LGBT celebration connects community

The fifth annual Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alumni Association (GLBTAA) Celebration Weekend brought students, faculty and alumni together in a display of communal strength and support.

A small gathering Sunday morning in the GLBT Student Support Services office marked the end of the weekend’s festivities. While enjoying bagels and coffee, community members discussed the weekend’s highlights.

Hana Horton, a student representative for the GLBT Alumni Association, said this year she aimed to get more undergraduates involved with the association.

“The community here is a lot bigger than you think it is,” she said. “The connections and support network is valuable to being successful and happy when moving to new cities and looking for jobs.”

Community members gathered in the Lilly Library Friday evening to kick off the Celebration Weekend. Attendees witnessed presentations of the organization’s Distinguished Alumni Award and the Spirit Awards, which are given to those who embody the strength, character and spirit of the GLBT office. In attendance were IU Foundation President Daniel Smith, and Provost Lauren Robel. Mike Shumate presided over the ceremony.

Shumate, president of the GLBTAA and recipient of a Spirit Award, said the organization exists to provide community and scholarship to students on any of IU’s eight campuses. He said he accepted the award on behalf of all the heroes who have contributed to IU’s LGBT legacy.  

At a board meeting Saturday morning, plans for GLBTAA’s Emergency Scholarship were on the packed agenda. The scholarship aids IU students who are disowned and lose financial support after coming out to their families. 

Shumate also said the IU Foundation will partner with the GLBTAA to launch the first and only University-sanctioned LGBT scholarship campaign in the nation.

“The LGBT student community has become even more vibrant and part of the fabric of IU, and that is beautiful,” alumni David Johnson said.

Johnson said the existence of the GLBT SSS office drove him to attend IU.

A silent auction and reception Saturday night raised money for GLBTAA scholarships and grants. More than 100 attendees packed into Grazie! Italian Eatery, where students and alumni networked.

Eighteen years ago, a gay student personally spearheaded the formation of the GLBTAA. Today, the organization has more than 1,300 active members.

“If you can dream it, it exists,” senior Shaily Hakimian said. “You can make the queer space that you’re looking for in this campus.”

Both the film festival and the Alumni Association’s celebration result from student initiative, said Doug Bauder, coordinator of the GLBT SSS.

“The entire PRIDE film festival and Celebration Weekend is a classic example of the power of one,” Bauder said. “It only takes one student to change campus life and leave their mark on the entire Bloomington community.”