Gender & Sexuality Resource Center

Nancy Belowich-Negron was the Director of the Disability Resource Center at UAlbany for more than 30 years. During that time she served as the lead trainer for the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) and spearheaded the development of Safe Space training. Although Nancy retired in 2013, her spirit and resolve continue to flow through the lives she touched at UAlbany. This award is given to a UAlbany community member whose dedication to deliberate dialogue around intersectional identities embodies Nancy’s spirit and who has continued to forge Brave Safe Spaces on campus either through their work with the Safe Space Program or other campus commitments.

This award recognizes a UAlbany faculty or staff member whose leadership promotes understanding and inspires others to improve the climate for the LGBTQ+ campus community.

The Excellence in LGBTQ+ Scholarship or Creative Works Award is given to an LGBTQ+ faculty, staff or student whose research, publishing or creative work forges brave new paths, or whose research or work furthers LGBTQ+ scholarship and representation.

After leaving the University at Albany, known then as the New York State College for Teachers in Albany, Harvey Milk (‘51) became a teacher in NYC before moving to California where he became the first openly gay man elected to a public office. This award is given to a University alumnus who, upon leaving the university, has made substantial contributions to social justice issues in their work or community involvement.

The Gender Warrior Award is given to a faculty member, staff member, student or department that has made a substantial impact on issues of gender equity, who has challenged the barriers and constructs of gender and promoted social justice.

This award recognizes a UAlbany department which has made a significant, sustained contribution to furthering LGBTQ+ inclusion through its work or resources on campus or in the community.

This award is presented to a department, faculty member, staff member, student or student group that dreams boldly and whose dedication and passion bring new resources and inspire others.

This award recognizes UAlbany students, faculty or staff members who make outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ resources on campus or broader communities without holding an elected office within an organization.

This award recognizes a UAlbany department, student, student group, faculty or staff member who has made outstanding contributions to LGBTQ+ initiatives on campus or in the broader community. UAlbany has seen a large increase in resources and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and strives to recognize and remember those who have contributed to this success but who may not have been formally recognized.

An ally is defined as someone who advocates, serves on committees, mentors or provides ally development for the benefit of the LGBTQ+ campus community. This award recognizes a UAlbany department, faculty, staff, student or student group who has supported and advanced the LGBTQ+ and allied campus community.