Just what is LGBT anyway? Even in 2008, many people have asked that question as this exhibit has gone from conception to reality. DiMenna-Nyselius Library staff members answered with the first-ever Fairfield University exhibit dedicated to history and awareness of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) communities on campus and beyond.

In association with the Office of Student Diversity Programs, the Library exhibit highlights the history, organizations and events at Fairfield University as well as the larger American Gay Rights Movement. As with all of the Library's exhibits, there is a strong focus on our collection and the items that pertain to LGBT issues. The large displays in the foyer focus on LGBT Student Life at Fairfield and the history of the movement in the United States. Displays inside the Library focus on each of the letters of the acronym LGBT: Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals, and Transgendered people. There are also two additional displays focusing on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and Roman Catholic organizations and library resources which highlight a positive dialogue between church members and the LGBT community.

October is LGBT History Month and October 11th is National Coming Out Day on campuses across the country, including Fairfield University. We felt the months of October and November would be a perfect time to highlight the diversity of gender and sexuality on our campus and how LGBT students, faculty, staff and allies reflect their greater world community.

To see a slide show of the exhibit

To see pictures and leave comments

Additional Resources:

The Office of Student Diversity Programs at Fairfield University: http://www.fairfield.edu/student/sd_about.html

Alliance at Fairfield University (LGBT student organization): http://www.fairfield.edu/student/cps_lgbt.html

Safe Space at Fairfield University (LGBT training for staff and faculty): http://www.fairfield.edu/student/sd_programs.html

Campus Pride (LGBT and ally student leaders): http://www.campuspride.org/

Triangle Community Center (serving the LGBT community of Southwestern CT): http://www.ctgay.org/

New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center: http://www.nhglcc.org/

Human Rights Campaign (the largest LGBT lobby group in the U.S.): http://www.hrc.org/

The Body (the complete HIV/AIDS resource):http://www.thebody.com/content/art40478.html

Dignity/USA (LGBT Catholics): http://www.dignityusa.org

Think B4 You Speak: http://thinkb4youspeak.com/TheCampaign/