To kick off LGBTQ+ History Month and celebrate the Queer Student Association's anniversary, we hosted the annual LGBTQIA+ History Month Brunch. This momentous event honors the legacy of queer activism at OU. In 1972, the Gay Activist Alliance for Sexual Freedom announced its formation at a breakfast with the OU President, seeking the same privileges as other student organizations. When the OU administration denied their request, the group took the university to court, sparking a nearly decade-long legal battle. The Queer Student Association (QSA) today is the direct descendant of that original 1970s movement.
This brunch not only commemorates the anniversary of the QSA, OU's longest-standing LGBTQIA+ student organization, but also celebrates the enduring legacy of queer activism on campus. It is a time to reflect on the significance of LGBTQIA+ history, recognize the progress made in the fight for equality, and honor the leaders who continue to push for change.
Attendees hear directly from queer and trans students at OU about their experiences at OU and their personal perspectives on the meaning of LGBTQ+ history. They also get a chance to listen to our keynote speaker, sharing their expertise and stories. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or ally, this brunch is a meaningful opportunity to connect with the LGBTQIA+ community and be part of a movement rooted in the legacy of queer and trans activism.
Dr. Susan Stryker (she/her) has helped shape the cultural conversation on transgender issues for 30 years as a scholar, historian, filmmaker, and theorist. She is an alum of the University of Oklahoma. She talked about her own experiences as a student at OU, the legacy of student activism, and where should we go next.
Dr. Z Nicolazzo (she/her) is one of the leading scholars in trans studies in higher Education. Her work centers trans ways of thinking, being, and feeling in education. Her rationale for focusing her work as she does is to both provide witness to and elucidate the richness of trans livingness, even (or perhaps especially) in spite of the ongoing drive toward social death.
Rep. Mauree Turner (they/them) is a born and raised American-Muslim and Oklahoma community organizer. Mauree's life's work is geared toward fighting for and maintaining the civil rights and liberties for all who enter America. They are also the current Representative for the state of Oklahoma's House District 88., the first Muslim Legislator for Oklahoma and the first openly non-binary person to be elected to a state-wide office in the US.
"We are the leaders we've been looking for."
- Grace Lee Boggs, American author, social activist
As we honor and celebrate our annual LGBTQ+ History Month in October, we recognize the queer and trans icons whose contributions have shaped society at large and our community specifically, alongside the milestones in our ongoing civil rights journey. This moment invites us to reflect not only on the history that has been made but also on the active choices we can make to leave our own mark. While we may not always grasp the full impact of our decisions, each action we take today contributes to the legacy of tomorrow. That is the inspiration behind this year’s theme:
"Make History. Create Legacy."
This theme encourages us not only to remember and celebrate their achievements but also to take up the mantle and continue that work. It serves as a reminder that the history of the LGBTQIA+ movement is still being written, and every person has a role in shaping the legacy of tomorrow. It invites us to reflect on the profound influence each of us can have in shaping the future. By making history, we acknowledge the significance of our role in advancing progress, challenging the status quo, and standing up for what we believe in, ensuring that the changes we champion today endure and inspire future generations. This theme reminds us that the fight for justice is ongoing, and that our efforts can leave a lasting imprint on the world, paving the way for those who come after us. It calls on us to be visionary, to think beyond the present moment, and to build something greater than ourselves—something that will echo through time.
To help us celebrate this theme, Rep. Mauree Turner was invited as our keynote speaker, as their journey embodies both elements of this message. As the first openly nonbinary and Muslim legislator, Rep. Turner has broken significant barriers, making history in a state where such representation has long been limited. Their presence in the Oklahoma House of Representatives challenges the status quo, not only paving the way for more inclusive politics but also inspiring marginalized communities to believe in their power to create change. By sharing their story of resilience, resistance, and vision, Rep. Turner illuminated the importance of not only celebrating history but also building a lasting legacy of progress.
Our signature events would not have happened without the support of our sponsors. We would like to dedicate this section to show the gratitude for our sponsors:
sponsored by the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies and a Mellon Foundation grant for “Affirming Multivocal Humanities."
The most significant moment for me was the personal story sharing. As someone who identifies with the LGBTQ+ spectrum or with the community, it was uplifting to know that I wasn’t alone out there.
It amazes me how far, in terms of university policy, the LGBTQ+ community has come so far at the university and how far we have left to go before there is any sort of normalcy or safe environment for people like me to feel safe in.
Seeing these leaders of the OU community speak on both their experiences as leaders and as members of the LGBTQ+ community showed me that in some aspects this push [for inclusion] is quite successful.
[Student speaker] touched on the overemphasis of visibility. In reality, you do not need to be out in order to have a loving community or in order to experience queer joy. I almost began tearing up because I felt positively represented by their experiences attempting to navigate this world as a Black queer person.
The most memorable thing about this event to me was the student speaker that talked. They went into a lot of detail about their life before and after coming to the University of Oklahoma. They brought up their best friend from childhood... That really made me think that there is some hope in the world when it comes to trans issues.
The most significant moment for me was the personal story sharing. As someone who identifies with the LGBTQ+ spectrum or with the community, it was uplifting to know that I wasn’t alone out there.
Testimonies from 2023 Brunch event.
