time to drop-in like it's hot! Join us for affirming drop-in hours from campus partners throughout the month of GAYpril. Airelle Smith and Aaron Ratzan from the Office of Career Exploration and Success will be providing affirming career advising services.
COSPONSOR: Office of Career Exploration & Success
Pride at BLOCQ Party On The River w/ Residence Life
Wednesday, April 17 | 04:00 – 06:00 p.m. EST
Deiner Park
Our BLOCQ Pride Party on The River is an event that welcomes all to destress before finals and celebrates our accomplishments throughout the year. There will be food, yard games, and activities to participate in. This event will be a brave space for students to interact with one another and celebrate the end of the semester.
COSPONSOR: Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities
Documentary Screening & Talkback - "Media as a Mirror: A Reflection of the Queer Experience"
Wednesday, April 17 | 07:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Voorhees Hall | Room 105
Join us for a special screening of “Media as a Mirror: A Reflection of the Queer Experience,” a short film following five queer Rutgers students exploring their relationship with LGBTQ+ representation in media. Find out the media that has shaped their queer identity, their current favorites, and their hopes for the future of queer representation. Learn how you can support the LGBTQ+ community as a media consumer and creative. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with the film cast and Kaitlyn Fung, the director, executive producer, and editor. Kaitlyn is a senior at Rutgers University and a Leadership Scholar at the Institute for Women’s Leadership.
GAYpril Zumba w/ Rutgers Recreation
Wednesday, April 17 | 07:45 – 08:30 p.m. EST
Livingston Recreation Center | Multipurpose Room
In celebration of GAYpril, join Victoria (she, her) for Zumba! From Soca to Salsa, Reggaeton to Afrobeats, we’re mixing it up in a welcoming and safe environment for all. This class combines multiple elements of fitness including cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility. Modifications will be provided to make this class accessible for all experience and fitness levels.
Taking Space
Wednesday, April 17 | 07:45 – 09:45 p.m. EST
Asian American Cultural Center
Taking Space is a five-session, curriculum-based monthly series for students to speak what’s on their mind, process what they’re feeling, and be in the community. We cover topics such as “Challenging Shame” and “Why My Body Is Not An Apology.” Though there is a curriculum, we are flexible to the needs of the students who attend. Students may also schedule an individual Empowerment Session for additional support, available bi-weekly on Fridays.
RSVP: http://go.rutgers.edu/tsrsvp
Trans Body Talk w/ Transmissions & RU LIFTS
Thursday, April 18 | 06:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Transmissions and Rutgers LIFTS are co-hosting a meeting to discuss trans bodies! We’ll talk about how to conquer body expectations, transform our bodies, and how to keep a healthy mind!
Tea4T Party w/ Transmissions
Friday, April 19 | 12:00 – 04:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Tea4T party is a social event for trans, nonbinary, GNC, and allies to come together and celebrate our trans identity and gender expressions. We want to hold a space to celebrate and be frivolous to combat the stigma that being trans or GNC is defined by struggle. We want an excuse to dress up, drink tea and be queer!
COSPONSOR: Queer Caucus
Safe(R) Space
Friday, April 19 | 02:00 – 05:00 p.m. EST
Graduate Student Lounge | College Ave Campus - Morrell St
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.
RSVP: go.rutgers.edu/saferspace
House Party Fridays - Queer Joy SKATE PARTY!
Friday, April 19 | 04:00 – 06:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Come home and share in QUEER JOY as we ROLLER SKATE into the weekend! The end of the semester is here and we want to end with some love, laughter, and celebration of your accomplishments and existence ON WHEELS. What is a community without YOU!? Join us.
RSVP: go.rutgers.edu/sjehouseparty
BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Group (for graduate students)
Friday, April 19 | 06:30 – 07:30 p.m. EST
Virtual
The BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Affinity Group is for anyone who identifies as Black, Brown, Indigenous, Melanated, person of color, as well as part of the LGBTQ+ community. This group collectively creates a space of queer joy, empowerment, and imagination for graduate students. Learn more here: https://grad.rutgers.edu/affinity-groups-graduate-students
Hosted by: BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Affinity Group
Artist Talk & Exhibition Celebration for "Michelle V. Agins: Storyteller"
Sunday, April 21 | 03:00 – 06:00 p.m. EST
Rutgers University Zimmerli Art Museum
Agins is a New York Times staff photographer and Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist whose images tell unforgettable stories about life in America. Her groundbreaking assignments offer some of the most important documentation of race relations, celebrity culture, sports, spirituality, and economic disparity in America. Learn more here: https://zimmerli.rutgers.edu/event/artist-talk-exhibition-celebration-michelle-v-agins-storyteller
Trans Health Fair
Monday, April 22 | 01:00 – 04:00 p.m. EST
Clinical Academic Building | 125 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 | 3rd Floor
An opportunity for connection, community, and caring for the trans community and their allies Open to all!
