LGBTQ Student Organizations on Campus

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Members of various student organizations, including UNI-GLO participate in the Homecoming Parade. — Members of various student organizations, including UNI-GLO participate in the Homecoming Parade, from University of Northern Iowa Photo Collection, ACT Box 4, Folder 2, #23, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

People looking over the AIDS Quilt from the University of Northern Iowa Photo Collection, BUI Box 23, Folder 9, #23, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

There has been an active LGBTQ student organization on campus since 1982. The first group, UNI-GLO (UNI Gay and Lesbian Organization) began in January 1982 with the goal of providing positive self-identity and support for LGBTQ individuals ("Homophobia Seminar"). As an organization, UNI-GLO hosted numerous events such as Dance for Diversity which helped raise money for the Cedar Valley chapter of the NAMES Project, an organization that helped maintain the AIDS Memorial Quilt ("Dance For...").

A flyer from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

UNI-GLO painting windows for homecoming, from the University of Northern Iowa Photo Collection, #23, University Archive, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa. — UNI-GLO painting windows for homecoming, from the University of Northern Iowa Photo Collection, ACT Box 5, Folder 3, #23, University Archive, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

UNI-GLO held the first Blue Jeans Day in 1984 ("Asking For..."). The event, which sought to draw attention to how human rights can be taken-for-granted, asked students and faculty to show their support of human rights and LGBTQ individuals by wearing blue jeans. Although many individuals expressed their support, there was just as much disdain and discomfort for the idea, with both students and faculty writing letters to the editor of the Northern Iowan ("More views..."). Along with that, UNI-GLO held talks that discussed various topics including AIDS, sexual orientation, and coming out ("UNI-GLO...").

A letter to the editor of the Northern Iowan from UNI-GLO asking people to show their support for the 1984 Blue Jeans Day — A letter to the editor from UNI-GLO asking people to show their support for the 1984 Blue Jeans Day from the February 21, 1984 Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

Details about COLOR-O's mission, from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa. — Details about COLOR-O's mission, from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, Box 1, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

In the late 1990s the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alliance (LGBTA) was formed. LGBTA was pivotal in creating the first pride week celebration at UNI in April 1998 ("Celebrate first..."). LGBTA also created COLOR-O (Coming Out, Living Out, Reaching Out) in 1999 which focused on fostering a safe atmosphere for individuals who were “coming out” or questioning their sexuality ("COLOR-O...").

Article from the Northern Iowan about the events being hosted by LGBTA for this first Pride Week — Article about the events being hosted by LGBTA for this first Pride Week from the April 14, 1998 Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, University of Northern Iowa.

A schedule of events for the first Pride Week on campus, from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa. — A schedule of events for the first Pride Week on campus, from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, Box 1, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

Gender and Sexuality Services hosts Lavender Graduation each year, which is a ceremony that celebrates graduating LGBTQ students. The ceremony also announces the recipients of the Lavender Awards which recognize allies and advocates to LGBTQ students at UNI.

The current LGBTQ student organization on campus is UNI Proud. Alongside Gender and Sexuality Services, UNI Proud continues to host Pride Week on campus each April. UNI Proud has also started a number of new LGBTQ celebratory traditions including the Queer Monologues in 2012 ("UNI Pride..."). and Dragaganza in 2011 ("Halloween...").

A poster for a UNI Proud drag show, from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa. — A poster for a UNI Proud drag show, from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, Box 1, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

Flyer for a Pride Week dance, from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa. — Flyer for a Pride Week dance, from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, Box 1, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

Drag Ball at Mauker Union, from the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa. — Drag Ball at Maucker Union, from the April 1, 2011 Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

The first Drag Ball on campus was hosted by UNI Proud in 2009. The Drag Ball takes place during Pride Week each April. Each year the Drag Ball helps raise money for organizations such as the Community AIDS Assistance Project ("UNI Proud Drag...").

The SafeZone Ally program began in 2008 through partnership with UNI Proud and the Department of Residence. The goal of the SafeZone Ally is to help better support and understand LGBTQ students on campus. The program has continued to evolve and is now run by Gender and Sexuality Services ("That's so Gay").

Details about the Safe Space Ally program from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa — Details about the Safe Space Ally program from the UNI Proud Records, #17/03/94, Box 1, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa

A Safe Space Sign — A Safe Space Ally Program Sign from the Gender and Sexualities Collection, #04/08/01, Box 1, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

The first Pride at UNI was hosted by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Alliance group, UNI held its first Pride Week in April 1998 ("Pride Week '98"). Each day of the week sought to address each identity under the LGBTA acronym. Over the years, Pride Week has expanded to include events like the Queer Monolouges, Dragaganza, and Queer Book Club. Today, UNI Proud continues to host Pride Week celebrations every April ("UNI celebrates...").

"Homophobia Seminar", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"'Dance For Diversity', if nothing else, go check out the drag", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"Asking for support", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"More views on Blue Jeans Day", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"UNI-GLO members discuss relationships", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"Celebrate first Pride Week at UNI", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"COLOR-O", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"UNI Pride Week to kick off with Queer Monologues", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"Halloween Drag-a-Ganza", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"UNI Proud Drag Ball fills Maucker Union", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"That's so Gay", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"Pride Week '98", in the University Relations collection, #10/01/03, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.
"UNI celebrates LGBTQ+ community with Pride Week", in the Northern Iowan, #17/01/01/04, University Archives, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa.

Exhibit curated and written by graduate student Noel Keil, August 2023; digital exhibit created by Alexis Stuhrenberg, August 2023.