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Welcome to the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center at East Carolina University. As part of the Department of Student Engagement within Student Life at ECU, the Peel LGBTQ Center works in conjunction with our colleagues in the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center, the Military & Veterans Resource Center, Student Activities and Organizations, and the Women and Gender Center to support student success at ECU.

Since our founding in 2011, we have served the entire ECU campus. Our Center is located in Suite 209 in the Main Campus Student Center and we are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Our resources include: a lending library; information on campus, local, and national resources; and two computer workstations, in addition to a social area, a conference room, and offices for our staff. Throughout the year, we offer educational programs and events, and participate in nationally recognized campaigns.  We invite you to visit the Peel LGBTQ Center–everyone is always welcome!


Transgender Day of Remembrance

Wednesday, November 20 at 5:30 pm

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Rita Hester’s death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. 

On November 20 each year, we come together to honor the memory of those lost to anti-transgender violence. Our commemoration includes a keynote speech, a reading of the names of those lost in the United States in the past year, as well as a moment of silence for the unnamed or unreported. We conclude the evening with dinner.  RSVP (required) via the Pirate Experience to ensure that we have enough food for everyone.

Presented as part of Transgender Awareness Month 6 p.m. in the Black Box Theater. Free and open to the public.


World AIDS Day luncheon

Monday, December 2 at Noon

World AIDS Day is an annual event that serves as a reminder of the global struggle to end HIV-related stigma, an opportunity to honor those we have lost, and a rallying cry to commit to working toward a day when HIV is no longer a public health threat.

The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic. There has been significant progress in addressing HIV and AIDS thanks to advancements in medical research, increased access to treatment and prevention, and a broader understanding of the virus.

This year’s commemoration features a keynote by William Aley who was born in 1957 who serioconverted on May 4, 1985. He is a lomi lomi practitioner, cook and MFA candidate in ceramics in ECU’s School of Art and Design. He works closely with the National Institutes of Health and has the HIV status of Elite Controller. Living with HIV has taught him to embrace life with courage, respect and humility. As a long term survivor, he has gotten good at saying goodbye. William is supported on his journey with his partner of 22 years, Thad Aley.

Lunch will be served.  RSVP on the Pirate Experience.


Stress Relief Study Break

Tuesday, December 3 from 11 am to 2 pm

Join us for a Reading Day study break! Enjoy a variety of activities that target stress relief and offer opportunities for relaxation prior to final exams. Free refreshments, fidget toys, and crafts will be supplied in the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center.


Coffee House Spring 2025

Resumes every Wednesday at 6 pm on January 22

Coffee House is a weekly discussion group for ECU students with topics selected by students. The 90-minute session offers the opportunity for community building and connection with other students. Refreshments are served and Coffee House is held in the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center (Suite 209 in the Main Campus Student Center).