Celebrating its silver anniversary, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Association gathered Nov. 14 at Mandeville Center to commemorate a quarter century of service to the UCSD community.
Guardian
The group was also celebrating the LGBT Resource Office’s third birthday. Members and allies of the LGBTA gathered to enjoy refreshments, review the 25-year history of the group and to honor current and active members of the LGBTA.
During a brief presentation, several former leaders of the LGBTA from the past 10 years spoke about their experiences with the group and the impact that the existence of the organization had on them. Select members of the current LGBTA were also honored and invited to speak.
Bringing people together for education, social gatherings and support is something that the members of the group emphasized.
“”It’s a catalyst for the queer community to come together for social events,”” said Tim McQueeny, a sophomore at Earl Warren College.
The LGBTA describes its work as trying to build student leadership, equality, opportunity and academic research among the campus community. Along with celebrating the group’s 25 years of existence, members were also celebrating the many programs and activities that are offered by the organization each year.
The LGBT Resource Office is an office on campus where students — regardless of sexual orientation — can go to ask questions about sexual identities, practices, politics, etc. The center also has a library available for students and faculty.
LGBTRO Director Shaun Travers explained that the LGBTA serves as a hub for communication within the campus community.
“”The nonsexist dance is one of the biggest things the LGBTA does for the community,”” Travers said.
The nonsexist dances and the resource office, Travers said, “”provide a safe environment for the youth of the San Diego community.””
Also in attendance were members of the newly formed Alliance, the group that trains students of any sexual orientation how to support and stand up for those around them who are of a different sexual orientation.
“”It’s a place for people from the LGBTA and those who are not to voice their opinions,”” said Kristine Quiroz, a senior at Eleanor Roosevelt College.
Another program the LGBTA organizes every year is Queer Camp. Queer Camp is a program for incoming freshman to get to know other students who have come out with their sexual orientation.
A raffle was held throughout the evening for gift baskets put together by different campus organizations such as the Cross-Cultural Center and the Women’s Center.
As for the future plans of the LGBTA and the Resource Center, Travers said he hopes for another 25 years of continuing work for the group and its mission.
“”It would be nice to see a more open campus,”” said Earl Warren College senior Todd Tolin. “”A.S. is doing a wonderful job of helping to make that happen.””
