The University Record, March 25, 1997
LGBPO celebrates 25 years
From the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Programs Office
The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Programs Office (LGBPO) will celebrate 25 years of providing support and education services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender scholars, leaders and citizens with a symposium at several campus locations April 4-5.
“Pasts, Presents and Futures” will spotlight the Office’s historic legacy as the nation’s first professionally staffed university resource center for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, faculty and staff.
“Founded at the nascence of the gay civil rights movement, we’ve grown together side by side,” says Ronni Sanlo, LGBPO director. “It’s only appropriate that we commemorate this milestone in our existence by assessing where we stand as a people, what we can learn from our history, and how we can affect the times that lie ahead.”
A lecture and commentary by attorney, author and civil rights activist Urbashi Vaid will highlight the symposium. She will deliver the keynote address, “State of the Queer Union,” at 7:30 p.m. April 4 in Room 100, Hutchins Hall.
Vaid is the author of Virtual Equality: The Mainstreaming of Gay and Lesbian Liberation, a chronicle of how the gay community transformed itself from a hidden minority to a visible presence in the American mainstream.
In 1995, A magazine cited her as one of the 25 most influential Asian leaders, and in 1994 Time named her to its list of 50 key leaders under age 40 and one of 100 key leaders nationally. She is best known for her work as executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
Other symposium activities include a Law School colloquium on the legal and social issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth; presentations by local historians and distinguished alumni; an open house; reception; and Club Fabulous dance party. Check the April 1 University Record Calendar for times and locations of these events.
“Past, Presents and Futures” is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, the Gay and Lesbian Alumni Society, Center for the Education of Women, Michigan Union Arts and Programs, Michigan League Programs, Pierpont Commons Arts and Programs, Rainbow Law Students Association, Queer Unity Project, Lambda Graduate Association and All Us Multicultural LGBT Student Collective.
For information, contact Kenneth Blochowski, 763-4186.
