Big 12 LGBTQIA & Allies Summit History

Texas Tech University established the Office of LGBTQIA in January, 2017. The Office's mission is to serve the Texas Tech University community through facilitation and leadership of programming and advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) community. The Office also serves as a resource for members of the University community in their practice of 'allyship.' Together, this work sustains an inclusive campus that affirms people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

Prior to the Office's launch in January, 2017, Texas Tech University had been active in supporting the LGBTQIA community, but lacked leadership across the institution to coordinate efforts and develop strategies for a more inclusive educational environment. Nationally, Texas Tech University had a 2 star ranking on the Campus Pride Index, an overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQIA-inclusive policy, program, and practice. Two years later, the institution has risen to a 4.5 star ranking.

Noting the many opportunities and needs, the Big 12 LGBTQIA & Allies Summit was developed as a program of Texas Tech University. The Summit brings together college students, faculty, staff, and community members who are committed to inclusion, access, and equity within higher education and beyond. Throughout this two and a half day gathering, participants have opportunities to network with other leaders and community organizers, engage with social justice advocates through educational programming, and learn from trailblazing professionals for LGBTQIA equality on the national stage.

Plenary Speaker Archive 

2021: Diana Tourjée and Jack Halberstam, Ph.D.

2020: Jennifer Nez Denetdale, Ph.D., Morgan Jon Fox, and Secretary Trey Grayson, J.D.

2019: Judy Bowen, B.S., Brandie Balken, B.S., Tracie Q. Gilbert, Ph.D., Ellen D.B. Riggle, Ph.D.

2018: Bernadette Barton, Ph.D. and Robyn Ochs, M.Ed.

Annual Summit

• Call for Proposals
• History
• 2022 Planning Committee
• Poetry Slam
• Tentative Schedule
• Share the Summit on Facebook
• Institutional Funding Request
• Registration (Opens Dec. 6)
• Sponsorship Opportunities (Coming Soon!)
• Continuing Education Credit (Coming Soon!)