Climate at NYU
Although there was a large student (and eventually a faculty) presence of queer students at NYU during the 1980s-90s, and its proximity to a historically-renowned gay neighborhood, there was still rampant homophobia on campus. There are multiple reports of hate crimes and death threats against the Gay People's Union (later known in the 80s as GLU for the Gay Lesbian Union), and students often speak of their own personal experiences with homophobia in the Washington Square News.
Washington Sq. News Article from 1986
Despite facing adversity in the wake of a global AIDS/ HIV crisis and societal homophobia, students at NYU were determined to make their voices heard. In the mid 1980s, a column called "OUT LOUD" was started in the Washington Square News, run and written by queer students at NYU. Many students would come to this column for news, advice, and general conversation around queer lifestyles. This offered visibility for queer life and students at NYU, and provided questions and answers, and fostered a greater awareness of queer life for all students at NYU, regardless of whether they were gay or not.
OUT LOUD Article from the 1990s
There was also some odd rhetoric being promoted in Washington Square News- an article even stated that AIDS was created by the U.S. government (12). This highlights that despite the amount of support for gay students and attempts to create awareness around the AIDS crisis, there was still widespread misinformation within academic spaces. Queer communities continued to face stigmatization through the end of the twentieth century. Such conspiracy theories and misinformation were not uncommon during the height of the AIDS epidemic, as ignorance and fear often overshadowed scientific understanding. The lack of clear, consistent public health messaging, combined with government inaction and homophobic attitudes, contributed to an environment where myths about the origins and transmission of AIDS could flourish. This atmosphere of suspicion and blame further marginalized LGBTQ+ individuals, who were already facing discrimination and were often scapegoated as responsible for the spread of the disease. Consequently, efforts to educate the public and dispel myths became all the more critical, yet progress was slow and uneven, with variations in the quality and content of AIDS education across institutions. The persistence of such misinformation underscores the challenges queer communities faced; not just in fighting the disease of AIDS/ HIV itself, but also in combating the stigma and fear that surrounded it.
Washington Sq. News Issue from Feb 13, 1991
Faculty and staff had their own committee, and in the 90s, ALGFAS (Association for the Lesbian Gay Faculty and Staff) was established. This committee often met for meetings, parties, events, and conferences "to discuss, develop, and initiate effective strategies for instituting lesbian and gay studies and program offices at NYU and around the country" (15). ALGFAS played a pivotal role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within the university, including lobbying for domestic partner benefits, which were officially approved by the NYU Board of Trustees in 1993 after significant debate in the University Senate (9).
Beyond policy advocacy, ALGFAS fostered a supportive professional network for LGBTQ+ faculty, administrators, and staff, providing a space to share experiences and resources. The organization also collaborated with student groups and participated in campus-wide events, such as the annual AIDS Walk, helping to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS research and support services (9). Through its efforts, ALGFAS contributed to the broader movement for equality and inclusion at NYU, laying the groundwork for future initiatives like the establishment of the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Student Services in 1996 and the Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality in 1999.
Letter to the NYU community from ALGFAS as an open call for more members
AIDS was also a huge topic on campus. The university spread lots of awareness, even inviting guest speakers such as Dr. Fauci (who we know in the present for his role during COVID) to talk about AIDS as medical professionals and researchers began to understand the disease and finding a cure. Many "AIDS 101" and "AIDS AWARENESS" events were held for students to learn how to have safe sex and prevent the spread of the disease (see below).
In addition to educational events, NYU often provided free and anonymous HIV testing for students, making it easier for individuals to know their status and seek early treatment if necessary. Health centers on campus played a crucial role by offering regular testing, counseling, and distributing safe sex resources like condoms.
Student organizations, including LGBTQ groups, were instrumental in promoting AIDS awareness and advocating for inclusive sex education that addressed the needs of all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Efforts extended beyond just medical information; they also focused on combating stigma and fostering empathy for people living with HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and non-discrimination policies on campus.
As medical advancements such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) became available, campus health services began to offer information and access to these preventive measures, further empowering students to protect their health. These comprehensive approaches ensured that AIDS awareness remained a visible and ongoing priority, transforming campus culture and promoting both education and compassion.
