Queer History at Brandeis

Accessible Version

1957

Justice article titled "The Persecution of Homosexuals in America Has Now Become a Civil Liberties Issue," written by Steve Berger.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

First reference in Justice to homosexuality

December 9, 1957

"The Persecution of Homosexuals in America Has Now Become a Civil Liberties Issue," written by Steve Berger, is published in response to a British report investigating "Homosexual Offences and Prostitution"

1970

Article from the Justice titled "Flexible Program Plans Courses; Name Committee."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Course on the homosexual and society debuts

January-May 1970

The class is advertised in the Justice in November of 1969, but cannot be found in the course catalog printed at the beginning of the 1969 fall semester.

1975

'Letters to the Editor' page from the Justice. A purple box highlights a letter titled "Gay Advocates."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Open community advertising

October 28, 1975

Gregory S. Lillenfield '77 sends a Letter to the Editor announcing the existence of the Brandeis Gay Advocates on campus. The group met twice a month and hoped to introduce a Gay Caucus into the Student Senate to advocate for them.

1976

An article from page 2 of the Justice titled "Faculty:  Vote "Yes" to Women's Studies Program."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Faculty approve Women's Studies program

November 19, 1976

The proposal to establish the Women's Studies program passed at a faculty meeting. Students waiting outside the meeting for results of the vote broke out cheering.

1977

Article from the Justice titled 'Gay Alliance'.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

BGA sponsors political forum

November 3, 1977

After the defeat of several gay rights bills in the Massachusetts legislature, the BGA started to take steps to become more politically involved, including hosting a speaker from Gay Legislation for MA

1978

Interior article from the Justice titled "The Impassioned Art of Gay Poetry."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

'Gay Poetry Night' at Cholmondeley's

December 5, 1978

BGA sponsored the event to bring "poetry and gay liberation" to Brandeis, hosting readings of gay poets Camille Norton and Walta Borawski. This was part of BGA's wider reach for campus acceptance, which also included bringing the Gay Community News, a weekly American paper, through the bookstore

1981

Two-part article from the Justice by D. Beatrice Tarver. The first part is titled "Triskelion: meeting the need for sexual awareness" and accompanied by a black-and-white sketch of linked astrological signs for 'male' and 'female' accompanied by question marks. The second part is titled "TRISKELION" and marked as 'continued from page 3.'

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Triskelion founded

1981-1982

Originally taking its name from a Star Trek episode so members who didn't want to be outed could claim it was a fanclub, Triskelion announced itself openly as a gay campus organization in November 1982 and remains an active presence on campus today.

1982

An article from the 'forum' page of the justice by R. Laszlo, titled "Memo to Brandeis bigots: stop tearing down posters." There is a sketch of a very cracked gravestone with a skull and crossbones over the words 'Free Speech.'

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Triskelion posters torn down

November 1982

On November 9, the Justice published a 'Memo to Brandeis bigots,' calling for an end to the repeated ripping down of Triskelion posters in Usdan. Vandalism would be a recurring issue for Trisk over the years.

1985

An advertisement from the Justice. In large text on the left are the words "Posters Torn Down." Smaller text gives details and time of the incident and requests that any witnesses contact Resident Life.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Triskelion posters torn down--again

February 1985

The Justice published an announcement of the incident and asked any student witnesses to come forward. Published incidents of vandalism: 2.

1986

An article titled "Spotlight on Homosexuals" from page 6 of the Justice by Amy Rubinstein with Solly Granatstein and Polly Flaum.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Gay-emphasis issue of Justice

November 26, 1986

This issue of the Justice featured three articles involving homosexuality--interviews with students, a guest writer confessional, and a panel on Judaism and homosexuality.

1987

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center established.
An article from the Justice titled "The Politics of Aids" by Alyson Tarr.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

AIDS awareness week at Brandeis

October 7, 1987

Trisk sponsors talk by Denise WIlliams of GLAAD, presents 'First Annual Bacchanalian Forbidden Fruit Festival' (first mention of what would go on to become a tradition of gay dances), sends 35 students to Gay Rights March in Washington, D.C. on October 11

An advertisement from the Justice for the event, presented by Triskelion.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

The Deheterosexualization Mutual Admiration Masturbation Education Safer Sex Fling

November 14, 1987

A dance party co-sponsored by Trisk and the SSIS. Campus dances, which often extended invitations to other schools, were consistently the best places for gay people to build new friendships and relationships.

