VCU honors 50 years of the Gay Alliance of Students

By Kit Tindall

Virginia Commonwealth University kicked off a yearlong celebration Oct. 17 marking the anniversary of its first LGBTQ+ student organization, the Gay Alliance of Students, and honoring 50 years of student advocacy.

After being denied student organization status, GAS embarked on a two-year legal battle. The organization’s landmark victory in October 1976 gave it official recognition at VCU and paved the way for LGBTQ+ student organizations in five other states.

“This anniversary is a recognition of 50 years of resiliency exhibited by members of the VCU community as they remained steadfast in their belief that VCU can better serve its LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff,” said Josh Leidy, director, affinity programs, in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. “The push for a yearlong celebration came directly from VCU community members. We hope these events and programs build a sense of community that spans identities, commemorates and accurately tells the history of LGBTQ+ champions, and showcases a commitment to shaping a campus where everyone can thrive.”

The kickoff event brought together some of VCU and Richmond’s most dedicated advocates for a night of storytelling and live performances from Richmond-area LGBTQ+ talent, including Landon Elliott and alumni drag performers Lavender Menace and You’Neek Nu’York. This event served as a chance to gather as a community and begin this year to commemorate the courage and advocacy of GAS members.

More anniversary events are planned for the coming year, from panel discussions to lectures to networking opportunities. All events will focus on the pillars of celebration, community, commemoration and commitment. Events will serve to share the stories of the trailblazing advocates who changed the fabric of VCU and empower the next generation to forge their own path forward.

“The queer community has strong roots at VCU and has greatly contributed to VCU's success in all areas,” said VCU alum Jonathan Moore, Rams for PRIDE chair. “It is essential that we acknowledge how far we’ve bravely come as a queer community at VCU, in Virginia and across the country. This acknowledgement can serve to inspire us to follow in the footsteps of the Gay Alliance of Students and mobilize our collective power to achieve a brighter future.”

For more information about the GAS anniversary visit go.vcu.edu/pride