Maybe it was a roommate who stood up for a member of the LGBT community. Maybe it was a faculty member who incorporated LGBT topics in his or her class.
The NIU LGBT & Women’s Resource Center is gearing up for the 10th annual Ally Awards ceremony, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, in the Regency Room of the Holmes Student Center.
The Ally Awards recognize individuals, departments and groups who have shown support in one way or another for the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) community during the school year.
“What’s really great is that anybody can nominate anyone who has had an impact on them,” said Molly Holmes, director of the LGBT & Women’s Resource Center.
At least 30 individuals will be recognized in the ceremony next month, which kicks off LGBTQ Awareness Month.
The Ally Awards will also acknowledge more than 50 people who completed ally training through the LGBT & Women’s Resource Center. Ally training, which takes place each semester, is a two-part program that helps the trainees better understand the LGBT community and build from that foundation to see what they can do to become a better allies.
The event is also a part of NIU’s Celebrating Excellence, which highlights the accomplishments and contributions of NIU students, faculty, staff and alumni to the university’s mission of promoting excellence and engagement.
“Our goal is to always recognize the individuals who make a difference,” Holmes said, “and this event allows us to really celebrate the campus community on a higher level.”
Ally Awards are co-sponsored by Prism, the Presidential Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and the LGBT Studies Program.
For more information, call (815) 753-5428 or email lgbt@niu.edu.
by Chonce Maddox