1991

An article from the Justice titled "University Condemns Homophobia" with the sub-heading "Community Bands Together in Support of Awareness Week." By Howard Jeruchimovitz.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Incidents spur Homophobia Awareness Week

October-November 1981

After a public event featuring a female student who kissed another woman led to harassment of the kisser, students and members of the administration began to call for greater campus awareness and an end to 'gaybashing'. Trisk hosted the awareness week, which featured speakers and concluded with a rally.

1992

An advertisement from the Justice titled "Pre-Enrollment Notice on Gay Studies"

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

'Gay Studies course taught

January-May 1992

Sociology grad students (Ben Davidson and Amy Agigan) sponsor and teach a course on gay studies--"Reclaiming Bodies/Remapping Power: Lesbian and Gay Social Theories" for undergraduate students

1994

A letter to the Editor of the Justice titled "Tendler's Lecture Espoused Hatred."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Rabbinic lecture sparks controversy

November 1994-January 1995

Rabbi Moses Tendler of Yeshiva University was invited to guest lecture, and discussed "Panic and Pathos: Ethical Implications of the AIDS Epidemic and Homosexuality.” The lecture was critiqued as homophobic, which prompted further responses and resulted in a debate that played out in the Justice over the following several weeks.

1995

A two-part article from the Justice by Miriam Heller. The first part is titled "Triskelion Posters Torn Down in Usdan." The second part is titled "Vandalism" and continued from page 1.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Triskelion office vandalized

March 1995

Trisk posters were torn down from public billboards again, and the office door suffered vandalism. The nature of the vandalism has been lost, but the most likely candidate is homophobic graffiti. Published incidents of vandalism: 3.

A poster titled "Triskelion Presents: Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Pride Week 1995, April 3 to April 7."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Triskelion sponsors Pride Week

April 3-April 7, 1995

Events feature a program on GLBT youth, a Queer Lunch, a religious panel discussion on homosexuality, a coffeehouse at Cholmondley's, a coming out discussion and/or movie night, and Triscotillion, Trisk's spring dance.

An article by Harlan Toplitzky titled "Trisk Celebrates Coming Out Week at Brandeis."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Triskelion hosts "Coming Out Week."

Octoboer 9-October 13, 1995

This was a major expansion of Trisk's earlier 'Coming Out Day' events. Trisk sponsored multiple events, including a "coming out support meeting," a National Coming Out Day Rally, a meeting of PFLAG, a trip to a Cambridge club, and a poetry reading in Usdan Lower Lobby.

1996

The cover and table of contents pages from the Watch, February 1996. The cover has a photo of two men sitting together. One is hugging the other from behind and placing a kiss on his cheek. Beneath is a box reading "Gay at Brandeis. also: Stupid Men Jokes--Should We Be Upset? Feminism. Campus Life. And of course, Usdanola." The table of contents features the headlines "Desire" "What the Hell is Bisexual Female Identity" and "Every Guy Should Be a Gay Guy."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

LGBT-centric Watch issue

February 1996

This issue of the school's magazine featured a gay couple kissing on the cover, a breakdown of Triskelion, and various articles on queer identity and community. The article was controversial and there were incidents with hundreds of copies disappearing.

1998

An article from the Justice by Naomi Nanasi titled "Triskelion's Pride Month begins." The article features a black and white picture captioned "Open House: Students gather in the Triskelion office to celebrate the opening of Gay, Lebian, Bisexual, Transgendered Pride Month." The pho features five visible students and a table of refreshments.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Brandeis's first Pride Month

April 1998

The month's theme was "Love Without Borders" and began with an open house hosted by Triskelion. Other events run by Trisk included Blue Jeans day and the "Fairy Tales coffeehouse."