1986 Issue of Washington Square News
AIDS Awareness Week Ads in the WSQ Newspaper
Alongside trying to promote a general awareness of AIDS, there was also promotion for student events held by the Gay Lesbian Union. Beach parties, holiday parties, costume parties, and movie screenings were often some of the events that were held at the Loeb Student Center, which was a student center that existed from 1958-99 and stands where Kimmel is today. These gatherings provided a much-needed social outlet and sense of community for LGBTQ+ students, especially during a time when acceptance was far from universal. The Gay Lesbian Union also played a significant role in advocating for student health and safety, successfully lobbying for the installation of condom machines in all residence-hall laundry rooms and in the Loeb Student Center game room as part of the university’s first AIDS Education/Safer Sex Campaign in 1985(9). Events hosted by the group were not only fun but also served as safe spaces where students could express themselves openly and connect with others who shared similar experiences. The Loeb Student Center became a central hub for queer student life, fostering activism, education, and solidarity within the campus community.
There was also a great Student Resource Library at the GLU space in Loeb. Some titles in the library include "Coming Out: An Act of Love," "The Many Faces of Homosexuality," "Out on Campus," "Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price," and "Growing Up Gay In a Dysfunctional Family," and many titles about how to deal with hate crimes. In addition to its impressive range of titles, the Student Resource Library at the GLU space in Loeb was thoughtfully organized to ensure easy access to information and support for students navigating LGBTQ+ issues. The collection covered a broad spectrum of topics, from personal stories and coming out guides to academic works on sexuality and social justice. Many of the books addressed practical concerns, such as coping with discrimination, understanding legal rights, and building supportive communities. The library also featured pamphlets and resource lists for local organizations, crisis hotlines, and campus support groups, making it a vital hub for students seeking both knowledge and community. Regularly updated with new materials, the library reflected the evolving needs and interests of the student body, fostering an inclusive and affirming environment for all who visited.
NYU’s action to cultivate a queer community and create programs that educate the public but also foster connections show queer joy as an act of resistance. Despite students still reporting that they encounter homophobia in their daily lives, they were still able to turn to their community for support and to celebrate their lifestyles together. Queer joy in this context is not necessarily about happiness, but about visibility, resilience, and a radical affirmation of self-worth in a climate that often seeks to marginalize queer people.
Researcher Salvatore Ioverno conducted research in the American Journal of Community Psychology in 2015, which found that queer students attending schools with Gay Student Alliances reported feeling safer in the subsequent school year, and schools that introduced GSAs saw an improvement in students' perceptions of safety. Although many students spoke of facing homophobia, they still had a safe space to come out if they personally decided to, and a community to support them. Additional research further demonstrates that GSAs are associated with a range of positive outcomes. Students in schools with GSAs report significantly fewer incidents of bullying and homophobic remarks, and a greater sense of personal safety compared to those in schools without such alliances (13).
A meta-analysis found that LGBTQ students were 52% less likely to hear homophobic remarks, 36% less likely to be fearful for their safety, and 30% less likely to experience homophobic victimization in schools with GSAs (13).The benefits of GSAs extend beyond LGBTQ students; the presence of these alliances is linked to a more inclusive and accepting school climate for all students, with lower overall levels of bullying and victimization. GSAs also foster greater school attachment, higher self-esteem, and improved mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation among LGBTQ youth. Moreover, the positive effects of GSAs are not limited to those who directly participate. The presence of a GSA can signal to the entire student body that diversity and acceptance are valued, encouraging school staff to intervene against bullying and helping all students identify supportive adults in their school community. GSAs also provide opportunities for leadership, advocacy, and education, empowering students to promote equity and challenge discrimination within their schools. The prominence of resources addressing coming out, coping with homophobia, and building community demonstrates how the GLU actively fostered a supportive environment in response to the hostile climate on campus. This aligns with research showing that access to affirming spaces and materials-like those found in the library-contributed to students’ sense of safety and belonging, even amidst widespread prejudice.