1970s
Charlize Katzenbach
Katzenbach speaks about attending Princeton and coming to terms with her identity as a trans woman over her lifetime. She talks about her artistic work at Princeton, her anti-war activism, writing for the Prism magazine, and her perspective on eating clubs at the time. She also talks about experiencing the beginning of official coeducation and meeting her wife. She reflects on major life events including medically and socially transitioning, the traumatic loss of her child, starting a construction business, joining Alcoholics Anonymous, and working on the forum TransPulse.
Katzenbach speaks about attending Princeton and coming to terms with her identity as a trans woman over her lifetime. She talks about her artistic work at Princeton, her anti-war activism, writing for the Prism magazine, and her perspective on eating clubs at the time. She also talks about experiencing the beginning of official coeducation and meeting her wife. She reflects on major life events including medically and socially transitioning, the traumatic loss of her child, starting a construction business, joining Alcoholics Anonymous, and working on the forum TransPulse.
Charlize Katzenbach
Katzenbach speaks about attending Princeton and coming to terms with her identity as a trans woman over her lifetime. She talks about her artistic work at Princeton, her anti-war activism, writing for the Prism magazine, and her perspective on eating clubs at the time. She also talks about experiencing the beginning of official coeducation and meeting her wife. She reflects on major life events including medically and socially transitioning, the traumatic loss of her child, starting a construction business, joining Alcoholics Anonymous, and working on the forum TransPulse.
Katzenbach speaks about attending Princeton and coming to terms with her identity as a trans woman over her lifetime. She talks about her artistic work at Princeton, her anti-war activism, writing for the Prism magazine, and her perspective on eating clubs at the time. She also talks about experiencing the beginning of official coeducation and meeting her wife. She reflects on major life events including medically and socially transitioning, the traumatic loss of her child, starting a construction business, joining Alcoholics Anonymous, and working on the forum TransPulse.
Dan Berkowitz
Berkowitz discusses his childhood in Jersey City with working parents. He speaks about his brief involvement with the Aquinas Institute and the debate club and elaborates on his consistent involvement with Theatre Intime. He reflects on holding a gay identity and maintaining a gay relationship while homosexuality was defined as a mental illness. Finally, he speaks about his work as a director and production member at David Susskind Show and his work within the leather scene.
Berkowitz discusses his childhood in Jersey City with working parents. He speaks about his brief involvement with the Aquinas Institute and the debate club and elaborates on his consistent involvement with Theatre Intime. He reflects on holding a gay identity and maintaining a gay relationship while homosexuality was defined as a mental illness. Finally, he speaks about his work as a director and production member at David Susskind Show and his work within the leather scene.
Dan Berkowitz
Berkowitz discusses his childhood in Jersey City with working parents. He speaks about his brief involvement with the Aquinas Institute and the debate club and elaborates on his consistent involvement with Theatre Intime. He reflects on holding a gay identity and maintaining a gay relationship while homosexuality was defined as a mental illness. Finally, he speaks about his work as a director and production member at David Susskind Show and his work within the leather scene.
Berkowitz discusses his childhood in Jersey City with working parents. He speaks about his brief involvement with the Aquinas Institute and the debate club and elaborates on his consistent involvement with Theatre Intime. He reflects on holding a gay identity and maintaining a gay relationship while homosexuality was defined as a mental illness. Finally, he speaks about his work as a director and production member at David Susskind Show and his work within the leather scene.
Frank Mahood
Mahood speaks about his career as a designer and production manager for Princeton University Press. He discusses his childhood amidst World War II, his experience at Carnegie Mellon University, and his arrival at Princeton. In addition, he talks about forming the Gay Alliance at Princeton, its division into separate university and township groups, and his involvement with the town group, Gay People Princeton. He also discusses making GAP's banner, posters for a dance on top of New South, and his attendance at the first International Gay Rights Congress. Finally, he discusses the development of his family, his retirement, and his work with the Baynard Center for Social Justice.
Mahood speaks about his career as a designer and production manager for Princeton University Press. He discusses his childhood amidst World War II, his experience at Carnegie Mellon University, and his arrival at Princeton. In addition, he talks about forming the Gay Alliance at Princeton, its division into separate university and township groups, and his involvement with the town group, Gay People Princeton. He also discusses making GAP's banner, posters for a dance on top of New South, and his attendance at the first International Gay Rights Congress. Finally, he discusses the development of his family, his retirement, and his work with the Baynard Center for Social Justice.
Frank Mahood
Mahood speaks about his career as a designer and production manager for Princeton University Press. He discusses his childhood amidst World War II, his experience at Carnegie Mellon University, and his arrival at Princeton. In addition, he talks about forming the Gay Alliance at Princeton, its division into separate university and township groups, and his involvement with the town group, Gay People Princeton. He also discusses making GAP's banner, posters for a dance on top of New South, and his attendance at the first International Gay Rights Congress. Finally, he discusses the development of his family, his retirement, and his work with the Baynard Center for Social Justice.
Mahood speaks about his career as a designer and production manager for Princeton University Press. He discusses his childhood amidst World War II, his experience at Carnegie Mellon University, and his arrival at Princeton. In addition, he talks about forming the Gay Alliance at Princeton, its division into separate university and township groups, and his involvement with the town group, Gay People Princeton. He also discusses making GAP's banner, posters for a dance on top of New South, and his attendance at the first International Gay Rights Congress. Finally, he discusses the development of his family, his retirement, and his work with the Baynard Center for Social Justice.
Closet Queens Unite
Life on campus for non-straight students dramatically changed on Friday, May 12, 1972 when a sophomore named Arthur Eisenbach ’74 placed a small classified advertisement in The Daily Princetonian. The advertisement read, “Closet Queens Unite! For information about organizations of gay men and women at Princeton call 452-2197.” Princeton had seen several failed attempts at creating such organizations. Eisenbach’s advertisement was significant because it actually organized the gay community into a recognized body.
The “Closet Queens Unite!” ad was posted during Reading Week, and was reprinted the next week on Wednesday the 17th. On the 19th, S. James Elliot ’72 published an editorial in response to the ad titled “Gay Liberation at Princeton.” The editorial painted a picture of an oppressive campus environment and called for gay students at Princeton to organize. “Princeton,” Elliot asserted, “is tyrannically governed by a sexist ethic, and each straight and gay is trapped in a social role that demands that he declare and assert his ‘masculinity.’” Meanwhile, Eisenbach received around a dozen responses to his advertisement, half of which were obscene. The school year was coming to a close, but Eisenbach decided to carry over the momentum drummed up from the ad and the editorial to the next school year.
Life on campus for non-straight students dramatically changed on Friday, May 12, 1972 when a sophomore named Arthur Eisenbach ’74 placed a small classified advertisement in The Daily Princetonian. The advertisement read, “Closet Queens Unite! For information about organizations of gay men and women at Princeton call 452-2197.” Princeton had seen several failed attempts at creating such organizations. Eisenbach’s advertisement was significant because it actually organized the gay community into a recognized body.
The “Closet Queens Unite!” ad was posted during Reading Week, and was reprinted the next week on Wednesday the 17th. On the 19th, S. James Elliot ’72 published an editorial in response to the ad titled “Gay Liberation at Princeton.” The editorial painted a picture of an oppressive campus environment and called for gay students at Princeton to organize. “Princeton,” Elliot asserted, “is tyrannically governed by a sexist ethic, and each straight and gay is trapped in a social role that demands that he declare and assert his ‘masculinity.’” Meanwhile, Eisenbach received around a dozen responses to his advertisement, half of which were obscene. The school year was coming to a close, but Eisenbach decided to carry over the momentum drummed up from the ad and the editorial to the next school year.
Closet Queens Unite
Life on campus for non-straight students dramatically changed on Friday, May 12, 1972 when a sophomore named Arthur Eisenbach ’74 placed a small classified advertisement in The Daily Princetonian. The advertisement read, “Closet Queens Unite! For information about organizations of gay men and women at Princeton call 452-2197.” Princeton had seen several failed attempts at creating such organizations. Eisenbach’s advertisement was significant because it actually organized the gay community into a recognized body.
The “Closet Queens Unite!” ad was posted during Reading Week, and was reprinted the next week on Wednesday the 17th. On the 19th, S. James Elliot ’72 published an editorial in response to the ad titled “Gay Liberation at Princeton.” The editorial painted a picture of an oppressive campus environment and called for gay students at Princeton to organize. “Princeton,” Elliot asserted, “is tyrannically governed by a sexist ethic, and each straight and gay is trapped in a social role that demands that he declare and assert his ‘masculinity.’” Meanwhile, Eisenbach received around a dozen responses to his advertisement, half of which were obscene. The school year was coming to a close, but Eisenbach decided to carry over the momentum drummed up from the ad and the editorial to the next school year.
Life on campus for non-straight students dramatically changed on Friday, May 12, 1972 when a sophomore named Arthur Eisenbach ’74 placed a small classified advertisement in The Daily Princetonian. The advertisement read, “Closet Queens Unite! For information about organizations of gay men and women at Princeton call 452-2197.” Princeton had seen several failed attempts at creating such organizations. Eisenbach’s advertisement was significant because it actually organized the gay community into a recognized body.
The “Closet Queens Unite!” ad was posted during Reading Week, and was reprinted the next week on Wednesday the 17th. On the 19th, S. James Elliot ’72 published an editorial in response to the ad titled “Gay Liberation at Princeton.” The editorial painted a picture of an oppressive campus environment and called for gay students at Princeton to organize. “Princeton,” Elliot asserted, “is tyrannically governed by a sexist ethic, and each straight and gay is trapped in a social role that demands that he declare and assert his ‘masculinity.’” Meanwhile, Eisenbach received around a dozen responses to his advertisement, half of which were obscene. The school year was coming to a close, but Eisenbach decided to carry over the momentum drummed up from the ad and the editorial to the next school year.
Gordon Gray
Gordon describes important events throughout his upbringing like his encounters with LGBT teachers, his affinity for music and arts, attending the 1967 World's Fair, and how he came to attend the University of New Hampshire. Then, he details homophobic harassment he faced throughout college, student activism, and his time studying abroad in Vienna. He speaks on his time at Princeton as a gay man, protesting with student activists, and his experience with the gay bar scene in New Jersey. Finally, he discusses homophobic incidents he witnessed as a member of Princeton's biology department and his work with the University's drosophila group.
Gordon describes important events throughout his upbringing like his encounters with LGBT teachers, his affinity for music and arts, attending the 1967 World's Fair, and how he came to attend the University of New Hampshire. Then, he details homophobic harassment he faced throughout college, student activism, and his time studying abroad in Vienna. He speaks on his time at Princeton as a gay man, protesting with student activists, and his experience with the gay bar scene in New Jersey. Finally, he discusses homophobic incidents he witnessed as a member of Princeton's biology department and his work with the University's drosophila group.
Gordon Gray
Gordon describes important events throughout his upbringing like his encounters with LGBT teachers, his affinity for music and arts, attending the 1967 World's Fair, and how he came to attend the University of New Hampshire. Then, he details homophobic harassment he faced throughout college, student activism, and his time studying abroad in Vienna. He speaks on his time at Princeton as a gay man, protesting with student activists, and his experience with the gay bar scene in New Jersey. Finally, he discusses homophobic incidents he witnessed as a member of Princeton's biology department and his work with the University's drosophila group.
