UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equity has changed its name to the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Equity.
“This change encompasses the diversity and complexity of the community and reflects the commission’s desire and intent to represent the needs and interests of all its members,” said commission chair Amy Dupain Vashaw.
The word “queer” has a complex history. Although beginning as a pejorative term, members of the community have been reclaiming its definition since the 1980s as a term of empowerment. Queer now denotes inclusivity and recognizes all genders and sexualities of this diverse community.
In 1991, the Committee on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Equity formed and built upon prior work of combatting gay and lesbian discrimination at Penn State. Today, the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Equity continues its mission and looks back on a long history of victories in the fight for equality.For information about the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Equity, contact Borja Gutiérrez at bxg207@psu.edu or Jackie Gardner at jkg10@psu.edu.