New GLBT Timeline

Special Collections has recently created a new timeline showing the history of NC State's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community . The timeline shows important events and milestones since the 1970s.

The timeline reveals the various student groups that have existed throughout this time period to support and promote the GLBT community.  In the 1980s there was the NC State Gay Community, and in 1990s the Lesbian and Gay Student Union.  In the late 1990s Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Allies (BGLA) became active, and since 2007 there has been an NC State chapter of AEGIS (Accepting and Embracing Gender Identity and Sexuality). These groups have brought attention to and support for the GLBT community through such activities as Blue Jeans Days, Gay Awareness Days, and various rallies, as well as such programs as Project Safe.

The timeline shows the evolution of GLBT inclusion in the university's non-discrimination policy.  In 1991 official university statements only went so far as to state that sexual orientation would not be relevant to educational and employment decisions.  By 1998, sexual orientation was considered a factor in making a diverse student body.  In 2003 the university included sexual orientation in its Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Statement, and in 2012 it added gender identity and gender expression.

Such milestones as the GLBT Center's creation in 2008 and the first Lavender Graduation in 2009 are included in the timeline, as is recent campus reaction to HB2.

The GLBT timeline has been created as NC State celebrates Diversity Education Week this week.  You may also be interested in looking at the timelines showing the history of African Americans and women on our campus.  Additional timelines and other resources on university history exist on our Historical State website .