Gordon describes important events throughout his upbringing like his encounters with LGBT teachers, his affinity for music and arts, attending the 1967 World's Fair, and how he came to attend the University of New Hampshire. Then, he details homophobic harassment he faced throughout college, student activism, and his time studying abroad in Vienna. He speaks on his time at Princeton as a gay man, protesting with student activists, and his experience with the gay bar scene in New Jersey. Finally, he discusses homophobic incidents he witnessed as a member of Princeton's biology department and his work with the University's drosophila group.
Patrick Conway
Conway reflects on how he came to attend Princeton through the Naval Reserves program and his experiences while attending Princeton as the campus shifted from all male to co-ed. He discusses his involvement with the ROTC program on campus and the Glee club. He speaks on his experiences as a closeted student on campus, coming out to family members later in life, and his investment banking career. Finally, he talks about his experiences with gay barlife in Los Angeles, his HIV positive status, and retiring early.
Conway reflects on how he came to attend Princeton through the Naval Reserves program and his experiences while attending Princeton as the campus shifted from all male to co-ed. He discusses his involvement with the ROTC program on campus and the Glee club. He speaks on his experiences as a closeted student on campus, coming out to family members later in life, and his investment banking career. Finally, he talks about his experiences with gay barlife in Los Angeles, his HIV positive status, and retiring early.
Patrick Conway
Conway reflects on how he came to attend Princeton through the Naval Reserves program and his experiences while attending Princeton as the campus shifted from all male to co-ed. He discusses his involvement with the ROTC program on campus and the Glee club. He speaks on his experiences as a closeted student on campus, coming out to family members later in life, and his investment banking career. Finally, he talks about his experiences with gay barlife in Los Angeles, his HIV positive status, and retiring early.
Conway reflects on how he came to attend Princeton through the Naval Reserves program and his experiences while attending Princeton as the campus shifted from all male to co-ed. He discusses his involvement with the ROTC program on campus and the Glee club. He speaks on his experiences as a closeted student on campus, coming out to family members later in life, and his investment banking career. Finally, he talks about his experiences with gay barlife in Los Angeles, his HIV positive status, and retiring early.
Gay Alliance of Princeton
In the fall of 1972, Eisenbach and fellow activist Judith Schaeffer ’74 spread posters over campus advertising the first meeting of Princeton’s gay organization. The meeting was scheduled for September 14, 1972 at the Women’s Center, where Schaeffer was an officer. Twenty-five people attended, twenty-two of them being men (as the University had started accepting women only three years before). The group named their organization GAP: Gay Alliance of Princeton.
On November 20th, GAP approached the Undergraduate Student Government’s Projects Board to request funding. A member of the board told the GAP members that he found homosexuality to be a sinful sexual perversion and he would fight any appropriation awarded to GAP. Despite these protestations, GAP was given $328.
By December, said board member had collected the 200 signatures required to hold a referendum on GAP’s funding. However, he withdrew the petition upon learning that a referendum would cost almost $100. He later claimed he was not motivated by homophobia, but rather by the low attendance at GAP meetings, which regularly drew about a dozen people. Around this same time, in November of 1972, Jill Johnston, author of The Lesbian Nation: The Feminist Solution spoke on campus.
In the fall of 1972, Eisenbach and fellow activist Judith Schaeffer ’74 spread posters over campus advertising the first meeting of Princeton’s gay organization. The meeting was scheduled for September 14, 1972 at the Women’s Center, where Schaeffer was an officer. Twenty-five people attended, twenty-two of them being men (as the University had started accepting women only three years before). The group named their organization GAP: Gay Alliance of Princeton.
On November 20th, GAP approached the Undergraduate Student Government’s Projects Board to request funding. A member of the board told the GAP members that he found homosexuality to be a sinful sexual perversion and he would fight any appropriation awarded to GAP. Despite these protestations, GAP was given $328.
By December, said board member had collected the 200 signatures required to hold a referendum on GAP’s funding. However, he withdrew the petition upon learning that a referendum would cost almost $100. He later claimed he was not motivated by homophobia, but rather by the low attendance at GAP meetings, which regularly drew about a dozen people. Around this same time, in November of 1972, Jill Johnston, author of The Lesbian Nation: The Feminist Solution spoke on campus.
Gay Alliance of Princeton
In the fall of 1972, Eisenbach and fellow activist Judith Schaeffer ’74 spread posters over campus advertising the first meeting of Princeton’s gay organization. The meeting was scheduled for September 14, 1972 at the Women’s Center, where Schaeffer was an officer. Twenty-five people attended, twenty-two of them being men (as the University had started accepting women only three years before). The group named their organization GAP: Gay Alliance of Princeton.
On November 20th, GAP approached the Undergraduate Student Government’s Projects Board to request funding. A member of the board told the GAP members that he found homosexuality to be a sinful sexual perversion and he would fight any appropriation awarded to GAP. Despite these protestations, GAP was given $328.
By December, said board member had collected the 200 signatures required to hold a referendum on GAP’s funding. However, he withdrew the petition upon learning that a referendum would cost almost $100. He later claimed he was not motivated by homophobia, but rather by the low attendance at GAP meetings, which regularly drew about a dozen people. Around this same time, in November of 1972, Jill Johnston, author of The Lesbian Nation: The Feminist Solution spoke on campus.
In the fall of 1972, Eisenbach and fellow activist Judith Schaeffer ’74 spread posters over campus advertising the first meeting of Princeton’s gay organization. The meeting was scheduled for September 14, 1972 at the Women’s Center, where Schaeffer was an officer. Twenty-five people attended, twenty-two of them being men (as the University had started accepting women only three years before). The group named their organization GAP: Gay Alliance of Princeton.
On November 20th, GAP approached the Undergraduate Student Government’s Projects Board to request funding. A member of the board told the GAP members that he found homosexuality to be a sinful sexual perversion and he would fight any appropriation awarded to GAP. Despite these protestations, GAP was given $328.
By December, said board member had collected the 200 signatures required to hold a referendum on GAP’s funding. However, he withdrew the petition upon learning that a referendum would cost almost $100. He later claimed he was not motivated by homophobia, but rather by the low attendance at GAP meetings, which regularly drew about a dozen people. Around this same time, in November of 1972, Jill Johnston, author of The Lesbian Nation: The Feminist Solution spoke on campus.
Joan Katz
Katz speaks on her experiences at Princeton as a closeted lesbian and queer woman who came out during her time at Princeton. She discusses connecting with other queer students through the Gay Alliance at Princeton, romantic relationships during college, coming out to her family, and her relationship with Judaism. She also discusses her struggles with mental health as a student and her interest in musical performance. Finally, she talks about her involvement with the alumni group Fund for Reunion, her perspective on feminism and queerness, and her advocacy for LGBT youth.
Katz speaks on her experiences at Princeton as a closeted lesbian and queer woman who came out during her time at Princeton. She discusses connecting with other queer students through the Gay Alliance at Princeton, romantic relationships during college, coming out to her family, and her relationship with Judaism. She also discusses her struggles with mental health as a student and her interest in musical performance. Finally, she talks about her involvement with the alumni group Fund for Reunion, her perspective on feminism and queerness, and her advocacy for LGBT youth.
Joan Katz
Katz speaks on her experiences at Princeton as a closeted lesbian and queer woman who came out during her time at Princeton. She discusses connecting with other queer students through the Gay Alliance at Princeton, romantic relationships during college, coming out to her family, and her relationship with Judaism. She also discusses her struggles with mental health as a student and her interest in musical performance. Finally, she talks about her involvement with the alumni group Fund for Reunion, her perspective on feminism and queerness, and her advocacy for LGBT youth.
Katz speaks on her experiences at Princeton as a closeted lesbian and queer woman who came out during her time at Princeton. She discusses connecting with other queer students through the Gay Alliance at Princeton, romantic relationships during college, coming out to her family, and her relationship with Judaism. She also discusses her struggles with mental health as a student and her interest in musical performance. Finally, she talks about her involvement with the alumni group Fund for Reunion, her perspective on feminism and queerness, and her advocacy for LGBT youth.
Jen Handler
Handler describes her time at Princeton as the university's first full-time LGB coordinator. She talks about her attempts to engage the wider campus community with LGBT issues through events like Gay Jeans Day, speaker events, and collaboration with the Women's Center. She also speaks about forming a historical preservation group named Queer Core, renovating the LGBA office in Aaron Burr Hall, and how she dealt with public outcry from alumni in reaction to her position. Finally, she discusses coordinating the peer education program Calypso, student worries about the administration co-opting the LGBT community, and LGBT programming coordinated by the Center for Jewish Life.
Handler describes her time at Princeton as the university's first full-time LGB coordinator. She talks about her attempts to engage the wider campus community with LGBT issues through events like Gay Jeans Day, speaker events, and collaboration with the Women's Center. She also speaks about forming a historical preservation group named Queer Core, renovating the LGBA office in Aaron Burr Hall, and how she dealt with public outcry from alumni in reaction to her position. Finally, she discusses coordinating the peer education program Calypso, student worries about the administration co-opting the LGBT community, and LGBT programming coordinated by the Center for Jewish Life.
Jen Handler
Handler describes her time at Princeton as the university's first full-time LGB coordinator. She talks about her attempts to engage the wider campus community with LGBT issues through events like Gay Jeans Day, speaker events, and collaboration with the Women's Center. She also speaks about forming a historical preservation group named Queer Core, renovating the LGBA office in Aaron Burr Hall, and how she dealt with public outcry from alumni in reaction to her position. Finally, she discusses coordinating the peer education program Calypso, student worries about the administration co-opting the LGBT community, and LGBT programming coordinated by the Center for Jewish Life.
Handler describes her time at Princeton as the university's first full-time LGB coordinator. She talks about her attempts to engage the wider campus community with LGBT issues through events like Gay Jeans Day, speaker events, and collaboration with the Women's Center. She also speaks about forming a historical preservation group named Queer Core, renovating the LGBA office in Aaron Burr Hall, and how she dealt with public outcry from alumni in reaction to her position. Finally, she discusses coordinating the peer education program Calypso, student worries about the administration co-opting the LGBT community, and LGBT programming coordinated by the Center for Jewish Life.
GAP Dance
On May 19, 1973, GAP held its first dance on the top floor of New South, which was then used as an undergraduate cafeteria. The cafeteria was decorated with candles, and the bands “Bad Taste” and “The Crabs” provided the music. Over 300 people – including non-Princeton students – attended, making the GAP dance the largest gay dance in New Jersey to date. The dance was covered by CBS and The New York Times , but was not mentioned in The Daily Princetonian . GAP had no trouble with the administration in planning the dance, but received threats from the football team. There was no interference with the dance itself.
On May 19, 1973, GAP held its first dance on the top floor of New South, which was then used as an undergraduate cafeteria. The cafeteria was decorated with candles, and the bands “Bad Taste” and “The Crabs” provided the music. Over 300 people – including non-Princeton students – attended, making the GAP dance the largest gay dance in New Jersey to date. The dance was covered by CBS and The New York Times , but was not mentioned in The Daily Princetonian . GAP had no trouble with the administration in planning the dance, but received threats from the football team. There was no interference with the dance itself.
