http://lgbtq.missouri.edu/ While the United States honors Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride month annually in June, the University of Missouri has designated April as the occasion for commemoration and celebration. The LGBTQ Resource Center offers many programming activities throughout the month such as the Queer Monologues and Pride Prom. http://aaa.students.missouri.edu/?page_id=211 MU observes Asian American Awareness in April with many opportunities for exploration into the Asian continent and Pacific Island cultures and traditions. Whether you choose to participate in Sweet Journey to Asia in Memorial Union, Rainbow Skies in Bethel Park, Stomp Out Stereotypes in Lowry Mall, or Paper Crane folding for Japan Relief Efforts in the Student Center, a variety of activities and opportunities are available to all. http://stufftodo.missouri.edu/?p=2661 Dr. Maya Angelou is one of the most renowned and influential voices of our time. Hailed as a global renaissance woman, Dr. Angelou is a celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker and civil rights activist. Tickets are $10 for MU students with student ID and $15 for the public. Tickets can be picked up at the MSA/GPC Box Office in the MU Student Center. Sponsored by the MSA/GPC Department of Student Activities Speakers and Black Programming Committees. http://mizzouwire.missouri.edu/stories/2011/truman-scholar-phillips/ When Kam Phillips came to Mizzou, community service became an even larger part of her life. She began volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club in Columbia and soon saw a way she could make a difference in the children’s lives. http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2011/04/13/aclu-hosts-first-muslim-day-state-capitol/ The event was organized by the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri Muslim Rights Task Force in response to several bills that have been brought up in the Statehouse regarding foreign law. http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2011/4/12/gender-neutral-housing-backed-student-government/ A resolution supporting the implementation of gender-neutral housing passed through the Residence Halls Association Congress on Monday night. Although the resolution serves as a show of RHA's support for the program, the decision to give students a gender-neutral housing option lies with Residential Life. http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2011/4/12/mu-prays-japan-earthquake-victims/ The Japanese Students Association raised more $7,000 as of Monday to give to the Japanese Red Cross Society in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan a month ago. http://www.themaneater.com/slideshows/2011/4/19/126/ Junior Jessica Brown sent about forty toy soldiers tied to helium balloons into the air Wednesday on Carnahan Quadrangle. http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2011/0406-refusal-skills-help-minority-youths-combat-smoking-mu-study-finds/ Youths identified as American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) have the greatest lifetime smoking rate of all racial groups, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Nearly half of the 1.2 million AI/AN youths in the U.S. smoke cigarettes. http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2011/4/8/you-mizzou-discusses-gender-issues-final-meeting/ The Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative held its final You in Mizzou discussion of the academic year Wednesday. The discussion was titled “Transgender: Navigating the Gray Zone of Gender Identity.” http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2011/4/8/sing-if-youre-glad-be-trans-tackles-transgender-st/ Co-sponsored by Fluidity, the Love Your Body committee, Four Front and the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative, writer and theater artist S. Bear Bergman sought to break down transgender stereotypes Thursday at the MU Student Center. http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2011/4/8/one-mizzou-diversity-campaign-unveiled/ Plans for the campaign have been in motion since February, when a student was charged with painting a racially-charged graffiti message on a statue outside Hatch Hall. Since this incident, numerous student groups have been meeting weekly to plan this campaign. http://munews.missouri.edu/education/2011/0408-media-advisory-mu-to-announce-confucius-institute-host-chinese-dignitaries-on-campus/ University of Missouri officials and dignitaries from China will announce the opening of a Confucius Institute on the MU campus. The institute is a platform to promote greater understanding between Missouri and China through Chinese language teaching and learning, resident Chinese teacher preparation, Missouri-China business relationships, and research on issues of mutual interest. http://munews.missouri.edu/events/2011/0408-calendar-item-mu-school-of-social-work-forum-to-examine-issues-faced-by-low-income-women/ Low-income women face unique challenges associated with mental health and trauma. The University of Missouri School of Social Work will host a Spring Forum about this topic and its implications for social work. Kim Anderson and Martha Markward, associate professors of social work, will speak at the forum. You In Mizzou challenges you to discuss your differences and discover your similarities in a safe environment; and interact respectfully, while experiencing the rich diversity of Mizzou and the beliefs of those around you. We want to see YOU IN MIZZOU! Join us on Wed. April 6 at 7:00 p.m. in Memorial Unions room S203. http://www.themaneater.com/stories/2011/3/22/one-mizzou-set-begin-april-7/ The "One Mizzou" campaign meant to celebrate diversity at MU is nearly ready for its launch date, Missouri Students Association President Eric Woods said. “Did I think that it would ever become this big?” Woods said. “No, I didn’t at all. I’m really proud of where it’s gone.”