This interview, conducted by Melissa Olson, Head of the Archives department at UW-Parkside, explores the origins and impact of the Gay and Lesbian Organization (GLO) on campus. Taking place on June 12, 2023, the discussion features John Powilaites and Morten Sunde, two of the founding members who began their work on GLO in 1991.
Through their reflections, the interview delves into the challenges of establishing a visible LGBTQ+ presence at a time when support networks were limited, as well as the broader cultural and social shifts that influenced their activism. By recounting their experiences as students and advocates, Powilaites and Sunde provide valuable insights into the importance of representation, community-building, and the resilience required to create lasting change.
The interview highlights the broader historical context in which GLO was founded, addressing both the personal and institutional obstacles faced by LGBTQ+ students at the time. Powilaites and Sunde discuss the early efforts to form a support system, the challenges of visibility on campus, and the resistance they encountered, including vandalized posters and reluctance from students to openly participate. Despite these hurdles, their determination helped establish a space where LGBTQ+ individuals could connect and find solidarity. Their stories offer a compelling narrative about activism, identity, and the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in higher education, making this interview a crucial record of local history and social progress.