GAP Dance
On May 19, 1973, GAP held its first dance on the top floor of New South, which was then used as an undergraduate cafeteria. The cafeteria was decorated with candles, and the bands “Bad Taste” and “The Crabs” provided the music. Over 300 people – including non-Princeton students – attended, making the GAP dance the largest gay dance in New Jersey to date. The dance was covered by CBS and The New York Times , but was not mentioned in The Daily Princetonian . GAP had no trouble with the administration in planning the dance, but received threats from the football team. There was no interference with the dance itself.
On May 19, 1973, GAP held its first dance on the top floor of New South, which was then used as an undergraduate cafeteria. The cafeteria was decorated with candles, and the bands “Bad Taste” and “The Crabs” provided the music. Over 300 people – including non-Princeton students – attended, making the GAP dance the largest gay dance in New Jersey to date. The dance was covered by CBS and The New York Times , but was not mentioned in The Daily Princetonian . GAP had no trouble with the administration in planning the dance, but received threats from the football team. There was no interference with the dance itself.
Glenn Stover
Stover speaks about attending Princeton as a gay student. He discusses his family's history, how he decided to attend Princeton, questioning his identity, and receiving treatment at McCosh. He also talks about the beginning of co-education on campus, joining Theatre Intime, and his awareness of the gay community at Princeton. Finally, he speaks about losing friends and loved ones to the AIDS crisis, his law career, and the importance of his faith.
Stover speaks about attending Princeton as a gay student. He discusses his family's history, how he decided to attend Princeton, questioning his identity, and receiving treatment at McCosh. He also talks about the beginning of co-education on campus, joining Theatre Intime, and his awareness of the gay community at Princeton. Finally, he speaks about losing friends and loved ones to the AIDS crisis, his law career, and the importance of his faith.
Glenn Stover
Stover speaks about attending Princeton as a gay student. He discusses his family's history, how he decided to attend Princeton, questioning his identity, and receiving treatment at McCosh. He also talks about the beginning of co-education on campus, joining Theatre Intime, and his awareness of the gay community at Princeton. Finally, he speaks about losing friends and loved ones to the AIDS crisis, his law career, and the importance of his faith.
Stover speaks about attending Princeton as a gay student. He discusses his family's history, how he decided to attend Princeton, questioning his identity, and receiving treatment at McCosh. He also talks about the beginning of co-education on campus, joining Theatre Intime, and his awareness of the gay community at Princeton. Finally, he speaks about losing friends and loved ones to the AIDS crisis, his law career, and the importance of his faith.
John Philip
Phillip speaks about his experience at Princeton as a gay man and coming out on campus. He discusses his experience in an openly gay relationship, peer reactions to his coming out, attending dances hosted by the Gay Alliance at Princeton, and his experience at the Every Voice alumni conference. In addition, he describes attending gay clubs as a student, closeted gay men in Ivy Club, and his friendships at Princeton. Finally, he speaks about living in New York City before and during the AIDS crisis, his experience on Fire Island, and losing friends to AIDS.
Phillip speaks about his experience at Princeton as a gay man and coming out on campus. He discusses his experience in an openly gay relationship, peer reactions to his coming out, attending dances hosted by the Gay Alliance at Princeton, and his experience at the Every Voice alumni conference. In addition, he describes attending gay clubs as a student, closeted gay men in Ivy Club, and his friendships at Princeton. Finally, he speaks about living in New York City before and during the AIDS crisis, his experience on Fire Island, and losing friends to AIDS.
John Philip
Phillip speaks about his experience at Princeton as a gay man and coming out on campus. He discusses his experience in an openly gay relationship, peer reactions to his coming out, attending dances hosted by the Gay Alliance at Princeton, and his experience at the Every Voice alumni conference. In addition, he describes attending gay clubs as a student, closeted gay men in Ivy Club, and his friendships at Princeton. Finally, he speaks about living in New York City before and during the AIDS crisis, his experience on Fire Island, and losing friends to AIDS.
Phillip speaks about his experience at Princeton as a gay man and coming out on campus. He discusses his experience in an openly gay relationship, peer reactions to his coming out, attending dances hosted by the Gay Alliance at Princeton, and his experience at the Every Voice alumni conference. In addition, he describes attending gay clubs as a student, closeted gay men in Ivy Club, and his friendships at Princeton. Finally, he speaks about living in New York City before and during the AIDS crisis, his experience on Fire Island, and losing friends to AIDS.
GAP Headquarters - “The Closet”
In the fall of 1973, a first-year student ran for student government on an anti-GAP platform and lost the election. That semester, GAP was given room 306 of Aaron Burr Hall for their office. The headquarters was called “The Closet,” reflecting the secretive nature of the organization and the small dimensions (10’x15’) of the room. One alumnus recalled that “the ceiling was higher than the room was long.” The office was equipped with a phone. Although the office moved and expanded, the 3rd floor of Aaron Burr remained the home of LGBT+ student organizations until the summer of 2001 when they were forced to move out because of renovations. Pride Alliance moved into an office in Frist Campus Center in 2002.
In the fall of 1973, a first-year student ran for student government on an anti-GAP platform and lost the election. That semester, GAP was given room 306 of Aaron Burr Hall for their office. The headquarters was called “The Closet,” reflecting the secretive nature of the organization and the small dimensions (10’x15’) of the room. One alumnus recalled that “the ceiling was higher than the room was long.” The office was equipped with a phone. Although the office moved and expanded, the 3rd floor of Aaron Burr remained the home of LGBT+ student organizations until the summer of 2001 when they were forced to move out because of renovations. Pride Alliance moved into an office in Frist Campus Center in 2002.
GAP Headquarters - “The Closet”
In the fall of 1973, a first-year student ran for student government on an anti-GAP platform and lost the election. That semester, GAP was given room 306 of Aaron Burr Hall for their office. The headquarters was called “The Closet,” reflecting the secretive nature of the organization and the small dimensions (10’x15’) of the room. One alumnus recalled that “the ceiling was higher than the room was long.” The office was equipped with a phone. Although the office moved and expanded, the 3rd floor of Aaron Burr remained the home of LGBT+ student organizations until the summer of 2001 when they were forced to move out because of renovations. Pride Alliance moved into an office in Frist Campus Center in 2002.
In the fall of 1973, a first-year student ran for student government on an anti-GAP platform and lost the election. That semester, GAP was given room 306 of Aaron Burr Hall for their office. The headquarters was called “The Closet,” reflecting the secretive nature of the organization and the small dimensions (10’x15’) of the room. One alumnus recalled that “the ceiling was higher than the room was long.” The office was equipped with a phone. Although the office moved and expanded, the 3rd floor of Aaron Burr remained the home of LGBT+ student organizations until the summer of 2001 when they were forced to move out because of renovations. Pride Alliance moved into an office in Frist Campus Center in 2002.
Jim Weinrich
Jim Weinrich discusses attending Princeton when it first became co-ed and the gay liberation movement. He describes realizing he was gay and attending G.A.P. meetings after seeing the “Closet Queens Unite!” ad in the Princetonian. He then went to Harvard to study sexuality and biology, and describes late 20th century scientific thought on sexuality.
Jim Weinrich discusses attending Princeton when it first became co-ed and the gay liberation movement. He describes realizing he was gay and attending G.A.P. meetings after seeing the “Closet Queens Unite!” ad in the Princetonian. He then went to Harvard to study sexuality and biology, and describes late 20th century scientific thought on sexuality.
Jim Weinrich
Jim Weinrich discusses attending Princeton when it first became co-ed and the gay liberation movement. He describes realizing he was gay and attending G.A.P. meetings after seeing the “Closet Queens Unite!” ad in the Princetonian. He then went to Harvard to study sexuality and biology, and describes late 20th century scientific thought on sexuality.
Jim Weinrich discusses attending Princeton when it first became co-ed and the gay liberation movement. He describes realizing he was gay and attending G.A.P. meetings after seeing the “Closet Queens Unite!” ad in the Princetonian. He then went to Harvard to study sexuality and biology, and describes late 20th century scientific thought on sexuality.
Matt Carcella
Carcella speaks about his diverse family and his experiences as a student organizer at Allegheny College. Carcella then details his time working at Princeton as an assistant to the newly formed LGBT Center and with its director Debbi Bazarsky. He describes balancing his gay identity in a professional setting and how he organized LGBT-centered programming in collaboration with the Princeton community. Other topics include his work as the director of Cornell's LGBT Resource Center, the LGBT Resource Professionals Consortium, and the Fund for Reunions alumni group.
Carcella speaks about his diverse family and his experiences as a student organizer at Allegheny College. Carcella then details his time working at Princeton as an assistant to the newly formed LGBT Center and with its director Debbi Bazarsky. He describes balancing his gay identity in a professional setting and how he organized LGBT-centered programming in collaboration with the Princeton community. Other topics include his work as the director of Cornell's LGBT Resource Center, the LGBT Resource Professionals Consortium, and the Fund for Reunions alumni group.
Matt Carcella
Carcella speaks about his diverse family and his experiences as a student organizer at Allegheny College. Carcella then details his time working at Princeton as an assistant to the newly formed LGBT Center and with its director Debbi Bazarsky. He describes balancing his gay identity in a professional setting and how he organized LGBT-centered programming in collaboration with the Princeton community. Other topics include his work as the director of Cornell's LGBT Resource Center, the LGBT Resource Professionals Consortium, and the Fund for Reunions alumni group.
Carcella speaks about his diverse family and his experiences as a student organizer at Allegheny College. Carcella then details his time working at Princeton as an assistant to the newly formed LGBT Center and with its director Debbi Bazarsky. He describes balancing his gay identity in a professional setting and how he organized LGBT-centered programming in collaboration with the Princeton community. Other topics include his work as the director of Cornell's LGBT Resource Center, the LGBT Resource Professionals Consortium, and the Fund for Reunions alumni group.
Nancy Kraybill
Kraybill reflects on her time at Princeton as a student in the fourth class allowing co-education, coming out as a lesbian during law school, and how she conceived and adopted her children. She discusses struggling academically at Princeton, her advocacy for the university's divestment from South Africa, meeting other LGBT students, and how she came to major in art history. She also speaks about questioning her sexuality after Princeton, attending UCLA law school, and her relationship with her daughters.
Kraybill reflects on her time at Princeton as a student in the fourth class allowing co-education, coming out as a lesbian during law school, and how she conceived and adopted her children. She discusses struggling academically at Princeton, her advocacy for the university's divestment from South Africa, meeting other LGBT students, and how she came to major in art history. She also speaks about questioning her sexuality after Princeton, attending UCLA law school, and her relationship with her daughters.
Nancy Kraybill
Kraybill reflects on her time at Princeton as a student in the fourth class allowing co-education, coming out as a lesbian during law school, and how she conceived and adopted her children. She discusses struggling academically at Princeton, her advocacy for the university's divestment from South Africa, meeting other LGBT students, and how she came to major in art history. She also speaks about questioning her sexuality after Princeton, attending UCLA law school, and her relationship with her daughters.
Kraybill reflects on her time at Princeton as a student in the fourth class allowing co-education, coming out as a lesbian during law school, and how she conceived and adopted her children. She discusses struggling academically at Princeton, her advocacy for the university's divestment from South Africa, meeting other LGBT students, and how she came to major in art history. She also speaks about questioning her sexuality after Princeton, attending UCLA law school, and her relationship with her daughters.
Events on Campus
In October 1973, lesbian activist Julie Lee spoke at Princeton, as well as Dr. Charles Ilhlendfeld ’59 who gave a lecture about homosexual counseling. In November 1973, GAP brought Dr. Howard Brown to speak on campus. Brown, former NYC Health Services Commissioner and founder of the National Gay Task Force, came out in a speech in front of 600 colleagues.
