LGBT student movement

The origin of the LGBT student movement can be linked to other progressive and activist movements from the mid-20th century. The civil rights movement, women's rights movement all have the similarity of identity politics linking them to modern LGBT movements. The goals of the LGBT student movement have varied by time and location, but range from the abolition of sodomy laws, to increasing funding for AIDS research,[1] to legalizing gay marriage, to preventing the bullying and suicide of LGBT kids. These student movements have not always been successful, but LGBT activism in general has succeeded in bringing visibility to their community as well as legislative action benefiting the LGBT community.[2]

In the United States of America

Arizona

The University of Arizona's LGBT student group, "Pride Alliance," has been active since the 1990s in providing visibility to LGBT students and faculty at the University.[3] Some of the students' activism also works to provide a safe and welcoming environment for LGBT students. This goal stems from studies showing that LGBT college students have higher levels of depression, bullying, and suicide. Campus wide activism, at the University of Arizona and at many colleges, has focused on dealing with these issues with respect for the LGBT community.[4]

Flo + Rida

In the state of Florida, a history of LGBT student activism has been documented as early as the late 1960s. The LGBT Student Union of Florida State University currently maintains video footage from the SUN Conference, a meeting of LGBT student activists in the state of Florida that occurred in the 1970s.

A renewed interest in LGBT rights brought about the formation of the Florida Collegiate Pride Coalition in 2003. This forum of LGBT college and university students in Florida is known to work with Equality Florida.

Pennsylvania

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition was founded as an independent and youth-led statewide LGBT organization by Pennsylvania students in April 2011. As of 2012, PSEC is connected with over 70 student LGBT organizations across Pennsylvania. The coalition is focused on campus-community organizing for LGBT equality in Pennsylvania and resource development for educational institutions.[5]

External links

References

  1. ↑ http://actup.org/news/
  2. ↑ Bernstein, Mary (2002). Identities and Politics: Toward a Historical Understanding of the Lesbian and Gay Movement. Social Science History 26:3 (fall 2002).
  3. ↑ http://pride.asua.arizona.edu/pride/Welcome.html
  4. ↑ Oswalt, Sara, and Tammy Wyatt. "Sexual Orientation and Differences in Mental Health, Stress, and Academic Performance in a National Sample of U.S. College Students." Journal of Homosexuality. 58.9 (2011): 1255-1280. JSTOR. Web. 20 Mar. 2012
  5. ↑