Gay Alliance of Students 50th Anniversary

A history of courage and advocacy

On Oct. 17, 1974, the Gay Alliance of Students at VCU was denied official student organization status by the university’s Board of Visitors. In response, the group of students began a two-year legal battle that ultimately led to a landmark victory. On Oct. 28, 1976, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that VCU must officially recognize the group and afford them the same rights and privileges as any other student organization. The decision also paved the way for LGBTQ+ student organizations in five other states.

As we approach the 50-year anniversary of the organization’s recognition on campus, we honor the courage, resilience and advocacy of VCU’s LGBTQ+ and ally community who led this charge as well as the path they paved for LGBTQ+ student organizations in Virginia and five other states. In a series of events across VCU, we are centering celebration, commemoration, community and a commitment to the welfare of LGBTQ+ individuals and all members of the VCU community. All VCU alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends are invited to attend the Gay Alliance of Students 50th Anniversary events. 

All anniversary events are centered around four pillars: 

• Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community’s advocacy and activism, which has paved the way for progress
• Valuing community and creating spaces that bring LGBTQ+ people together
• Commemorating the LGBTQ+ individuals who made history and fought to tell their stories accurately and authentically
• Commitment to the welfare of LGBTQ+ members of the VCU community

All are welcome as we celebrate and showcase the ways that LGBTQ+ people and allies have positively impacted VCU’s LGBTQ+ community.