During its first two years, GAP took advantage of its proximity to New York by bringing leaders of the blossoming gay rights movement to campus. Arthur Eisenbach reached out to a number of speakers and writers, and many agreed to come to Princeton. One professor from the City University of New York wrote in a letter to Eisenbach, “it was lovely to see that letterhead ‘Gay Alliance of Princeton.’ The times they are a-changin’!” GAP speakers included Vito Russo, author of The Celluloid Closet, and Sidney Barbara Love, author of Sappho Was Right on Woman, among many others.
In October 1973, lesbian activist Julie Lee spoke at Princeton, as well as Dr. Charles Ilhlendfeld ’59 who gave a lecture about homosexual counseling. In November 1973, GAP brought Dr. Howard Brown to speak on campus. Brown, former NYC Health Services Commissioner and founder of the National Gay Task Force, came out in a speech in front of 600 colleagues.
During its first two years, GAP took advantage of its proximity to New York by bringing leaders of the blossoming gay rights movement to campus. Arthur Eisenbach reached out to a number of speakers and writers, and many agreed to come to Princeton. One professor from the City University of New York wrote in a letter to Eisenbach, “it was lovely to see that letterhead ‘Gay Alliance of Princeton.’ The times they are a-changin’!” GAP speakers included Vito Russo, author of The Celluloid Closet, and Sidney Barbara Love, author of Sappho Was Right on Woman, among many others.
Events on Campus
In October 1973, lesbian activist Julie Lee spoke at Princeton, as well as Dr. Charles Ilhlendfeld ’59 who gave a lecture about homosexual counseling. In November 1973, GAP brought Dr. Howard Brown to speak on campus. Brown, former NYC Health Services Commissioner and founder of the National Gay Task Force, came out in a speech in front of 600 colleagues.
During its first two years, GAP took advantage of its proximity to New York by bringing leaders of the blossoming gay rights movement to campus. Arthur Eisenbach reached out to a number of speakers and writers, and many agreed to come to Princeton. One professor from the City University of New York wrote in a letter to Eisenbach, “it was lovely to see that letterhead ‘Gay Alliance of Princeton.’ The times they are a-changin’!” GAP speakers included Vito Russo, author of The Celluloid Closet, and Sidney Barbara Love, author of Sappho Was Right on Woman, among many others.
In October 1973, lesbian activist Julie Lee spoke at Princeton, as well as Dr. Charles Ilhlendfeld ’59 who gave a lecture about homosexual counseling. In November 1973, GAP brought Dr. Howard Brown to speak on campus. Brown, former NYC Health Services Commissioner and founder of the National Gay Task Force, came out in a speech in front of 600 colleagues.
During its first two years, GAP took advantage of its proximity to New York by bringing leaders of the blossoming gay rights movement to campus. Arthur Eisenbach reached out to a number of speakers and writers, and many agreed to come to Princeton. One professor from the City University of New York wrote in a letter to Eisenbach, “it was lovely to see that letterhead ‘Gay Alliance of Princeton.’ The times they are a-changin’!” GAP speakers included Vito Russo, author of The Celluloid Closet, and Sidney Barbara Love, author of Sappho Was Right on Woman, among many others.
Ann Herendeen
Herendeen describes her time at Princeton as a disabled, queer, female student. She explains the social isolation she experienced at Princeton, the ways she was unable to accommodate her physical disability at Princeton, and her experiences during a leave of absence. She also talks about finding community with other gay students through Stevenson Hall, dances on New South, and by exploring her sexuality. FInally, she discusses gay culture before the AIDS epidemic,her participation in political activism at Princeton, and her writing career.
Herendeen describes her time at Princeton as a disabled, queer, female student. She explains the social isolation she experienced at Princeton, the ways she was unable to accommodate her physical disability at Princeton, and her experiences during a leave of absence. She also talks about finding community with other gay students through Stevenson Hall, dances on New South, and by exploring her sexuality. FInally, she discusses gay culture before the AIDS epidemic,her participation in political activism at Princeton, and her writing career.
Ann Herendeen
Herendeen describes her time at Princeton as a disabled, queer, female student. She explains the social isolation she experienced at Princeton, the ways she was unable to accommodate her physical disability at Princeton, and her experiences during a leave of absence. She also talks about finding community with other gay students through Stevenson Hall, dances on New South, and by exploring her sexuality. FInally, she discusses gay culture before the AIDS epidemic,her participation in political activism at Princeton, and her writing career.
Herendeen describes her time at Princeton as a disabled, queer, female student. She explains the social isolation she experienced at Princeton, the ways she was unable to accommodate her physical disability at Princeton, and her experiences during a leave of absence. She also talks about finding community with other gay students through Stevenson Hall, dances on New South, and by exploring her sexuality. FInally, she discusses gay culture before the AIDS epidemic,her participation in political activism at Princeton, and her writing career.
Lia Bostian
Bostian details how she navigated her sexuality without role models and within a Catholic, Italian-American immigrant environment. She explains her membership at the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship (PEF) and her participation in bible studies, prayer meetings, and discussions. Further, she details the long process of repressing and eventually accepting her sexuality later in life through counseling and community with other LGBT christians. She also discusses connecting with LGBT alumni through the Every Voice conference and her career as a pastoral and psychological counselor.
Bostian details how she navigated her sexuality without role models and within a Catholic, Italian-American immigrant environment. She explains her membership at the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship (PEF) and her participation in bible studies, prayer meetings, and discussions. Further, she details the long process of repressing and eventually accepting her sexuality later in life through counseling and community with other LGBT christians. She also discusses connecting with LGBT alumni through the Every Voice conference and her career as a pastoral and psychological counselor.
Lia Bostian
Bostian details how she navigated her sexuality without role models and within a Catholic, Italian-American immigrant environment. She explains her membership at the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship (PEF) and her participation in bible studies, prayer meetings, and discussions. Further, she details the long process of repressing and eventually accepting her sexuality later in life through counseling and community with other LGBT christians. She also discusses connecting with LGBT alumni through the Every Voice conference and her career as a pastoral and psychological counselor.
Bostian details how she navigated her sexuality without role models and within a Catholic, Italian-American immigrant environment. She explains her membership at the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship (PEF) and her participation in bible studies, prayer meetings, and discussions. Further, she details the long process of repressing and eventually accepting her sexuality later in life through counseling and community with other LGBT christians. She also discusses connecting with LGBT alumni through the Every Voice conference and her career as a pastoral and psychological counselor.
Scott Anderson
Anderson describes dating other gay men in high school and within Princeton's traditional, conservative environment. He discusses studying abroad his junior and senior years as a History major and his experiences as a student living in Nassau Inn. He also speaks about his time as a graduate student at UC Berkeley, his work on the prominent gay magazine The Advocate, and his experiences with the AIDs crisis. Finally, he talks about his world travels, consulting career, and long-lasting friendships.
Anderson describes dating other gay men in high school and within Princeton's traditional, conservative environment. He discusses studying abroad his junior and senior years as a History major and his experiences as a student living in Nassau Inn. He also speaks about his time as a graduate student at UC Berkeley, his work on the prominent gay magazine The Advocate, and his experiences with the AIDs crisis. Finally, he talks about his world travels, consulting career, and long-lasting friendships.
Scott Anderson
Anderson describes dating other gay men in high school and within Princeton's traditional, conservative environment. He discusses studying abroad his junior and senior years as a History major and his experiences as a student living in Nassau Inn. He also speaks about his time as a graduate student at UC Berkeley, his work on the prominent gay magazine The Advocate, and his experiences with the AIDs crisis. Finally, he talks about his world travels, consulting career, and long-lasting friendships.
Anderson describes dating other gay men in high school and within Princeton's traditional, conservative environment. He discusses studying abroad his junior and senior years as a History major and his experiences as a student living in Nassau Inn. He also speaks about his time as a graduate student at UC Berkeley, his work on the prominent gay magazine The Advocate, and his experiences with the AIDs crisis. Finally, he talks about his world travels, consulting career, and long-lasting friendships.
Thomas Stephens
Stephens speaks about attending Princeton as an out, gay graduate student. He speaks about his time as an undergraduate at UC Boulder, entering Princeton's graduate urban planning program at the Woodrow Wilson School, and coming out to a small number of classmates. In addition, he speaks about entering gay culture, his experience with Princeton academics, and working for the New Jersey parole board. Finally, he speaks about teaching a class at Princeton, attending Harvard Law school, leading an anti-discrimination petition, coming out to his family, and his career as a lawyer.
Stephens speaks about attending Princeton as an out, gay graduate student. He speaks about his time as an undergraduate at UC Boulder, entering Princeton's graduate urban planning program at the Woodrow Wilson School, and coming out to a small number of classmates. In addition, he speaks about entering gay culture, his experience with Princeton academics, and working for the New Jersey parole board. Finally, he speaks about teaching a class at Princeton, attending Harvard Law school, leading an anti-discrimination petition, coming out to his family, and his career as a lawyer.
Thomas Stephens
Stephens speaks about attending Princeton as an out, gay graduate student. He speaks about his time as an undergraduate at UC Boulder, entering Princeton's graduate urban planning program at the Woodrow Wilson School, and coming out to a small number of classmates. In addition, he speaks about entering gay culture, his experience with Princeton academics, and working for the New Jersey parole board. Finally, he speaks about teaching a class at Princeton, attending Harvard Law school, leading an anti-discrimination petition, coming out to his family, and his career as a lawyer.
Stephens speaks about attending Princeton as an out, gay graduate student. He speaks about his time as an undergraduate at UC Boulder, entering Princeton's graduate urban planning program at the Woodrow Wilson School, and coming out to a small number of classmates. In addition, he speaks about entering gay culture, his experience with Princeton academics, and working for the New Jersey parole board. Finally, he speaks about teaching a class at Princeton, attending Harvard Law school, leading an anti-discrimination petition, coming out to his family, and his career as a lawyer.
Second Annual GAP Dance
The second annual GAP dance was held on April 17, 1974 and drew 240 people, 74 of whom were Princeton students. With lingering concerns about funding, GAP decided to hold monthly paid dances, so they would not be wholly dependent on University support. At a one-dollar admission charge, the first dance effectively doubled GAP’s budget. GAP dances continued to draw about 200 people every month, and featured GAP’s very own disco ball.
The second annual GAP dance was held on April 17, 1974 and drew 240 people, 74 of whom were Princeton students. With lingering concerns about funding, GAP decided to hold monthly paid dances, so they would not be wholly dependent on University support. At a one-dollar admission charge, the first dance effectively doubled GAP’s budget. GAP dances continued to draw about 200 people every month, and featured GAP’s very own disco ball.
Second Annual GAP Dance
The second annual GAP dance was held on April 17, 1974 and drew 240 people, 74 of whom were Princeton students. With lingering concerns about funding, GAP decided to hold monthly paid dances, so they would not be wholly dependent on University support. At a one-dollar admission charge, the first dance effectively doubled GAP’s budget. GAP dances continued to draw about 200 people every month, and featured GAP’s very own disco ball.
The second annual GAP dance was held on April 17, 1974 and drew 240 people, 74 of whom were Princeton students. With lingering concerns about funding, GAP decided to hold monthly paid dances, so they would not be wholly dependent on University support. At a one-dollar admission charge, the first dance effectively doubled GAP’s budget. GAP dances continued to draw about 200 people every month, and featured GAP’s very own disco ball.
