Texas A&M’s Gay Student Services Organization

While the Gay Student Services (GSS) organization formed in the 1970s, it would not be officially recognized until 1985, as a result of the Gay Student Services v. Texas A&M court case ruling. This organization is credited with the creation of the “Gayline” which functioned as a form of helpline for those who felt unsafe or unwanted among the campus community. The gay community received scarce attention in yearbooks until 1986, when the GSS was featured in the organizations section. Since the mission of this exhibit is to showcase the full breadth of the Aggie community, it is salient to highlight this chapter of the university’s history.

While athletic jerseys and Corp uniforms often come to mind when considering Aggie apparel, examining attire outside these provides a window into how others identity and perceive themselves both individually and within the university. In this light, lavender stoles can be seen as a type of Aggie uniform. Pictured below is a cadet receiving a lavender stole symbolizing participation in the bi-annual Lavender Graduation Ceremony hosted by the Queer Empowerment Council (QEC).

Sourced from student Ella Rydell