While initially conceived of as a means to thank a straight ally or allies for exceptional service to the lesbigay community here at Columbia, concern was raised that such an award actually discriminated against the community by not recognizing the achievements of its own members. In short, the concept behind the award itself was too narrowly focused.
During the discussion it soon became apparent that what was wanted was not only a way to thank our straight supporters but to "support and celebrate ourselves," as Tina Alexander noted in these pages last month.
There's quite a bit to celebrate since that first evening in February 1992 when a campus-wide postering campaign invited lesbigays on campus to a "community meeting" to discuss common concerns and interests. It turned out to be a heady experience for many that night, as over 150 students, faculty, staff, and administrators (and a few friends of the aforementioned) overflowed the Jerome Greene Annex, letting us realize how large and diverse the lesbigay community might actually be. What was perhaps most remarkable was how representative the group was and how it bridged all distinctions on the campus to include everyone at all levels.
A lot that has happened on campus can be traced back to that first meeting: domestic partner health care benefits, BGLAD, GABLES, the Community News, the Mentoring Project, the Homophobia Task Force, campus recognition of AIDS Awareness Day and Day Without Art, the Stonewall exhibition in Butler Library, the AIDS/HIV brochure, the Lesbigay Notesfile, the fostering of cooperation among campus lesbigay groups at Columbia and its affiliates, and the recognition that we are here and not about to be ignored.
We thank our straight friends on campus for supporting our initiatives, but we do not want to overlook those in our own community who have made it all possible in the first place.
We think our accomplishments are cause to celebrate, and that's exactly what we are planning to do. In February 1995, we will gather to commemorate our second anniversary as a community, to celebrate ourselves, those who support us, our accomplishments and future goals. The date and location will be announced in the next Community News, so keep an eye out and be prepared to come and say thanks to all who deserve it. No awards will be presented, but all will be honored.
- Kenneth Harlin
East Asian Library