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.

Cool Timeline

2021

October 1

LGBTQ Resource Center 20th Anniversary Celebration.

2020

Spring Semester

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

2019

April 28

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

2016

September 26

LGBTQ Resource Center 15th Anniversary Celebration.

2015

April 10

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

2014

October 29

Laverne Cox delivers keynote for Coming Out Month.

2013

November 11

Lawn signs for Trans Day of Remembrance vandalized.

2012

Spring Semester

First Trans Day of Liberation event.

2010

January 26

SU employee benefits change to benefit LGBTQ staff.

2009

October 20

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

2009

Spring Semester

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

2008

Fall Semester

Start of TransCuse, a trans discussion group.

2008

April 9

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

2007

April 30

First gender-inclusive bathrooms at Syracuse University.

2006

August 22

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

2005

October 11

First Out & Ally List.

2005

January 18

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

2004

October 23

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

2004

Fall Semester

Start of Ally Development Training Workshops.

2003

November 24

First gathering for QTPOC.

2003

April 23

First annual Rainbow Banquet.

2003

February 27

First annual “Totally Fabulous” drag contest.

2002

October 11

First Coming Out Week.

2002

Fall Semester

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

2001

October 1

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

1998

Fall Semester

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.