Rapid HIV Screening | Food | Giveaways And More! Questions? Contact syd.rosen@rutgers.edu or 732-667-0520
Sponsored by: Robert Wood Johnson AIDS Program and the PROUD Gender Center of New Jersey
Queer Trivia w/ Answer
Monday, April 22 | 05:30 - 07:30 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Many queer teens learn about safer sex online because their sex ed wasn't inclusive. Some teens didn't get ANY sex ed! Come to Queer Trivia to test your knowledge and learn more about safer sex that applies to you!
COSPONSOR: ANSWER and Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
RSVP: tinyurl.com/QueerTriviaNightRSVP
Queer Priest Panel w/ Queer and Christian
Monday, April 22 | 07:30 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Graduate Student Lounge (behind Panera) | College Avenue
This panel will include queer priests as they explain their journey of identity and how it interacts with their faith journeys. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions they have always wanted to ask.
Bisexual+ Graduate Space
Thursday, April 25 | 08:00 – 09:00 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
The Bisexual+ Graduate Student Space is a peer community group for identified or questioning bisexual+ graduate students. Bisexual+ is used here as an umbrella term to refer to anyone who is or thinks they may be attracted to people of more than one gender, including any and all plurisexual identity labels (e.g., pansexual, sexually fluid, omnisexual, heteroflexible, queer, unlabeled, etc.). Bisexual+ people often face exclusion from both straight and queer communities, and sometimes do not feel “queer enough” to belong in queer spaces. This affinity group thus provides a safe space for bisexual+ individuals to share in the unique struggles and joys of non-monosexuality. Learn more here: https://grad.rutgers.edu/affinity-groups-graduate-students
Hosted by: Bisexual+ Graduate Student Affinity Space
GAYpril Gentle Yoga w/ Rutgers Recreation
Friday, April 26 | 03:15 – 04:00 p.m. EST
Cook/Douglass Recreation Center | Multipurpose Room
In celebration of GAYpril, join Jaclyn (she, her) for Gentle Yoga! This is an opportunity to experience yoga in a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment. Flow through a sequence of poses of low to moderate intensity to relax and realign yourself with your breath. Restore your mind, body, and soul in this gentle, healing yoga class. A yoga mat or towel is suggested but not required as we also have mats that can be borrowed for class.
Hosted by: Rutgers Recreation
GAYpril: Get Involved! w/ Honors College LGBT+ Affinity Group
Friday, April 26 | 04:30 – 05:30 p.m. EST
Honors College | Druskin Lounge
GAYpril Get-Involved is designed to bring together LGBTQ+ students and allies, providing them with a space to connect with different students and organizations. The event will be an afternoon of fun with snacks, and pride-themed crafts, learn about the different organizations around campus, and have the opportunity to win prizes. Students can learn more about the meanings of the various pride flags, create a craft, and meet other students.
Lab Coat Tie-Dye w/ oSTEM
Monday, April 29 | 07:30 – 08:30 p.m. EST
Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Get ready to blend science and style as we splash, swirl, and tie-dye lab coats into personalized masterpieces! Join oSTEM as we transform traditional lab coats into vibrant works of art, so grab your coat, roll up your sleeves, and let your creativity run wild! Event registration is required; only a limited number of lab coats will be available (participants can also bring their shirts or clothing to tie-dye). Learn more here: https://linktr.ee/ostemrutgers
Passion Puddle Picnic w/ oSTEM
Tuesday, April 30 | 12:00 p.m. EST
Passion Puddle | 71 Lipman Dr, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Join oSTEM for a post-semester picnic at Passion Puddle, a serene oasis perfect for celebrating the end of the semester, graduation, and new beginnings. Bring your blankets, food, drinks, and outdoor games as we come together to relax and socialize. Let's make memories and toast to the future at our final oSTEM gathering to celebrate our successes and our joyous community! Learn more here: https://linktr.ee/ostemrutgers
Rainbow Graduation
Wednesday, May 1 | 05:00 – 08:00 p.m. EST
College Ave Student Center | Multipurpose Room
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. Learn more here: go.rutgers.edu/rainbowgraduation
Graduating Seniors and All Guests should RSVP by April 22: go.rutgers.edu/rainbowgrad24
Awards & Recognitions Nomination Form: go.rutgers.edu/sjeawards
LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Social
Friday, May 3, 2024 | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Rutgers Club | 85 Avenue E, Piscataway, NJ
WE MADE IT!
Calling all LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff advocates, friends, and family to join us for a GAYpril End of Year Social. Let's be in community to celebrate our PRIDE and achievements.
Register for Guest Parking in Rutgers Club and Lot 101
Sponsored By: Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities
Gaypril Throughout the Years
