GLBTAA expects record turn-out

Record crowds are expected by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Alumni Assoication today through Sunday for their sixth annual Pride celebration and reunion.

“We just keep growing and growing every year,” GLBTAA President Mike Shumate said. “Last year the reception was at the Lilly Library, and it was shoulder to shoulder, so this year we’re at Neal Marshall.”

After receiving publicity in the Huffington Post and the Chronicle of Higher Education for being the first group to provide university sanctioned scholarships for LGBT students in the nation, GLBTAA said it looks forward to reuniting after a productive year.

“This is not a fundraising event,” Shumate said. “It just so happens we announce Friday how much we’ve raised, but the point of the weekend is for faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends to come together and celebrate.”

Since the scholarship campaign started in September, the group has raised over $600,000, Shumate said.

The most recent numbers will be released Friday.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Support Services Director Doug Bauder said he is pleased with the scholarship campaign, especially the emergency scholarship portion.

“Some people come from backgrounds where the people just see the world in a limited way,” Bauder said. “We’ve all heard terrible stories of these people cutting off their kids. This scholarship gives (students) the chance to still pursue their dreams.”  

The celebration coincides with Bloomington’s PRIDE Film Festival weekend every year in order to bring as many people together as possible.

“It’s a great way for the alumni to be that person the students can relate to and have help if they’re going through a rough time,” said Jennifer Gentry, an IU Alumni Association representative.

A full list of events is available on the GLBTAA website.

“We want anyone to come to any event,” Shumate said. “We want everyone to feel welcome.”

Follow reporter Suzanne Grossman on Twitter at @suzannepaige6.