1969 was a pivotal year for the Queer (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) community as it sparked the first true start of the Queer civil rights movements. It was then that the Stonewall Riots made a resounding impact on LGBT communities everywhere and mobilized people to make their need for civil rights known and put an end to discrimination and harassment by the police and other discriminatory authorities.

Shortly thereafter a Rutgers University student, Lionel Cuffie, envisioned and molded the Rutgers Homophile League, the second ever collegiate LGBT organization in the United States, as a response to what had occurred at the Stonewall Inn. The purpose of this organization was to create a safe and friendly environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender students attending Rutgers. The Homophile League also served to provide a new voice to the university community. Thus, it enabled queer students to take action at various levels in the political sphere and work towards attaining respect as well as the right to freely enjoy being part of the Rutgers community without facing harassment or discrimination.

Over time, the Rutgers Homophile League had evolved into what is now the Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Rutgers University (BiGLARU). A little more than 20 years after Lionel Cuffie formed The Homophile League, BiGLARU was shifted into national spotlight when it's president, James Dale, challenged the discriminatory values of the Boy Scouts of America. As an effective and devoted leader, Dale nationally exemplified the values and determination that is closely held by the queer Rutgers community.

BiGLARU over 30 years later

Now, over three decades later, we still continue to serve the LGBT community in its mission to strive for universal acceptance and equality.

Major goals of BiGLARU include:

1) To provide a safe and supportive environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and questioning students on both the political and social level.

2) To advance the issue of acceptance, respect, and civil rights for the queer community both on-campus and beyond.

3) To foster and encourage both the polititcal and social growth of its members.

4) To increase queer visibility through rallies and events such as World Aids Day, National Coming Out Day, The Day of Silence, and Queer Appreciation Week.