The front page of the Justice on Tuesday, October 27, 1998. The headline article by Deborah Eisner is "Vandals deface Triskelion office," featuring a black and white photo of the wall and corridor outside the office. The word "Queers" has been graffitied onto the wall and furniture has been knocked over.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Triskelion office vandalized

October 21, 1998

Very early on October 21, someone spray-paints slurs onto the walls of Triskelion's office. Published incidents of vandalism: 4

An article by Deborah Eisner from the Justice titled "Campus decries hate." The upper half is taken up by a black and white photo captioned Nick Sirben '01, co-coordinator of the GLBT Resource Center, addresses a crowd of approximately 700 at the anti-hate rally outside of Goldfarb Library on Thursday."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

University rallies in support of Triskelion

October 29, 1998

On October 27, The Justice publishes an outpouring of support, including letters submitted by students. On October 29, over 700 students, faculty, and staff attend a rally to denounce hate crimes, violence, and prejudice.

Triskelion office vandalized

November 1998

Eggs are thrown at the exterior windows of the office over the first weekend in November. Published incidents of vandalism: 5

2001

An article from the Justice titled "Pride and Transition." There is a graphic taking up most of the page, featuring two abstract silhouettes holding hands under the letters "GLBT" on a striped background and above the words "Safe Zone" and "Pride Month. Got Pride?"

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Triskelion turns 20

April 2001

Triskelion celebrates its 20th birthday with a series of events and workshops for Pride Week.

2002

The front and first interior page of the Watch from April 2002. The cover is a close-up full-color image of a white person with a full beard and mustache, bright blue eyeshadow, and red lips. Their hair is sleek and styled, including a hair clip, and they are wearing a patterned blouse. The first interior page features a note from the Editor.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Gender-focused Watch issue

April 2002

The issue covered androgyny, homosexuality and employment discrimination, and other relevant bits.

2003

A club profile from the Watch by Irene Fisher, titled "A Profile of Triskelion and its Unclear Future."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Triskelion temporarily closes for restructuring

February-April 2003

Triskelion states it wants to restructure and reevaluate its purpose on campus. The group 'reopens' in April for Pride Week and makes the first calls for a Queer Resource Center. The Justice staff publishes a joint editorial calling for a paid non-student advisor for Trisk.

'Queer' adopted as title of Resource Center.

Formerly the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center.

2004

a screenshot of an article by Jacob Olidort and Jakob Sebrow from the Justice website, titled 'Diversity-themed courses debut."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

New Diversity courses include "Gender and Sexuality"

September-December 2004

Other categories introduced were "Religion, Race" and "Culture and Global Perspectives." One specific course was "Queer Readings: Before Stonewall."

2006

Protest of anti-gay marriage speaker

October 2006

Mass Resistance--a statewide organization pushing legislation to remove the four Justices who voted in favor of same-sex marriage--brought a speaker to campus. Triskelion collaborated with the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance and the Radical Student Alliance to stand outside with signs and stage a silent walkout, leaving behind empty seats.

See Images on Mass Resistance Website

2010

An image of the Gender Inclusive Housing Policy Statement published by the Department of Residence Living.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Gender-neutral housing first offered.

September 2010

The Department of Residence Living had intended to start offering gender-neutral housing in 2008, but it was delayed until this year. Gender-neutral suites already existed, so this primarily affected corridor-style dorms.

2011

A screenshot of an article by Jillian Wagner from the Justice website titled "New Sexuality and Queer Studies minor passes first round of faculty voting."

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Sexuality and Queer Studies minor approved

May 2011

This minor proposal had been under discussion since the 2002-2003 academic year, and unanimously passed its first faculty vote in May. 

2014

a screenshot of a feature article by Jaime Kaiser from the Justice website titled "A unified spectrum." There is a photo captioned "Sara Brande '15 holds office hours for TransBrandeis in the new Gender and Sexuality Center in the Usdan Student Center." The photo shows a room with red walls, one with the gay pride flag and one with the trans pride flag, and Sara sitting at a desk.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University

Gender and Sexuality Center opens

October 20, 2014

The center serves as a home base for various queer groups on campus, hosts the Queer Resource Center, and seeks to provide "resources, positive visibility, an affirming space, and advocacy" for target students. A full time coordinator has yet to be hired.

2018

Clothing folded on tables for clothing exchange

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Justice

GSC holds clothing swap for queer students

October 16, 2018

The GSC remains an active and living resource for members of the Brandeis queer community.

See article in the Justice