Visibility has been core to the mission of the LGBTQ FSA since foundation in 2014. With photography by Douglas Levere, Photo and Video Manger with University Communications, the 10 Years of Visibility campaign beautifully profiles the LGBTQ FSA's diverse membership throughout UB's campus and highlights the meaning and power of being authentically seen.
In 2014, a small group of UB employees convened the first association for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer faculty and staff. Now, that group — more than 100 members strong — is celebrating a decade of advocacy, support and community-building for the university’s LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ FSA President Ben Fabian received a special shoutout during Pride Night at the UB women’s basketball game. Fabian was recognized for his contributions to the UB and WNY LGBTQ+ communities, for being a powerful voice in supporting students, and for driving the mission of the LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association to new heights — the organization has reached 100 members for the first time in its history.
"This challenge was in reaction to the anti-trans speaker on campus this year, and also to the larger pattern of anti-trans and anti-queer violence and oppression that we are seeing across the country, like bans on books, drag performances, gender-affirming health care, and so much more... We all have a responsibility to take a stand against oppression."
"Action, not a lesson. That’s what our queer community members, feeling frustration and loss, need. Upholding free speech includes taking responsibility for the platform. UB can start to heal... with investment in LGBTQ+ people."
"This LGBTQ Faculty and Staff Association stands with our integral and vibrant transgender and gender nonconforming community, and we call on all of our UB leaders and colleagues to do the same."
"We also have to change hearts and minds. When violence occurs in the LGBTQ+ community, it is against the colleagues, neighbors, friends, and families of all of us. And it is our trans siblings and community members of color who are disproportionately impacted by violence."
"This bold art elevates identity intersectionality and challenges us to recognize privilege and equity at the same time we celebrate all that is beautiful about queerness"
"Our hearts are heavy as the rioters of today are reflections of those who raged against police brutality at the Stonewall Inn. Fifty-one years later, the multi-night siege of Greenwich Village, led mostly by trans folks and People of Color, is the reason we commemorate LGBTQ+ pride in June."
The large panels of bright colors fill the most visible crosswalk on the North Campus — on Putnam Way between the Student Union and UB Commons — a bold, visual symbol of UB’s pride and support for the LGBTQ community.
"We hope that a UB Pride Parade will foster an environment of inclusion where students can feel safe and comfortable marching with friends and allies, as well as reaffirming the university's commitment to its LGBTQ+ students."
Similar to UB’s Minority Faculty & Staff Association, which promotes participation and inclusion of people of color in the UB workforce, the mission of the LGBTQ FSA is to contribute to and support a welcoming and inclusive UB community for LGBTQ faculty and staff members.
