October is America’s National LGBTQIA+ History Month. Here at SIU, we have one of the
oldest LGBTQIA+ organization called Saluki Rainbow Network. Just five years after the
oldest in history, the Saluki Rainbow Network was founded on April 14th, 1971, and has
become like a home away from home for hundreds of students and faculty. In our small
college town, having the network is no small feat. So, if it is alright, I’d like to talk about the
lively community that I am proud to be a part of.

paulette curkin speaking at a podium — Paulette Curkin PRIDE Center Renaming Event. Center was formerly the LGBT Resource Center.

1. Resources

SIU has plenty of resources for folks in LGBTQIA+ community. Through our multicultural
center, the Paulette Curkin Pride Resource provides help and avenues for everything from
general psychiatric help, to helping people traverse the legal system to get their name
changed. Paulette Curkin herself has attended more than one event for the month and is
generally described as a humorous and kind individual.

2. Community

saluki rainbow network students — Students of the Saluki Rainbow Network

The Saluki Rainbow Network is a large part of not only the SIU community, but also the
community of Carbondale. In multiple events for the month, plenty locals have shown up
to show support and share experiences. There have been some events not taken on
campus such as some drag shows and the shadow cast productions of Rocky Horror
Picture Show on Halloween Eve at the Varsity Center. Juniper Oxford, the coordinator for
the LGBTQIA+ center has stated that the gender affirming closet that opens to the public in
November has already helped over 50 students.

3. Personal Experience

I personally have never been a part of a better community. Everyone I have met in the RSO
has been so kind, understanding, and patient. The faculty and staff are genuinely interested
and tolerant. There are friends always willing to help, and I recommend meeting Juniper if
you can. I have never had a bad experience with her, and she is a genuinely sweet person

The resource center and Saluki Rainbow Network have helped many students and staff
over the years. The community both on campus and off have benefited greatly from the kindness and support of these organizations. Every event feels like another part of history
that I and many others are more than proud to be apart of.

written by AJ Sauerhage