Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is set to celebrate LGBTQ History Month by commemorating the 30th anniversary of its LGBT Resource Center. The celebration will feature an exhibit dedicated to the history of the center, running from October 1-5.

"The exhibit presents highlights of the LGBT Resource Center since its founding," said Emma Wuetrich, program coordinator for EMU’s LGBT Resource Center. "History is so important, and with this month highlighting queer history, I think having an increased understanding of how and who helped us get where we are today is powerful."

The five-day event will include a reception ceremony on October 2, featuring LGBTQ alumni who will share their experiences on campus over the past three decades. Both the exhibit and ceremony are free and open to the public.

The exhibit will showcase various historical elements including:

- Newspaper clippings from publications such as The Eastern Echo, Focus EMU, Ypsilanti Press, and The Ann Arbor News.

- Soundbites from former LGBTQ+ staff members sharing their experiences.

- Oral history interviews conducted by the EMU Oral History Program with key individuals like former LGBT Resource Center Coordinators Kate Brindle and Mary Larkin; former EMU Student Affairs administrators Gregory Peoples and Glenna Frank Miller; and current faculty members Kate Mehuron and Dennis O’Grady.

- Posters from past events organized by both the LGBT Resource Center and community gatherings in Ypsilanti.

- Historic photos from various LGBT Resource Center events held on campus.

Wuetrich encourages visitors to reflect deeply on the stories presented in the exhibit. "People should think about the stories told in the exhibit and reflect on the untold stories. Whose experiences remain more silent, and how can we change that?"

For additional information about this event or details about EMU's LGBT Resource Center, interested parties are encouraged to visit their website.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is Michigan's second oldest public university. It serves over 13,000 students across various undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate programs through its multiple colleges. National publications frequently recognize EMU for its excellence in education diversity and commitment to applied learning. More information about Eastern Michigan University can be found on their official website or through EMU Today for updates on news and activities.