Pride Student Union Records

According to "The History of LGBTQ+ Individuals at UF," "in the early 1980’s a group of lesbian and gay students formed the University of Florida Lesbian and Gay Society (UFLAGS) and became a registered student organization. When the group requested office space at the Reitz Union, members encountered much harassment and hostility. UFLAGS finally received limited office space, but members experienced on the general campus blatant discrimination, harassment, and homophobic acts such as derogatory posters and other printed materials. After unrelenting harassment and loss of office space, several members decided to form an off-campus organization entitled Gay and Lesbian Student Union (GLSU).

"In spring 1991, the Gay and Lesbian Student Union decided to return as a registered student organization. The group was able to obtain both office space in the Reitz Union and some funding from Student Government. GLSU in 1993 changed its name to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Student Union (LGBSU) and increasingly became visible with activities such as Coming Out Week and Lesbian and Gay Awareness Week. Student Government funding increased, and due to lobbying efforts and more involvement in student politics, a Student Government cabinet position directed at lesbian, gay, and bisexual students was established. In spring 2000, the organization’s name was changed to Pride Student Union. With increased funding from Student Government and increased membership, Pride Student Union currently sponsors an annual Pride Awareness Month that involves speakers, entertainment, and the like as well as being involved in other activities throughout the academic year. Beginning in 2002, each fall the Pride Student Union sponsors an Intercollegiate Conference for LGBT leaders at Universities throughout the state.

"Another student group, the Gator Gay-Straight Alliance, was formed in fall 2000. The major purpose of the organization is to build connections between gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender students and “straight” students, with the mutual goal of ending homophobia and all forms of discrimination. The group has been very proactive and provides a variety of campus activities as well as working closely with other organizations such as Pride Student Union, the Committee on Sexism and Homophobia, and other similar groups. The GatorGSA conducts training sessions each semester for housing personnel and Greek leaders. Some of the GSA’s more memorable activities are Same-Sex Handholding Days, I’m not a Cutout Project, photos of people “coming out” through a door for National Coming Out Day."