Bill Goodman
Goodman discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay male amidst the Vietnam War. He talks about his struggles with depression as a student, his time abroad in Spain, and protests on campus by the Students for Democratic Society. He also speaks about the beginnings of co-ed education at the university, the general atmosphere around gay students, and how his career intersected with his gay identity.
Goodman discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay male amidst the Vietnam War. He talks about his struggles with depression as a student, his time abroad in Spain, and protests on campus by the Students for Democratic Society. He also speaks about the beginnings of co-ed education at the university, the general atmosphere around gay students, and how his career intersected with his gay identity.
Bill Goodman
Goodman discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay male amidst the Vietnam War. He talks about his struggles with depression as a student, his time abroad in Spain, and protests on campus by the Students for Democratic Society. He also speaks about the beginnings of co-ed education at the university, the general atmosphere around gay students, and how his career intersected with his gay identity.
Goodman discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay male amidst the Vietnam War. He talks about his struggles with depression as a student, his time abroad in Spain, and protests on campus by the Students for Democratic Society. He also speaks about the beginnings of co-ed education at the university, the general atmosphere around gay students, and how his career intersected with his gay identity.
David Groff
Groff discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay student. He talks about encountering other gay students through his involvement with Theatre Intime, on the B Floor in Firestone Library, at the Dinky Station, and in the Chancellor Green pub. Further, he discusses how the Douglas Brown incident and studying abroad in Britain influenced his time at Princeton. In addition, he speaks about dating women while closeted, his marriage, and how his work as a poet intersects with his gay identity and cultural activism.
Groff discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay student. He talks about encountering other gay students through his involvement with Theatre Intime, on the B Floor in Firestone Library, at the Dinky Station, and in the Chancellor Green pub. Further, he discusses how the Douglas Brown incident and studying abroad in Britain influenced his time at Princeton. In addition, he speaks about dating women while closeted, his marriage, and how his work as a poet intersects with his gay identity and cultural activism.
David Groff
Groff discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay student. He talks about encountering other gay students through his involvement with Theatre Intime, on the B Floor in Firestone Library, at the Dinky Station, and in the Chancellor Green pub. Further, he discusses how the Douglas Brown incident and studying abroad in Britain influenced his time at Princeton. In addition, he speaks about dating women while closeted, his marriage, and how his work as a poet intersects with his gay identity and cultural activism.
Groff discusses his time at Princeton as a closeted gay student. He talks about encountering other gay students through his involvement with Theatre Intime, on the B Floor in Firestone Library, at the Dinky Station, and in the Chancellor Green pub. Further, he discusses how the Douglas Brown incident and studying abroad in Britain influenced his time at Princeton. In addition, he speaks about dating women while closeted, his marriage, and how his work as a poet intersects with his gay identity and cultural activism.
Fred Bernstein
Bernstein describes coming out his freshman year at Princeton and subsequently joining the Gay Alliance at Princeton (GAP). He discusses designing GAP's first logo and bringing politician Elaine Noble and psychologist Don Clark to campus as speakers in 1976. He speaks about meeting other gay men on campus and forming a community through the Kosher Dining Hall. He also reflects on the Douglas Brown incident and his attendance at LGBT alumni events like Every Voice and the annual Fund for Reunion.
Bernstein describes coming out his freshman year at Princeton and subsequently joining the Gay Alliance at Princeton (GAP). He discusses designing GAP's first logo and bringing politician Elaine Noble and psychologist Don Clark to campus as speakers in 1976. He speaks about meeting other gay men on campus and forming a community through the Kosher Dining Hall. He also reflects on the Douglas Brown incident and his attendance at LGBT alumni events like Every Voice and the annual Fund for Reunion.
Fred Bernstein
Bernstein describes coming out his freshman year at Princeton and subsequently joining the Gay Alliance at Princeton (GAP). He discusses designing GAP's first logo and bringing politician Elaine Noble and psychologist Don Clark to campus as speakers in 1976. He speaks about meeting other gay men on campus and forming a community through the Kosher Dining Hall. He also reflects on the Douglas Brown incident and his attendance at LGBT alumni events like Every Voice and the annual Fund for Reunion.
Bernstein describes coming out his freshman year at Princeton and subsequently joining the Gay Alliance at Princeton (GAP). He discusses designing GAP's first logo and bringing politician Elaine Noble and psychologist Don Clark to campus as speakers in 1976. He speaks about meeting other gay men on campus and forming a community through the Kosher Dining Hall. He also reflects on the Douglas Brown incident and his attendance at LGBT alumni events like Every Voice and the annual Fund for Reunion.
Shirley M. Tilghman
Shirley Tilghman discusses her career as a woman studying STEM in the 1960s and '70s, including her time as a molecular biology professor at Princeton University. She then describes her time as president at Princeton University, including the founding of the LGBT center, advocating for Muslim students in the wake of 9/11, and her goals for the university that she was not able to achieve during her presidency.
Shirley Tilghman discusses her career as a woman studying STEM in the 1960s and '70s, including her time as a molecular biology professor at Princeton University. She then describes her time as president at Princeton University, including the founding of the LGBT center, advocating for Muslim students in the wake of 9/11, and her goals for the university that she was not able to achieve during her presidency.
Shirley M. Tilghman
Shirley Tilghman discusses her career as a woman studying STEM in the 1960s and '70s, including her time as a molecular biology professor at Princeton University. She then describes her time as president at Princeton University, including the founding of the LGBT center, advocating for Muslim students in the wake of 9/11, and her goals for the university that she was not able to achieve during her presidency.
Shirley Tilghman discusses her career as a woman studying STEM in the 1960s and '70s, including her time as a molecular biology professor at Princeton University. She then describes her time as president at Princeton University, including the founding of the LGBT center, advocating for Muslim students in the wake of 9/11, and her goals for the university that she was not able to achieve during her presidency.
Campaign to Widen Princeton’s Non-Discrimination Policy
In the mid-1970s after facing harassment on campus, GAP members decided to campaign for the University to widen its non-discrimination policy to include “sexual and affectional orientation.” On February 13, 1976, Provost Albert Rees was quoted in The Daily Princetonian as saying, “Why do they need a public pronouncement? Isn’t it the University policy [not to discriminate against gays]?...Have you thought a little about what Prospect Magazine would think of that?” Prospect Magazine was a publication of Concerned Alumni of Princeton—CAP— a conservative organization founded in 1972 largely in response to Princeton’s decision to admit women beginning in 1969. One member of CAP stated, “I know of very few people who would want to send their children to an institution where the stated policy of non-discrimination towards homosexuals was stated in their admissions literature.”
Though the University’s non-discrimination policy did not explicitly include sexual orientation, some administration officials felt that a wider understanding of non-discrimination was implicit in the policy. The University did not discriminate based on sex, religion, race, color and national origin, as required by law, but Provost Rees was emphatic that, “of course our commitment to non-discrimination is much broader than that.” As Adele Simmons, Dean of Student Affairs, put it, “as part of the policy of non-discrimination, the University cannot condone discrimination on the basis of sexual and affectional preference and must do all that it can to ensure that such discrimination does not take place.”
Douglas Brown ‘79 and his roommate Michael Mintz ‘79, GAP members and two of the most active student voices on this policy, often endured harassment because of their stance. Students threw eggs, oranges, and rocks at them, and chucked smoke bombs into their 1903 Hall dorm room in January 1976 after Brown and Mintz hung a GAP banner in the window. An anti-gay letter written to The Prince, at this time, was met with a “deluge” of pro-gay letters. One visiting student felt that this response demonstrated that “the Princeton community apparently harbors more hostility towards anti-gays than towards gays”.
In the mid-1970s after facing harassment on campus, GAP members decided to campaign for the University to widen its non-discrimination policy to include “sexual and affectional orientation.” On February 13, 1976, Provost Albert Rees was quoted in The Daily Princetonian as saying, “Why do they need a public pronouncement? Isn’t it the University policy [not to discriminate against gays]?...Have you thought a little about what Prospect Magazine would think of that?” Prospect Magazine was a publication of Concerned Alumni of Princeton—CAP— a conservative organization founded in 1972 largely in response to Princeton’s decision to admit women beginning in 1969. One member of CAP stated, “I know of very few people who would want to send their children to an institution where the stated policy of non-discrimination towards homosexuals was stated in their admissions literature.”
Though the University’s non-discrimination policy did not explicitly include sexual orientation, some administration officials felt that a wider understanding of non-discrimination was implicit in the policy. The University did not discriminate based on sex, religion, race, color and national origin, as required by law, but Provost Rees was emphatic that, “of course our commitment to non-discrimination is much broader than that.” As Adele Simmons, Dean of Student Affairs, put it, “as part of the policy of non-discrimination, the University cannot condone discrimination on the basis of sexual and affectional preference and must do all that it can to ensure that such discrimination does not take place.”
Douglas Brown ‘79 and his roommate Michael Mintz ‘79, GAP members and two of the most active student voices on this policy, often endured harassment because of their stance. Students threw eggs, oranges, and rocks at them, and chucked smoke bombs into their 1903 Hall dorm room in January 1976 after Brown and Mintz hung a GAP banner in the window. An anti-gay letter written to The Prince, at this time, was met with a “deluge” of pro-gay letters. One visiting student felt that this response demonstrated that “the Princeton community apparently harbors more hostility towards anti-gays than towards gays”.
Campaign to Widen Princeton’s Non-Discrimination Policy
In the mid-1970s after facing harassment on campus, GAP members decided to campaign for the University to widen its non-discrimination policy to include “sexual and affectional orientation.” On February 13, 1976, Provost Albert Rees was quoted in The Daily Princetonian as saying, “Why do they need a public pronouncement? Isn’t it the University policy [not to discriminate against gays]?...Have you thought a little about what Prospect Magazine would think of that?” Prospect Magazine was a publication of Concerned Alumni of Princeton—CAP— a conservative organization founded in 1972 largely in response to Princeton’s decision to admit women beginning in 1969. One member of CAP stated, “I know of very few people who would want to send their children to an institution where the stated policy of non-discrimination towards homosexuals was stated in their admissions literature.”
Though the University’s non-discrimination policy did not explicitly include sexual orientation, some administration officials felt that a wider understanding of non-discrimination was implicit in the policy. The University did not discriminate based on sex, religion, race, color and national origin, as required by law, but Provost Rees was emphatic that, “of course our commitment to non-discrimination is much broader than that.” As Adele Simmons, Dean of Student Affairs, put it, “as part of the policy of non-discrimination, the University cannot condone discrimination on the basis of sexual and affectional preference and must do all that it can to ensure that such discrimination does not take place.”
Douglas Brown ‘79 and his roommate Michael Mintz ‘79, GAP members and two of the most active student voices on this policy, often endured harassment because of their stance. Students threw eggs, oranges, and rocks at them, and chucked smoke bombs into their 1903 Hall dorm room in January 1976 after Brown and Mintz hung a GAP banner in the window. An anti-gay letter written to The Prince, at this time, was met with a “deluge” of pro-gay letters. One visiting student felt that this response demonstrated that “the Princeton community apparently harbors more hostility towards anti-gays than towards gays”.
