Texas Exes Throws Open Its Doors to LGBT Alumni
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The University of Texas made history last night.
For the first time since its creation 127 years ago, the University’s alumni association welcomed lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender alumni and friends with a network they can call their own: the Texas Exes LGBT Network.
The network has been in the works for about a year, and has held informal events like happy hours, but last night’s LGBT Alumni Reunion was the “big debut,” said Ryan Miller, BJ ’07, network co-chair.
“We’d like to make this a yearly homecoming-type event,” Miller said. “Our primary goal is to come together to build community and advocate for UT.” The network is also putting together a scholarship fund.
About 100 alumni and soon-to-be grads celebrated in the Alumni Center’s Legends Room after UT’s Lavender Graduation. The casual party atmosphere—complete with caps and gowns, wine, and lavender-frosted cupcakes—was marked by boisterous cheering.
The packed crowd cheered when network co-chair Ryan Miller, BJ ’07, opened the evening by saying, “I think we might need a bigger room next year!”
They cheered even louder when Texas Exes CEO Leslie Cedar said, “The Texas Exes is not your grandpa’s alumni association. It’s yours.”
Justin Cole, BA ’11, said he didn’t know much about the Texas Exes until a friend invited him to join the LGBT Network. “I think it’s great,” Cole said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
Co-chair Miller emphasized that all alumni are welcome at the LGBT Network. “You don’t have to identify as LGBT to join us,” he said. “We really want to involve everyone.”
The room fell silent in contemplation when Gregory Vincent, UT’s Vice President of Diversity and Community Engagement, called the reception a historic milestone for the University. “UT has a proud tradition of LGBT student activism,” Vincent said, “and we should take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come. Then we should get back to work, because there’s more to do.”
Photos by John Fitch
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11 Comments
I think this ROCKS! When I graduated in, OMG, 1985, this would have been unheard of. I am soooooo very pleased to see such a move in the right direction- toward love.
This is awesome and I am so proud of my nephew, Ryan. This is another great historic step; thanks to the Texas Exes.
Fantastic news! I plan on moving back to Austin this summer from
CA (Manhattan Beach),CO (Denver), & NYC (Village/SoHo). As the
single mother of a bisexual son, I am so thrilled that Austin has
opened its mind, heart, and tolerance. The enjoyment of living in
an environment (esp.LA & NYC) in which sexual orientation does not make/break living & freely enjoying ALL aspects of a city without censuring new friends/environs any longer (a la 1981) will
hopefully convince my entire family to join my return to Austin.
**BTW**Anyone with contacts for apt./room rentals available CALL ME@424-222-6166
This is wonderful! Great article!
As a life member, I am terribly offended by this move. It really makes me wonder if I will ever be able to support UT again in any fashion.
Huge step forward for UT. Proud of my University and to the Texas Exes for taking this step. Hook ‘em!
This is definitely NOT a cause for celebration.
This is great news. Thanks to UT and the Texas Exes for planning this event and also for launching the LGBT network.
I am so happy to see this, but really suprised it took this long. When I started UT in 1990 I came from a very straight-laced military background, of which I am still very proud. UT completely opened my eyes to a world of diversity, acceptance and enrichment where it is the differences in people that we should honor and respect. Only then will be become truly educated.
I am so proud of the Texas Exes for taking a huge step forward! As a Life Member, a former president of the Washington, DC Chapter, a donor, and a proud Texas Ex, I am moved by your actions to validate a considerable segment of current and future alumni. The University of Texas is a university for ALL who desire to obtain a superb education from a “university of the first class,” as the Texas Constitution charges. ALL means ALL. We have been part of the fabric of UT since its founding, and we will continue to do our part (and then some!) to make sure it remains strong! BRAVO and thanks! I look forward to becoming more involved in this effort!
[...] go to around the country have been a blast. One of the most fulfilling things I got to attend was the LGBT Network graduation party. That was totally special because it was the first one—it was an underserved group in the past. [...]