Purdue University LGBTQ+ Student Alliance records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: UA 159

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Purdue LGBTQ+ Student Alliance records (1994-2015) document the history of LGBTQ student organizations on Purdue’s campus since the mid-1990s. As an umbrella organization for the LGBTQ+ community at Purdue University, the collection contains materials from related relevant entities throughout the years, including the Purdue Ally Association, the LGBT Advisory Board, and the Office of the Dean of Students Diversity Committee. Of particular interest might be the Ally Association Member Manual and the various LGBTQ-related newspaper clippings, as they paint a picture of student activism on campus as well as the legislative battles and hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community in the state and nationwide. The collection was transferred by the organization in 2016. The collection may be useful for researchers interested in Purdue’s and Indiana’s LGBTQ history and student activities. Types of materials include: newspaper clippings, correspondence, printed materials (flyers, brochures, posters), banner, canvas, T-Shirts.

Dates

1994 - 2015

Language of Materials

The majority of the material is in English. A LGBTQ Guide from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (Fall 2013-Spring 2014) and brochures in the "AIDS resources" folder are available in Spanish.

Access Information

The collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use Information

Historical Information

In 1971, “when Purdue gays were radical,” students formed the Purdue Gay Alliance, whose name was changed to Purdue Area Lesbian and Gay Alliance (PAGLA) sometime in the 1980s to be more inclusive (Sams). Besides PAGLA, Purdue housed two other LGBTQ organization on campus, the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Women’s Alliance in the 1970s.

In 1994, Purdue students then formed the LesbiGay Network, which later became the Queer Resource Network. In 2003, the name of the student group changed to the Queer Student Union. Now called the Purdue LGBTQ+ Student Alliance, it serves as the umbrella student organization for the lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. In addition to the LGBTQ Center, the Purdue LGBTQ+ Student Alliance offers students a safe place to meet people and relax during their events throughout the semesters, which include game nights, dances, and picnics.

Sources:

Purdue LGBTQ Student Alliance website: http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~triangle/index.php

Sams, Debra. “Gay Men, Women Unite in Support Organization.” Purdue Exponent. 13 April 1983: p.5.

Extent

1.9 Cubic Feet (1 cubic foot box and 1 oversize flat box)

Additional Description

Arrangement

Materials have been arranged chronologically whenever date is indicated. The collection starts with the bulk of administrative items of the organization.

Acquisition Information

Collection was transferred by the LGBTQ+ Student Alliance via Trenton "Jory" Goff, February 23, 2016. The banner was transferred via Nicholas Morgan, August 22, 2016.

Related Materials

UA 63, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program records, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

MSP 150, The Sisters for Health Education (S.H.E.) records, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

Processing Information

Whenever possible, original order of the materials has been maintained. All materials have been housed in polyester sleeves, acid-free folders, and acid free boxes. All newsprint has been photocopied and clippings have been preserved for display purposes, with photocopies made available for research.