In the mid-1970s after facing harassment on campus, GAP members decided to campaign for the University to widen its non-discrimination policy to include “sexual and affectional orientation.” On February 13, 1976, Provost Albert Rees was quoted in The Daily Princetonian as saying, “Why do they need a public pronouncement? Isn’t it the University policy [not to discriminate against gays]?...Have you thought a little about what Prospect Magazine would think of that?” Prospect Magazine was a publication of Concerned Alumni of Princeton—CAP— a conservative organization founded in 1972 largely in response to Princeton’s decision to admit women beginning in 1969. One member of CAP stated, “I know of very few people who would want to send their children to an institution where the stated policy of non-discrimination towards homosexuals was stated in their admissions literature.”
Though the University’s non-discrimination policy did not explicitly include sexual orientation, some administration officials felt that a wider understanding of non-discrimination was implicit in the policy. The University did not discriminate based on sex, religion, race, color and national origin, as required by law, but Provost Rees was emphatic that, “of course our commitment to non-discrimination is much broader than that.” As Adele Simmons, Dean of Student Affairs, put it, “as part of the policy of non-discrimination, the University cannot condone discrimination on the basis of sexual and affectional preference and must do all that it can to ensure that such discrimination does not take place.”
Douglas Brown ‘79 and his roommate Michael Mintz ‘79, GAP members and two of the most active student voices on this policy, often endured harassment because of their stance. Students threw eggs, oranges, and rocks at them, and chucked smoke bombs into their 1903 Hall dorm room in January 1976 after Brown and Mintz hung a GAP banner in the window. An anti-gay letter written to The Prince, at this time, was met with a “deluge” of pro-gay letters. One visiting student felt that this response demonstrated that “the Princeton community apparently harbors more hostility towards anti-gays than towards gays”.
Dana Leslie
Leslie speaks about her life as a bisexual, trans woman and her experiences at Princeton while closeted. She discusses becoming blind, attending the New School, and transferring to Princeton as a sophomore. In addition, she speaks about cruising while at Princeton and the small gay community at the University. She also speaks about her bisexual activism, specifically for the 1978 March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights, her activism for transgender rights in the late 1990's, and her transition. Finally, she discusses her graduate studies at Brown University and the LGBA community support she found at the university.
Leslie speaks about her life as a bisexual, trans woman and her experiences at Princeton while closeted. She discusses becoming blind, attending the New School, and transferring to Princeton as a sophomore. In addition, she speaks about cruising while at Princeton and the small gay community at the University. She also speaks about her bisexual activism, specifically for the 1978 March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights, her activism for transgender rights in the late 1990's, and her transition. Finally, she discusses her graduate studies at Brown University and the LGBA community support she found at the university.
Dana Leslie
Leslie speaks about her life as a bisexual, trans woman and her experiences at Princeton while closeted. She discusses becoming blind, attending the New School, and transferring to Princeton as a sophomore. In addition, she speaks about cruising while at Princeton and the small gay community at the University. She also speaks about her bisexual activism, specifically for the 1978 March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights, her activism for transgender rights in the late 1990's, and her transition. Finally, she discusses her graduate studies at Brown University and the LGBA community support she found at the university.
Leslie speaks about her life as a bisexual, trans woman and her experiences at Princeton while closeted. She discusses becoming blind, attending the New School, and transferring to Princeton as a sophomore. In addition, she speaks about cruising while at Princeton and the small gay community at the University. She also speaks about her bisexual activism, specifically for the 1978 March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights, her activism for transgender rights in the late 1990's, and her transition. Finally, she discusses her graduate studies at Brown University and the LGBA community support she found at the university.
Helen Zia
Helen Zia discussing growing up in New Jersey as an Asian-American, and finding community with other Asian-American students at Princeton. She details her work with the Third World movement, which led to the creation of the Third World Center, as well as being involved in founding the Asian-American Student Association. She talks about her sexual identity: not having the language her attractions while at Princeton, learning about lesbian identity through Our Bodies, Ourselves, and being told that if she was a lesbian she would be kicked out of the civil rights groups she was part of post-Princeton. She discusses her career journey of med school to construction work to automobile manufacturing to journalism, and the role that Vincent Chin's murder played in her eventual journalism career. Finally, she details her coming out process, her time working at Ms. magazine, and her experiences with the gay marriage movement.
Helen Zia discussing growing up in New Jersey as an Asian-American, and finding community with other Asian-American students at Princeton. She details her work with the Third World movement, which led to the creation of the Third World Center, as well as being involved in founding the Asian-American Student Association. She talks about her sexual identity: not having the language her attractions while at Princeton, learning about lesbian identity through Our Bodies, Ourselves, and being told that if she was a lesbian she would be kicked out of the civil rights groups she was part of post-Princeton. She discusses her career journey of med school to construction work to automobile manufacturing to journalism, and the role that Vincent Chin's murder played in her eventual journalism career. Finally, she details her coming out process, her time working at Ms. magazine, and her experiences with the gay marriage movement.
Helen Zia
Helen Zia discussing growing up in New Jersey as an Asian-American, and finding community with other Asian-American students at Princeton. She details her work with the Third World movement, which led to the creation of the Third World Center, as well as being involved in founding the Asian-American Student Association. She talks about her sexual identity: not having the language her attractions while at Princeton, learning about lesbian identity through Our Bodies, Ourselves, and being told that if she was a lesbian she would be kicked out of the civil rights groups she was part of post-Princeton. She discusses her career journey of med school to construction work to automobile manufacturing to journalism, and the role that Vincent Chin's murder played in her eventual journalism career. Finally, she details her coming out process, her time working at Ms. magazine, and her experiences with the gay marriage movement.
Helen Zia discussing growing up in New Jersey as an Asian-American, and finding community with other Asian-American students at Princeton. She details her work with the Third World movement, which led to the creation of the Third World Center, as well as being involved in founding the Asian-American Student Association. She talks about her sexual identity: not having the language her attractions while at Princeton, learning about lesbian identity through Our Bodies, Ourselves, and being told that if she was a lesbian she would be kicked out of the civil rights groups she was part of post-Princeton. She discusses her career journey of med school to construction work to automobile manufacturing to journalism, and the role that Vincent Chin's murder played in her eventual journalism career. Finally, she details her coming out process, her time working at Ms. magazine, and her experiences with the gay marriage movement.
John Marcom
Macom speaks about his time at Princeton as a questioning, closeted student. He discusses writing for the student magazine Business Today, influential classes, working in New York City during after his junior year, and interning at the New Jersey State Endowment for Trenton. He also talks about his time in Seoul on a Luce Fellowship, his work with the Wall Street Journal, losing friends during the AIDs crisis, and coming out to his family. Finally, he reflects on meeting his husband and returning to work for TIME magazine.
Macom speaks about his time at Princeton as a questioning, closeted student. He discusses writing for the student magazine Business Today, influential classes, working in New York City during after his junior year, and interning at the New Jersey State Endowment for Trenton. He also talks about his time in Seoul on a Luce Fellowship, his work with the Wall Street Journal, losing friends during the AIDs crisis, and coming out to his family. Finally, he reflects on meeting his husband and returning to work for TIME magazine.
John Marcom
Macom speaks about his time at Princeton as a questioning, closeted student. He discusses writing for the student magazine Business Today, influential classes, working in New York City during after his junior year, and interning at the New Jersey State Endowment for Trenton. He also talks about his time in Seoul on a Luce Fellowship, his work with the Wall Street Journal, losing friends during the AIDs crisis, and coming out to his family. Finally, he reflects on meeting his husband and returning to work for TIME magazine.
Macom speaks about his time at Princeton as a questioning, closeted student. He discusses writing for the student magazine Business Today, influential classes, working in New York City during after his junior year, and interning at the New Jersey State Endowment for Trenton. He also talks about his time in Seoul on a Luce Fellowship, his work with the Wall Street Journal, losing friends during the AIDs crisis, and coming out to his family. Finally, he reflects on meeting his husband and returning to work for TIME magazine.
Trey Peters
Peters discusses her time at Princeton as a lesbian student. She reflects on joining the Gay Alliance at Princeton, the threat of physical violence against out LGBT students on campus, her activism for a university anti-discrimination clause, and the Douglas Brown banner incident. In addition, she reflects on LGBT peers and friendships she made on campus, allyship from the Sex Education Center, and how some in the administration helped GAP students. Finally, she describes losing a classmate to HIV, marrying her wife, adopting her children, and her struggles as a low-income, first generation student.
Peters discusses her time at Princeton as a lesbian student. She reflects on joining the Gay Alliance at Princeton, the threat of physical violence against out LGBT students on campus, her activism for a university anti-discrimination clause, and the Douglas Brown banner incident. In addition, she reflects on LGBT peers and friendships she made on campus, allyship from the Sex Education Center, and how some in the administration helped GAP students. Finally, she describes losing a classmate to HIV, marrying her wife, adopting her children, and her struggles as a low-income, first generation student.
Trey Peters
Peters discusses her time at Princeton as a lesbian student. She reflects on joining the Gay Alliance at Princeton, the threat of physical violence against out LGBT students on campus, her activism for a university anti-discrimination clause, and the Douglas Brown banner incident. In addition, she reflects on LGBT peers and friendships she made on campus, allyship from the Sex Education Center, and how some in the administration helped GAP students. Finally, she describes losing a classmate to HIV, marrying her wife, adopting her children, and her struggles as a low-income, first generation student.
Peters discusses her time at Princeton as a lesbian student. She reflects on joining the Gay Alliance at Princeton, the threat of physical violence against out LGBT students on campus, her activism for a university anti-discrimination clause, and the Douglas Brown banner incident. In addition, she reflects on LGBT peers and friendships she made on campus, allyship from the Sex Education Center, and how some in the administration helped GAP students. Finally, she describes losing a classmate to HIV, marrying her wife, adopting her children, and her struggles as a low-income, first generation student.
The Banner Incident
Not deterred by homophobic harassment, Douglas Brown and Michael Mintz hung a banner from the window of their dorm room reading “Gay Alliance of Princeton.” A group of eight students tried to scale the wall of Brown and Mintzs’ dormitory building to tear down the banner on February 23, 1976. When this failed, they broke into the room to steal the banner, hurling a chair against the wall and throwing books out the window. Several days after the banner was stolen, it appeared at the office of The Daily Princetonian with a note reading “Hetero is Betero.” Other banners appeared on campus in opposition to GAP, including banners reading: “HUMP: Heterosexual Undergraduates of Princeton,” “Gay is Okay, but Hetero is Betero,” “Anti-F****t Alliance,” and “Be Happy, Not Gay.” Two female undergraduate allies hung a banner reading “Gay Alliance of Princeton.” When asked about the banner, the women responded they felt everyone should put up a banner to support students subject to such harassment.
Though The Daily Princetonian called for immediate expulsion, the eight perpetrators of the banner incident were punished with two years of academic probation and a censure on their permanent record.
On February 22, 1976, the Undergraduate Student Government voted 16 to 2 in favor of urging the U-Council to include “sexual orientation” in the non-discrimination policy. On February 25, The Daily Princetonian reported a Cottage Club petition urging the University to stand against pressure from an “abnormal minority.” “[Homosexuals] must impose themselves upon a healthy and normal majority,” the petition read. “Homosexuality is not a minority like being black, it’s a sickness.” The petition went on to argue that by adding “sexual orientation” to the non-discrimination policy, the “overall excellence of the University will decline.” This petition garnered 40 signatures, less than half of Cottage’s 140 members. The U-Council voted on the matter on March 9, 1976. Rather than voting to include sexual orientation in the policy, the council chose to affirm the right to free expression. The body stated that it “strongly censures and abhors personal violence committed with the intent of intimidating, punishing or interfering with free expression.”
