Milestones of Progress
1971
The Gay People’s Union forms and seeks recognition as an official student group at UMKC but is denied.
1973
University of Missouri Board of Curators rejects the Gay People’s Union and a similar group at MU.
1976
UMKC and MU student groups sue the UM System on grounds that their rights to free speech and assembly have been violated. The District Court rules in favor of the UM System.
1977
The Federal 8th District Court of Appeals rules in favor of the student groups.
1990
The Gay and Lesbian Student Alliance — now known as the Pride Alliance — is formed.
2002
The First Safe Space Training is conducted at UMKC.
2003
UMKC creates an LGBT Office for UMKC students, allies and community members to use as a safe space.
2005
First Lavender Graduation ceremony is held in honor of LGBT students and allies.
2006
The Advocate College Guide names UMKC to the list of 100 Best LGBT-Friendly Universities.
2008
The Pride Empowerment Scholarship Breakfast, which raises funds for the LGBTQIA Pride Empowerment scholarship program, begins.
2011
Newsweek ranks UMKC No. 5 on its Gay-Friendly Campus rankings.
2013
UM Board of Curators votes to expand health insurance coverage and other benefits to same-sex couples for University of Missouri workers throughout the four-campus system.
2014
UMKC hosts the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference in Kansas City.