Gay'La to celebrate UofU LGBT Resource Center's 20th anniversary

The University of Utah LGBT Resource Center is celebrating their 20th anniversary. This year’s annual Gay-La, to be held at the Natural History Museum on Oct. 29, will celebrate the past while raising money for the center’s efforts in the future.

“Over the 20 years, it has grown from this little closet of finding connections to really being a fully realized center that supports students in a vastitude of ways,” said Daniel Cairo, associate vice president of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. “The LGBT Resource Center has really grown into really a cornerstone place here at the University of Utah that tells us, and works with us, and educates us on how we become affirming and inclusive of people’s identities wherever they may land in the spectrum.”

The high point of the Gay- La is awarding of scholarships to students who are making a difference on campus. This year 13 students will be honored with U Alumni TransFutures scholarships, U Alumni Community Care scholarships and LGBT Resource Center scholarships.

“One of the most powerful aspects of Gay-La is seeing our student leaders shine,” said Bryan Hubain, associate vice president of Student Development and Inclusion. “This is about community, and it’s about recognizing our leaders because the LGBT Resource Center provides so much leadership development for our students.”

The Gay-La is the first in a series of events that will take place throughout the school year to celebrate the anniversary of the center.

Tickets and info are available for the masquerade-themed bash at diversity. utah.edu/celebrating-20-years/.