Library Friends Exhibit : Celebrating Pride: 50+ Years of LGBTQ+ History at Illinois

Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month by exploring 50+ years of LGBTQ+ student history at the University of Illinois! This exhibit brings together photographs, posters, newspaper clippings, archival records, and artifacts that tell the story of LGBTQ+ community, culture, and activism at Illinois.Discover the history of the Gay Illini, formed in 1975 and later recognized as an official Registered Student Organization, and learn about the continued legacy of LGBTQ+ communities at Illinois, including the launch of the University of Illinois Pride Alumni Network in 2025.During the week of Champaign-Urbana Pride Fest 2026, on October 16 at noon, join the University of Illinois Library and the University of Illinois Pride Alumni Network for a special Library Friends Webinar reflecting on 50 years of LGBTQ+ community, culture, and activism on campus and in the local community, find more information here. This webinar will feature Larry Cohen and Curtis McKay of the Illinois Pride Alumni Network; Siobhan B. Somerville, Associate Professor of English and Gender & Women's Studies; and Ellen D. Swain, Professor and Archivist for Student Life and Culture, University Library.