Pride@SBU aka as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Faculty and Staff Network at Stony Brook University, is a mixture of social events, resources, support, education and advocacy.

We are committed to creating and maintaining an open, safe and supportive environment for the LGBT faculty, staff, students, alumni and the entire campus community.

Membership is open to all SBU faculty, staff and alumni who support our mission of diversity and acceptance. To join the listserv PrideatSBU-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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In the News...

-Join Facebook's group Stony Brook LGBTA Alumni. They are presently trying to organize a LGBTA reunion for during homecoming on 10/9/10.

-Summer 2009- Stony Brook HSC United University Professions Chapter adds an LGBTQ committee.

This is a mirror of the statewide LGBTQ ad-hoc committee which was only recently created at the winter 2009 delegate assembly. While these committees may be new, the issues affecting the LGBTQ are not. This fledgling chapter committee will give voice to the unique concerns of UUP members who identify with or have family members in the LGBTQ community. The committee's efforts will be in the form of networking (ex. Pride at Work), simple emotional support, addressing potential contractual issues and addressing equal rights under the law as well as inclusiveness and non-discrimination in our workplace.

They are currently looking for people who would like to join this committee. Please contact Dan Fischer (Pharmacy) or call the union office 444-1505 to leave your name if you are interested. http://uupsbhscsite.org

-Congratulations to Jeremy Wilson our 2009 Pride Scholarship winner!

-Marylou Stewart steps down

After 25 years of active involvement in the LGBT faculty staff network (founded in the early 1970’s) the last 10 of which serving as President, Marylou Stewart has stepped down as of November 30, 2008.

“It has been great over the years to be a part of the LGBT faculty and staff network.  Some of our major accomplishments include the Pride Scholarship Endowment which began in 2004, two fabulous winter concerts with the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus and New Century Singers, Coming Out Day, Spring Pride Dance, many delicious potlucks and summertime BBQs.   I’m especially proud of the group’s active roll in getting Safe Space implemented here on campus this year. It was wonderful to see the support from so many different departments on campus and all walks of life.”

Advocacy in the LGBTQ community has been, and will always be a passion of Marylou’s, and her decision to step back from the group has been a difficult one. 

As one door closes another one opens.  We’re at a pivotal time in history, President Obama promises great strides for LGBT civil rights, yet at the same time Prop 8 threatens to  take us backwards in terms of same sex marriage. 

So here in lies the challenge of Pride@SBU.  New leadership and involvement is needed to move the group forward.

-Safe Space Starts!

Results from the Stony Brook University 2004 Campus Climate Survey indicate:
*Over 40% of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered respondents report that they have observed harassment based on sexual orientation by faculty/staff over the previous two years. (2004 Campus Climate Survey)
* Nearly half (49.5%) of LGBT people are not “out” in their departments. (2004 Campus Climate Survey)

28 faculty, staff, and students were in the "Train the Trainer" class on June 26th. The day long training provided them with the ability to start the 3 hour Safe Space classes starting this Fall semester.

32 faculty, staff and students were trained on October 30th. They are all now Safe Spaces and trainers. Look for the buttons and stickers.

Contact Chris Tanaka at ctanaka@notes.cc.sunysb.edu or call 632-9666 to sign up for training and get your sticker to display.

This program is being sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Affirmative Action, Center for Prevention and Outreach, the Employee Assistance Program, the Department of Psychology, the Department of Physics and Astrology, and Pride@SBU.

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-Film Festival Featured Two great LGBTQ films:

The Stony Brook Film Festival featured two films on July 20, 2008.

The Secrets. Naomi, the brilliant and pious daughter of an ultra orthodox rabbi, finds herself at a crossroads when her mother dies and she is expected to immediately marry her father’s protégé. Distressed yet determined, she begs her father to allow her a year of study at a woman’s religious seminary in Safed, the birthplace of the Kabala. The Secrets presents the complexities of friendship between two young women and their involvement with a mysterious older woman who lives nearby. An adult story of youth, rebellion and desire. Produced by Avi Nesher, David Silber, Edgard Tenenbaum, André Malignac, Sharon Harel, Moshe Edery, Leon Edery and Liat Benasuly. Director of Photography: Michel Abramowicz, A.F.C. From Monterey Media, Inc.

Tru Loved. Tru, a 16-year-old high school student from San Francisco, is uprooted from her gay-friendly home by her lesbian moms and moved away—not only from San Fran but from her gay dads—to a new, decidedly more conservative neighborhood in suburban Southern California. Her non-traditional family makes her a bit of an outsider—until the high school football hero and big man on campus takes a liking to her. A traditional boy meets girl love story…or is it? Produced by Antonio Brown and Stewart Wade. Director of Photography: Howard Wexler.

Both films were excellent!

VIP green room with Stewart Wade (Middle in tan)

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-Congratulations to Athena Yoneda our 2008 Pride Scholarship winner!