The first Hokie and Proud Weekend was a success

Virginia Tech celebrated a milestone with its first Hokie and Proud Weekend. The event was the work of a partnership between the university and the Ex Lapide Society, a free Virginia Tech society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning alums and allies.

On April 5-7, dozens of Hokie alums, students, faculty, and staff came together to honor the rich history of the LGBTQIA+ community at Virginia Tech. Attendees explored campus spaces dedicated to the queer community, volunteered alongside students for The Big Event, tested their skills at trivia night, and gathered for a denim and diamonds-themed drag brunch.  

“The intentional, collaborative, and overwhelmingly supportive partnership with the Ex Lapide Society, University Advancement, Alumni Engagement, Student Affairs, Career and Professional Development, the Pride Center, Lavender House, and student and alumni leaders extended into the weekend as attendees were surrounded with an outpouring of love and allyship from Hokies across the university and nation,” said Danny Robertson '23, '25, member of the Ex Lapide leadership team.

A highlight was commemorating the 45th anniversary of Denim Day at Virginia Tech, a pivotal moment during the university’s first Gay Awareness Week in 1979. Many of the original organizers returned to campus to share their stories. The impact of their efforts built a foundation for a more inclusive environment on Virginia Tech’s campus.  

"It was amazing to see how far Virginia Tech has come since 1979,” said Sue Manero '82, one of the original Denim Day organizers.  

“It was so empowering to see and experience all the supportive services Virginia Tech now has for the LGBTQIA+ community with the Pride Center and Lavender House. Never did I think I would say to someone, ‘I'm going to hang out with the HokieBird at a drag show on campus.’ I am grateful for all the hard work that has been done and that will continue."  

Hokie and Proud Weekend served as a powerful platform for storytelling, fostering allyship, and driving momentum for advocacy at Virginia Tech. Most importantly, it was a chance to celebrate the invaluable achievements and impact of LGBTQIA+ Hokies.

You can see more photos from the weekend here. For more information about the Ex Lapide Society, please visit the group’s website.