Not deterred by homophobic harassment, Douglas Brown and Michael Mintz hung a banner from the window of their dorm room reading “Gay Alliance of Princeton.” A group of eight students tried to scale the wall of Brown and Mintzs’ dormitory building to tear down the banner on February 23, 1976. When this failed, they broke into the room to steal the banner, hurling a chair against the wall and throwing books out the window. Several days after the banner was stolen, it appeared at the office of The Daily Princetonian with a note reading “Hetero is Betero.” Other banners appeared on campus in opposition to GAP, including banners reading: “HUMP: Heterosexual Undergraduates of Princeton,” “Gay is Okay, but Hetero is Betero,” “Anti-F****t Alliance,” and “Be Happy, Not Gay.” Two female undergraduate allies hung a banner reading “Gay Alliance of Princeton.” When asked about the banner, the women responded they felt everyone should put up a banner to support students subject to such harassment.
Though The Daily Princetonian called for immediate expulsion, the eight perpetrators of the banner incident were punished with two years of academic probation and a censure on their permanent record.
On February 22, 1976, the Undergraduate Student Government voted 16 to 2 in favor of urging the U-Council to include “sexual orientation” in the non-discrimination policy. On February 25, The Daily Princetonian reported a Cottage Club petition urging the University to stand against pressure from an “abnormal minority.” “[Homosexuals] must impose themselves upon a healthy and normal majority,” the petition read. “Homosexuality is not a minority like being black, it’s a sickness.” The petition went on to argue that by adding “sexual orientation” to the non-discrimination policy, the “overall excellence of the University will decline.” This petition garnered 40 signatures, less than half of Cottage’s 140 members. The U-Council voted on the matter on March 9, 1976. Rather than voting to include sexual orientation in the policy, the council chose to affirm the right to free expression. The body stated that it “strongly censures and abhors personal violence committed with the intent of intimidating, punishing or interfering with free expression.”
The Banner Incident
Not deterred by homophobic harassment, Douglas Brown and Michael Mintz hung a banner from the window of their dorm room reading “Gay Alliance of Princeton.” A group of eight students tried to scale the wall of Brown and Mintzs’ dormitory building to tear down the banner on February 23, 1976. When this failed, they broke into the room to steal the banner, hurling a chair against the wall and throwing books out the window. Several days after the banner was stolen, it appeared at the office of The Daily Princetonian with a note reading “Hetero is Betero.” Other banners appeared on campus in opposition to GAP, including banners reading: “HUMP: Heterosexual Undergraduates of Princeton,” “Gay is Okay, but Hetero is Betero,” “Anti-F****t Alliance,” and “Be Happy, Not Gay.” Two female undergraduate allies hung a banner reading “Gay Alliance of Princeton.” When asked about the banner, the women responded they felt everyone should put up a banner to support students subject to such harassment.
Though The Daily Princetonian called for immediate expulsion, the eight perpetrators of the banner incident were punished with two years of academic probation and a censure on their permanent record.
On February 22, 1976, the Undergraduate Student Government voted 16 to 2 in favor of urging the U-Council to include “sexual orientation” in the non-discrimination policy. On February 25, The Daily Princetonian reported a Cottage Club petition urging the University to stand against pressure from an “abnormal minority.” “[Homosexuals] must impose themselves upon a healthy and normal majority,” the petition read. “Homosexuality is not a minority like being black, it’s a sickness.” The petition went on to argue that by adding “sexual orientation” to the non-discrimination policy, the “overall excellence of the University will decline.” This petition garnered 40 signatures, less than half of Cottage’s 140 members. The U-Council voted on the matter on March 9, 1976. Rather than voting to include sexual orientation in the policy, the council chose to affirm the right to free expression. The body stated that it “strongly censures and abhors personal violence committed with the intent of intimidating, punishing or interfering with free expression.”
Not deterred by homophobic harassment, Douglas Brown and Michael Mintz hung a banner from the window of their dorm room reading “Gay Alliance of Princeton.” A group of eight students tried to scale the wall of Brown and Mintzs’ dormitory building to tear down the banner on February 23, 1976. When this failed, they broke into the room to steal the banner, hurling a chair against the wall and throwing books out the window. Several days after the banner was stolen, it appeared at the office of The Daily Princetonian with a note reading “Hetero is Betero.” Other banners appeared on campus in opposition to GAP, including banners reading: “HUMP: Heterosexual Undergraduates of Princeton,” “Gay is Okay, but Hetero is Betero,” “Anti-F****t Alliance,” and “Be Happy, Not Gay.” Two female undergraduate allies hung a banner reading “Gay Alliance of Princeton.” When asked about the banner, the women responded they felt everyone should put up a banner to support students subject to such harassment.
Though The Daily Princetonian called for immediate expulsion, the eight perpetrators of the banner incident were punished with two years of academic probation and a censure on their permanent record.
On February 22, 1976, the Undergraduate Student Government voted 16 to 2 in favor of urging the U-Council to include “sexual orientation” in the non-discrimination policy. On February 25, The Daily Princetonian reported a Cottage Club petition urging the University to stand against pressure from an “abnormal minority.” “[Homosexuals] must impose themselves upon a healthy and normal majority,” the petition read. “Homosexuality is not a minority like being black, it’s a sickness.” The petition went on to argue that by adding “sexual orientation” to the non-discrimination policy, the “overall excellence of the University will decline.” This petition garnered 40 signatures, less than half of Cottage’s 140 members. The U-Council voted on the matter on March 9, 1976. Rather than voting to include sexual orientation in the policy, the council chose to affirm the right to free expression. The body stated that it “strongly censures and abhors personal violence committed with the intent of intimidating, punishing or interfering with free expression.”
Bob Tuschman
Bob Tuschman discusses his experiences of internalized homophobia, as well as his coming out process during his senior year at Princeton University. He describes early GAP meetings and his writing of the first Princeton thesis to include the word "gay". Tuschman discusses living in New York during the AIDS crisis and how the loss of his friend motivated him to volunteer and join the board of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Bob Tuschman discusses his experiences of internalized homophobia, as well as his coming out process during his senior year at Princeton University. He describes early GAP meetings and his writing of the first Princeton thesis to include the word "gay". Tuschman discusses living in New York during the AIDS crisis and how the loss of his friend motivated him to volunteer and join the board of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Bob Tuschman
Bob Tuschman discusses his experiences of internalized homophobia, as well as his coming out process during his senior year at Princeton University. He describes early GAP meetings and his writing of the first Princeton thesis to include the word "gay". Tuschman discusses living in New York during the AIDS crisis and how the loss of his friend motivated him to volunteer and join the board of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Bob Tuschman discusses his experiences of internalized homophobia, as well as his coming out process during his senior year at Princeton University. He describes early GAP meetings and his writing of the first Princeton thesis to include the word "gay". Tuschman discusses living in New York during the AIDS crisis and how the loss of his friend motivated him to volunteer and join the board of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Lonny Behar
Behar discusses the difficulties of attending Princeton as a closeted gay man and young student. He elaborates on his experiences with Gay Dances on top of New South and the Douglas Brown incident. Finally, he discusses attending the Every Voice alumni conference in 2013, his creative involvement with reunions, and coming out on his own terms during and after medical school.
Behar discusses the difficulties of attending Princeton as a closeted gay man and young student. He elaborates on his experiences with Gay Dances on top of New South and the Douglas Brown incident. Finally, he discusses attending the Every Voice alumni conference in 2013, his creative involvement with reunions, and coming out on his own terms during and after medical school.
Lonny Behar
Behar discusses the difficulties of attending Princeton as a closeted gay man and young student. He elaborates on his experiences with Gay Dances on top of New South and the Douglas Brown incident. Finally, he discusses attending the Every Voice alumni conference in 2013, his creative involvement with reunions, and coming out on his own terms during and after medical school.
Behar discusses the difficulties of attending Princeton as a closeted gay man and young student. He elaborates on his experiences with Gay Dances on top of New South and the Douglas Brown incident. Finally, he discusses attending the Every Voice alumni conference in 2013, his creative involvement with reunions, and coming out on his own terms during and after medical school.
The Chancellor Green Pub Incident
On February 28, 1979, a group of gay students were harassed by another group of students at the Chancellor Green Pub. The gay students asked the student proctor of the pub to intervene. Instead, the proctor joined the harassers. The harassers threw wood chips at the gay students and Mark Blasius *90, a graduate student, was punched in the eye and started bleeding.
William Bowen, the University President, closed the pub on March 12, stating that the “GAP incident” was just the most recent in a string of incidents involving the pub. After meeting privately with administration on March 8, GAP believed that several university deans had agreed to publish a statement “condemning anti-gay harassment, affirming gay rights, and referring explicitly to lesbians as well as gay men.” GAP was frustrated when the resulting statement, published in the March 12 issue of The Daily Princetonian, did none of these things.
The pub’s closing garnered a strong backlash from the Princeton community, prompting many students to wear pins reading, “Beers not Queers” and “Open Tap, Close Gap.” President Bowen decided to re-open the pub at midnight on March 16, saying the campus had learned its lesson. A rally to protest the pub’s closing had been planned for the next day. Unsatisfied with the ambiguous institutional response to the pub incident, GAP continued to meet with administrators and then wrote in to The Daily Princetonian on March 22. After receiving no response, GAP sent an open letter on April 10 addressed to President Bowen, to every administrator at Nassau Hall, and to be published in The Daily Princetonian. In the letter, GAP said that besides “private tokens of sympathy,” “not a single group or official at this University has taken an unequivocal public stand against such harassment,” and asked for “concrete evidence that the administration does not condone anti-gay bigotry” and “to see anyone in the administration even go so far as to use the words ‘gay men and lesbians.’”
President Bowen responded to GAP’s letter on April 13 with a letter in The Prince condemning all harassment on campus, “including [harassment of] members of the gay alliance.” Three of the pub harassers were given warnings and one was given academic probation. Mark Blasius’ name became publicly tied with the incident as a victim of harassment, and, as a result of his publicized “homosexuality,” one of his dissertation advisors withdrew their support. Spurred by GAP’s decreased popularity after the pub incident, three students ran for student government in April on a platform to end funding for GAP, FRONT (People’s Front for the Liberation of Southern Africa), and the Women’s Center.
On February 28, 1979, a group of gay students were harassed by another group of students at the Chancellor Green Pub. The gay students asked the student proctor of the pub to intervene. Instead, the proctor joined the harassers. The harassers threw wood chips at the gay students and Mark Blasius *90, a graduate student, was punched in the eye and started bleeding.
William Bowen, the University President, closed the pub on March 12, stating that the “GAP incident” was just the most recent in a string of incidents involving the pub. After meeting privately with administration on March 8, GAP believed that several university deans had agreed to publish a statement “condemning anti-gay harassment, affirming gay rights, and referring explicitly to lesbians as well as gay men.” GAP was frustrated when the resulting statement, published in the March 12 issue of The Daily Princetonian, did none of these things.
