Celebrating 20 Years

LGBTQ+ Resource Center History Timeline

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, we recognize and celebrate many milestones and markers that have shaped the history of our center. This list is by no means comprehensive as there are countless people, organizations and initiatives that have contributed to our history. We value and thank all of you for being a part of the center and our work.

September 1
2024

Chase as new LGBTQ+ Director.

October 1
2021

LGBTQ+ Resource Center 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Spring Semester
2020

LGBTQ+ Resource Center moves to Schine Student Center following the building’s renovation.

April 28
2019

First Lavender Graduation, an annual gathering of faculty, staff, students and community members to celebrate and send off LGBTQIA+ members of the graduating class.

September 26
2016

LGBTQ+ Resource Center 15th Anniversary Celebration.

April 10
2015

Kyle Allum, first openly trans D1 student-athlete, speaks at SU.

October 29
2014

Laverne Cox delivers keynote for Coming Out Month.

November 11
2013

Lawn signs for Trans Day of Remembrance vandalized.

Spring Semester
2012

First Trans Day of Liberation event.

January 26
2010

SU employee benefits change to benefit LGBTQ+ staff.

October 20
2009

Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services pilots gender-inclusive housing.

Spring Semester
2009

Launch of “HIV/Aids & the Queer Community” program series.

Fall Semester
2008

Start of TransCuse, a trans discussion group.

April 9
2008

Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, speaks at SU, “The State of the Transgender Movement in the United States.”

April 30
2007

First gender-inclusive bathrooms at Syracuse University.

August 22
2006

SU ranks among the top 100 LGBTQ+ friendly schools in the U.S.

October 11
2005

First Out & Ally List.

January 18
2005

Gender identity and expression added to SU’s non-discrimination policy.

October 23
2004

LGBT Resource Center and LGBT Studies Program host a regional LGBT Studies conference.

Fall Semester
2004

Start of Ally Development Training Workshops.

November 24
2003

First gathering for QTPOC.

April 23
2003

First annual Rainbow Banquet.

February 27
2003

First annual “Totally Fabulous” drag contest.

October 11
2002

First Coming Out Week.

Fall Semester
2002

Launch of first educational training program, ECHO (Educate, Connect and Challenge, Honor Diversity, Offer Support), a staff-facilitated panel of students telling their stories.

October 1
2001

LGBT Resource Center opens in the basement of the 111 Waverly Ave,  Adrea Jaehnig named inaugural director.

Fall Semester
1998

University Senate Ad Hoc Committee on LGBT Issues was formed to assess campus climate, reviewing national studies on LGBT issues, and collecting information about how other campuses were responding to the needs of LGBT students, faculty, and staff.

1997

Jordan Potash, an undergraduate student in the College of Arts & Sciences, submits proposal to then-Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Barry Wells to create a Rainbow Task Force to meet the needs of LGBT students.