The GLBTAA is starting off 2017 on such an exciting note! This year marks their 20th Anniversary and this month alone will be one filled with celebrations, starting off with the fourth annual PRIDE Day, which will be held on January 19 at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall during the IU vs. Purdue women’s basketball game. Come hear the magical voices of the Women’s Pride Choir before tip-off at 8 p.m. and enjoy the renowned Hudsucker Posse, an all-women’s hula hoop performance team, as they entertain at halftime. View a clip of the fabulous Hudsucker Posse in action!
Of course, if you’ve been keeping up with the IU GLBTAA, you’ll know that the 9th annual Celebration Weekend is also around the corner. We’ve been receiving generous donations from individuals, organizations and businesses for our annual Silent Auction, which has truly been stirring up more anticipation and excitement.
The Weekend itself will take place on Friday, January 27 through Saturday, January 28 here on IU’s campus with different events taking place on each day. For the second year in a row, the Celebration Weekend will coincide with the annual Pride Film Festival. In addition to the festival, this year’s Celebration Weekend will feature an event on Friday, Jan. 27 at the IU Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center to honor the GLBTAA Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Mike Shumate. There will also be a GLBTAA annual board meeting from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Virgil T. DeVault Alumni Center. That evening, the group will host its annual Silent Auction to raise funds for student scholarships at Grazie! Italian Eatery.
There will be a new addition to the weekend that guest are encouraged to visit. For the first time ever, Union Board and GLBT Student Support Services have teamed up to showcase the Legacy Wall, a photographic mural that celebrates the LGBTQ community and those stalwart individuals who have had an impact on human history. This project helps increase self-esteem of people in the LGBTQ population and lessen bullying within communities by promoting a culture that roots from mutual respect for one another. View an inspirational video of the evolution of and reactions to the Legacy Wall.
They’re really looking forward to this month packed full of events and to celebrating it all with alumni and fellow allies.
For the “Glory of Old IU”
Katherine Lopez
Indiana University, 2017
Journalism, Media Scholar
IUAA Student Fellow, Diversity Programs