In 1971, at what was then West Georgia College, students and faculty member Dr. Ara Dostourian began a GLBT activist organization in coordination with a similar group in Atlanta. They were inspired by the Stonewall Riots in New York, NY and the related organization of pride marches across the country. Under the guidance of Dr. Dostourian, the organization strived to fight for equal rights for GLBT persons, to create positive visibility on the West Georgia College campus, and to improve the lives of GLBT persons in the campus community.

The organization has survived on campus since then, in one form or another, though it has undergone many changes in advisorship, name, level of outreach and support, and membership.

Most recently, from the mid 90's to the present, our organization has undergone some serious changes in name, structure and purpose. We have developed from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance, to the Gay Bisexual Straight Alliance, to our current name: Lambda. Lambda's mission is still inspired by the original ideals of the organization started by Dr. Dostourian; however, Lambda is directed by three main focuses developed in the past few years: education, outreach, and support . Until 2001, these alone were Lambda's constitution. They came to inspire the mission and purpose set out in Lambda's current constitution.

Currently, Lambda has a strong but broad mission. Lambda seeks to foster and create an open, honest and supportive environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning persons and their allies in and around the State University of West Georgia. In order to do this, Lambda seeks to promote education of LGBT history, rights, struggles, and issues; to celebrate the diversity that exists among the UWG community; and to inspire understanding and acceptance, especially of LGBTQ persons. Additionally, we strive to create an active and dynamically supportive environment for LGBTQ persons to attend. This is largely carried out by our weekly meetings.

NEWS: After over thirty years on campus, Lambda has finally received an office! It is in Row Hall (near the UCC). We will be moving into it within the next two months, and more information (room #, phone #'s) will be posted then.