Life

Queer Student Union celebrates 50 years of activism and history

Students and faculty express their sentiments and experiences in LGBTQ+ life at the University

By Mario Rosales and Cecy Juárez
March 31, 2022

The Queer Student Union has overcome fear, prejudice and discrimination to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition for the past half century. Colorful and lively celebrations have taken place around Grounds to commemorate this historic milestone. In light of this anniversary, members of the University community have reflected on the early and difficult past of the organization, what they have achieved and what they still strive to accomplish.

First established as the Gay Student Union in 1972, the organization quickly faced its first obstacle after requesting $45 from the Student Council for general needs. This simple request for funds was met with bureaucratic opposition, eventually reaching the Student Affairs and Athletics Committee of the Board of Visitors. The issue concluded with the Board suggesting to deny the request for funds on the basis of preserving the heteronornative notion that sexual behavior should only occur between males and females.

This was just the beginning of the many challenges the GSU would face throughout its existence at the University. In the 1970s, the organization struggled to find a safe place on Grounds to exist. ... Andy Humm, College alumnus and president of GSU in 1975, recounted how the group used to meet in the Wesleyan Church. He described the difficulties of being openly gay at the University and the harrasment he endured.

“After I came out in my fourth year — publicly — [my first-year roommate] wouldn't speak to me anymore,” Humm said. “[Someone] painted my car and painted a big penis on my driveway … I also taught Sunday school in those days of the Catholic parish, there were people who wanted to have me fired. [But] the priest stood up for me.”

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