Duke LGBT Network thanks the Duke community

As LGBT Duke Alumni, we watched intently as North Carolina voters went to the polls to vote on marriage rights earlier this month. We were disappointed, as undoubtedly many on campus were, with the outcome. There remains much work to be done in North Carolina, and in our communities around the U.S. and the rest of the world, to push for full equality for LGBT-identified people and allies.

However while we are saddened by the results of May 8’s ballot initiative, we watched the run-up to the vote with intense enthusiasm—not just because it would impact our LGBT peers, but because our alma mater was taking a leadership position in the campaign against bigotry and hate. Today, we write to thank you for your work.

On February 17, after dedicated advocacy by students on campus, Duke released an official statement in support of the LGBT community. While the University did not officially oppose Amendment One, the statement sent a strong message that Duke is an inclusive, supportive place for LGBT people. Coming from one of the most prominent institutions in the state, the statement garnered media attention. Duke Together Against Constitutional Discrimination built a formidable and sophisticated campaign and created a space for LGBT people and allies of all political stripes to get involved.

Kicking it off with a wildly popular rally in late February, the Coalition and the Duke community have been committed to raising awareness about the importance of voting. Duke alums Russell and Sally Robinson, who have been married for nearly 59 years, spoke out strongly against the amendment. In April, Duke LGBT Center director Janie Long and alum Steven Petrow spoke with David Jarmul about Amendment One on “Office Hours.”

And on April 16, Duke College Republicans, Duke Democrats and Blue Devils United released a joint statement against Amendment One. That same week, Blue Devils United released a powerful video, “Make it Better,” featuring members from across the Duke community speaking in support of the LGBT community. Just over a week later, the Human Rights Campaign highlighted Duke’s contribution to the fight against Amendment One.

And in the immediate lead-up to voting day, alums spoke out, and two students—one gay, and one an ally—marched across North Carolina in the spirit of civil rights. Duke has announced proudly that the amendment will not affect same-sex partner benefits. And no one will ever forget the image of the blue devil mascot holding the rainbow flag—fiercely.

So while we share the frustration with this step backward felt by LGBT people at Duke and across North Carolina, we want to reiterate how the Duke community’s effort in North Carolina—LGBT people and allies both—was an incredible source of pride for Duke alumni across the United States and around the world.

With gratitude,

Butch Trusty

Maneesh Goyal

Jules Torti

Darren Spedale

Chris Ventry

Todd Sears

Todd Montgomery

Harry Harkins