Our UC Davis community is made up of people from all over the globe, representing many cultures, customs, and experiences. In support of our diverse community we will recognize some of the observances happening each month (presented in no particular order). 

You don't have to be a member of a particular community to participate in celebrating many of the observances.  If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to connect with campus programs, attend events, and ask questions.

If you are observing/celebrating this month we hope the experience is joyful and meaningful.

Filipino American History Month

Filipino American History Month celebrates the achievements, history, and legacy of persons of Filipino heritage in the U.S. The observance often connects Filipino Americans to Filipinos in the Philippines through the celebration of shared cultural traditions.

Filipino Americans are the third largest ethnic group in California. Their legacy includes impactful contributions to the U.S. military, our healthcare and educational systems, and the Farm Labor Movement. Filipino American History Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about and celebrate the history of Filipino Americans.

LGBTQ+ History Month

LGBTQ+ History Month recognizes the accomplishments and role in history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons. The observance is an opportunity to highlight exemplary community leaders and role models, build and strengthen community relationships, and bring attention to the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to our world. Each year the achievements of 31 LGBTQ+ icons are celebrated.

 The month-long observance brings awareness to LGBTQ+ history, the LGBTQ+ movement, and ongoing issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, including marginalization and harassment. LGBTQ+ History Month is also a call to action—to advocating for rights and protections, learning, promoting inclusion, interrupting harmful practices, and developing an understanding of what it means to be an ally.

 Indigenous Peoples' Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day will be observed on October 9. It is a day to honor Native Americans, their resilience, and contributions to society.  It is also a day to recognize the impact of colonialism on Native peoples, which includes a lack of visibility that has resulted in disproportionately adverse outcomes over generations and impeded social progress for Indigenous communities.

 There are 574 federally recognized Indian Nations in the U.S., each with their own unique ethnicity, culture, and language. Indigenous Peoples’ Day in an opportunity to acknowledge Native experiences, elevate Native voices, and celebrate Native cultures. The celebration of Indigenous People’s Day shifts the focus away from a Euro-centric view of U.S. history.

 National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day is on October 11. National Coming Out Day is an observance that celebrates the bravery of LGBTQ+ persons who choose to come out and live openly. Coming out may not be a one-time experience. LGBTQ+ persons may come out to different people (e.g., immediate family, close friends, work colleagues, classmates, extended family) at different times, with each experience being unique. Coming out requires courage due to the discrimination, bullying, and judgment LGBTQ+ persons continue to face.

 National Coming Out Day brings visibility to the experiences of LGBTQ+ persons. It also recognizes that there are still challenges to coming out and not all LGBTQ+ persons are able to safely come out. The observance reminds us of the imperative need to create safe spaces where LGBTQ+ persons are welcomed, accepted, supported, and valued, and where they can exist as their full selves.