The pub’s closing garnered a strong backlash from the Princeton community, prompting many students to wear pins reading, “Beers not Queers” and “Open Tap, Close Gap.” President Bowen decided to re-open the pub at midnight on March 16, saying the campus had learned its lesson. A rally to protest the pub’s closing had been planned for the next day. Unsatisfied with the ambiguous institutional response to the pub incident, GAP continued to meet with administrators and then wrote in to The Daily Princetonian on March 22. After receiving no response, GAP sent an open letter on April 10 addressed to President Bowen, to every administrator at Nassau Hall, and to be published in The Daily Princetonian. In the letter, GAP said that besides “private tokens of sympathy,” “not a single group or official at this University has taken an unequivocal public stand against such harassment,” and asked for “concrete evidence that the administration does not condone anti-gay bigotry” and “to see anyone in the administration even go so far as to use the words ‘gay men and lesbians.’”
President Bowen responded to GAP’s letter on April 13 with a letter in The Prince condemning all harassment on campus, “including [harassment of] members of the gay alliance.” Three of the pub harassers were given warnings and one was given academic probation. Mark Blasius’ name became publicly tied with the incident as a victim of harassment, and, as a result of his publicized “homosexuality,” one of his dissertation advisors withdrew their support. Spurred by GAP’s decreased popularity after the pub incident, three students ran for student government in April on a platform to end funding for GAP, FRONT (People’s Front for the Liberation of Southern Africa), and the Women’s Center.
The Chancellor Green Pub Incident
On February 28, 1979, a group of gay students were harassed by another group of students at the Chancellor Green Pub. The gay students asked the student proctor of the pub to intervene. Instead, the proctor joined the harassers. The harassers threw wood chips at the gay students and Mark Blasius *90, a graduate student, was punched in the eye and started bleeding.
William Bowen, the University President, closed the pub on March 12, stating that the “GAP incident” was just the most recent in a string of incidents involving the pub. After meeting privately with administration on March 8, GAP believed that several university deans had agreed to publish a statement “condemning anti-gay harassment, affirming gay rights, and referring explicitly to lesbians as well as gay men.” GAP was frustrated when the resulting statement, published in the March 12 issue of The Daily Princetonian, did none of these things.
The pub’s closing garnered a strong backlash from the Princeton community, prompting many students to wear pins reading, “Beers not Queers” and “Open Tap, Close Gap.” President Bowen decided to re-open the pub at midnight on March 16, saying the campus had learned its lesson. A rally to protest the pub’s closing had been planned for the next day. Unsatisfied with the ambiguous institutional response to the pub incident, GAP continued to meet with administrators and then wrote in to The Daily Princetonian on March 22. After receiving no response, GAP sent an open letter on April 10 addressed to President Bowen, to every administrator at Nassau Hall, and to be published in The Daily Princetonian. In the letter, GAP said that besides “private tokens of sympathy,” “not a single group or official at this University has taken an unequivocal public stand against such harassment,” and asked for “concrete evidence that the administration does not condone anti-gay bigotry” and “to see anyone in the administration even go so far as to use the words ‘gay men and lesbians.’”
President Bowen responded to GAP’s letter on April 13 with a letter in The Prince condemning all harassment on campus, “including [harassment of] members of the gay alliance.” Three of the pub harassers were given warnings and one was given academic probation. Mark Blasius’ name became publicly tied with the incident as a victim of harassment, and, as a result of his publicized “homosexuality,” one of his dissertation advisors withdrew their support. Spurred by GAP’s decreased popularity after the pub incident, three students ran for student government in April on a platform to end funding for GAP, FRONT (People’s Front for the Liberation of Southern Africa), and the Women’s Center.
On February 28, 1979, a group of gay students were harassed by another group of students at the Chancellor Green Pub. The gay students asked the student proctor of the pub to intervene. Instead, the proctor joined the harassers. The harassers threw wood chips at the gay students and Mark Blasius *90, a graduate student, was punched in the eye and started bleeding.
William Bowen, the University President, closed the pub on March 12, stating that the “GAP incident” was just the most recent in a string of incidents involving the pub. After meeting privately with administration on March 8, GAP believed that several university deans had agreed to publish a statement “condemning anti-gay harassment, affirming gay rights, and referring explicitly to lesbians as well as gay men.” GAP was frustrated when the resulting statement, published in the March 12 issue of The Daily Princetonian, did none of these things.
The pub’s closing garnered a strong backlash from the Princeton community, prompting many students to wear pins reading, “Beers not Queers” and “Open Tap, Close Gap.” President Bowen decided to re-open the pub at midnight on March 16, saying the campus had learned its lesson. A rally to protest the pub’s closing had been planned for the next day. Unsatisfied with the ambiguous institutional response to the pub incident, GAP continued to meet with administrators and then wrote in to The Daily Princetonian on March 22. After receiving no response, GAP sent an open letter on April 10 addressed to President Bowen, to every administrator at Nassau Hall, and to be published in The Daily Princetonian. In the letter, GAP said that besides “private tokens of sympathy,” “not a single group or official at this University has taken an unequivocal public stand against such harassment,” and asked for “concrete evidence that the administration does not condone anti-gay bigotry” and “to see anyone in the administration even go so far as to use the words ‘gay men and lesbians.’”
President Bowen responded to GAP’s letter on April 13 with a letter in The Prince condemning all harassment on campus, “including [harassment of] members of the gay alliance.” Three of the pub harassers were given warnings and one was given academic probation. Mark Blasius’ name became publicly tied with the incident as a victim of harassment, and, as a result of his publicized “homosexuality,” one of his dissertation advisors withdrew their support. Spurred by GAP’s decreased popularity after the pub incident, three students ran for student government in April on a platform to end funding for GAP, FRONT (People’s Front for the Liberation of Southern Africa), and the Women’s Center.
Todd Brower
Brower describes his experiences growing up in a small, rural town and his experiences with language throughout high school. He speaks about his involvement with Triangle Club, the Campus Pub, and studying abroad in France after his sophomore and junior years. He also discusses cruising on campus, awareness of other LGBT students, and coming to terms with his identity during a Fulbright and at Stanford Law School. Finally, he details his experience with gay culture in California during the 1980's and 1990's and discusses his work as an LGBT educator within higher education.
Brower describes his experiences growing up in a small, rural town and his experiences with language throughout high school. He speaks about his involvement with Triangle Club, the Campus Pub, and studying abroad in France after his sophomore and junior years. He also discusses cruising on campus, awareness of other LGBT students, and coming to terms with his identity during a Fulbright and at Stanford Law School. Finally, he details his experience with gay culture in California during the 1980's and 1990's and discusses his work as an LGBT educator within higher education.
Todd Brower
Brower describes his experiences growing up in a small, rural town and his experiences with language throughout high school. He speaks about his involvement with Triangle Club, the Campus Pub, and studying abroad in France after his sophomore and junior years. He also discusses cruising on campus, awareness of other LGBT students, and coming to terms with his identity during a Fulbright and at Stanford Law School. Finally, he details his experience with gay culture in California during the 1980's and 1990's and discusses his work as an LGBT educator within higher education.
Brower describes his experiences growing up in a small, rural town and his experiences with language throughout high school. He speaks about his involvement with Triangle Club, the Campus Pub, and studying abroad in France after his sophomore and junior years. He also discusses cruising on campus, awareness of other LGBT students, and coming to terms with his identity during a Fulbright and at Stanford Law School. Finally, he details his experience with gay culture in California during the 1980's and 1990's and discusses his work as an LGBT educator within higher education.
Jane Clewe
Clewe speaks on her childhood experiences and experimentation with her sexuality, clothing, and illicit activities. She discusses her arrival to Princeton and her experiences as she came out to herself and others during her time at the University. She talks about her participation in a campus karate group, the German Work-Study summer program, Gay Alliance at Princeton programming and dances, and in the Sexuality Education Counseling and Health Services (SECH) program. In addition, she describes the Douglas Brown incident and her participation in the Extended Family program in town. Finally, she reflects on living as an out lesbian after Princeton and how her hobbies allowed her to build community.
Clewe speaks on her childhood experiences and experimentation with her sexuality, clothing, and illicit activities. She discusses her arrival to Princeton and her experiences as she came out to herself and others during her time at the University. She talks about her participation in a campus karate group, the German Work-Study summer program, Gay Alliance at Princeton programming and dances, and in the Sexuality Education Counseling and Health Services (SECH) program. In addition, she describes the Douglas Brown incident and her participation in the Extended Family program in town. Finally, she reflects on living as an out lesbian after Princeton and how her hobbies allowed her to build community.
Jane Clewe
Clewe speaks on her childhood experiences and experimentation with her sexuality, clothing, and illicit activities. She discusses her arrival to Princeton and her experiences as she came out to herself and others during her time at the University. She talks about her participation in a campus karate group, the German Work-Study summer program, Gay Alliance at Princeton programming and dances, and in the Sexuality Education Counseling and Health Services (SECH) program. In addition, she describes the Douglas Brown incident and her participation in the Extended Family program in town. Finally, she reflects on living as an out lesbian after Princeton and how her hobbies allowed her to build community.
Clewe speaks on her childhood experiences and experimentation with her sexuality, clothing, and illicit activities. She discusses her arrival to Princeton and her experiences as she came out to herself and others during her time at the University. She talks about her participation in a campus karate group, the German Work-Study summer program, Gay Alliance at Princeton programming and dances, and in the Sexuality Education Counseling and Health Services (SECH) program. In addition, she describes the Douglas Brown incident and her participation in the Extended Family program in town. Finally, she reflects on living as an out lesbian after Princeton and how her hobbies allowed her to build community.
Daniel Jaffe
Jaffe speaks about his time at Princeton as a closeted, gay student. He discusses traumatic experiences, including an attempt at suicide, reckoning his Jewish faith with his sexuality, his involvement with the Gay Alliance at Princeton, and the Douglas Brown incident. He also talks about academic stressors, studying abroad in Russia, and his experience with romantic relationships with men and women at Princeton. He also reflects on his activism for lesbian and gay rights while at Harvard Law School, his career as a creative writing professor, and his relationship with his husband.
Jaffe speaks about his time at Princeton as a closeted, gay student. He discusses traumatic experiences, including an attempt at suicide, reckoning his Jewish faith with his sexuality, his involvement with the Gay Alliance at Princeton, and the Douglas Brown incident. He also talks about academic stressors, studying abroad in Russia, and his experience with romantic relationships with men and women at Princeton. He also reflects on his activism for lesbian and gay rights while at Harvard Law School, his career as a creative writing professor, and his relationship with his husband.
Daniel Jaffe
Jaffe speaks about his time at Princeton as a closeted, gay student. He discusses traumatic experiences, including an attempt at suicide, reckoning his Jewish faith with his sexuality, his involvement with the Gay Alliance at Princeton, and the Douglas Brown incident. He also talks about academic stressors, studying abroad in Russia, and his experience with romantic relationships with men and women at Princeton. He also reflects on his activism for lesbian and gay rights while at Harvard Law School, his career as a creative writing professor, and his relationship with his husband.
Jaffe speaks about his time at Princeton as a closeted, gay student. He discusses traumatic experiences, including an attempt at suicide, reckoning his Jewish faith with his sexuality, his involvement with the Gay Alliance at Princeton, and the Douglas Brown incident. He also talks about academic stressors, studying abroad in Russia, and his experience with romantic relationships with men and women at Princeton. He also reflects on his activism for lesbian and gay rights while at Harvard Law School, his career as a creative writing professor, and his relationship with his husband.
1980s
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