OSU Rainbow Continuum Records, 1993-2021

OSU’s Rainbow Continuum is a student-fee funded organization for LGBTQ+ students and allies at Oregon State University. The group’s purpose is to provide resources and a safe space for social activities for LGBTQ+ students, as well as produce educational events for the wider OSU community.

Rainbow Continuum was originally established on November 4th, 1976, by about 10 students, including Thomas Kraemer. To become officially recognized, they asked Professor Gwil Evans to be the group’s faculty advisor; Carol Lane became the first president. The group met in various locations around campus, including the Women's Center (now named the Hattie Redmond Women & Gender Center), Westminster House, and the Memorial Union.

Rainbow Continuum has undergone many name changes over the years as students have joined and left. These names include the original name, Gay Peoples Alliance (chosen over the name Gay Beaver Club), Gay Peoples Association (1983), Gay and Lesbian Alliance (1983 or 1984), Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Association (1993), and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Alliance (1997). The name change to Rainbow Continuum occurred in November of 1999, with a vote of 10-8 over the name Queers and Allies, with both names created to be more inclusive of all sexual and gender identities.

The group (at the time called Gay Peoples Alliance) pursued OSU student-fee funding in the early 1980s and were ultimately denied despite multiple efforts. The first votes occurred in the 1980-1981 school year, where they attempted to get $150. John Helding, then senate member, was the first to propose that they should be funded, and eventually it was seconded, which led to a debate that lasted an hour, ending with an 18-13 vote in favor, but was ultimately dismissed by an Arbitration Committee. Eddie Hickey, an early president of the group, fought for funding for the group in this first vote, as well as in a second vote in 1982. This second vote had an original request for $265, but was cut to $100, a symbolic 1 cent per student, from the $4,400,000 total available from student fees that year. The request was strongly opposed by many on campus, and the request was denied. When Hickey graduated the fight for funding ceased, and no queer group would receive funding until the Queer Resource Center in 2001. Hickey passed away from AIDS in the early 1990s and his legacy was commemorated for many years through the annual drag ball hosted by the group.

Rainbow Continuum started as a social group where queer individuals could meet to discuss issues. It has transitioned over the years to become about education and awareness as well. Since at least the early 1990s, Rainbow Continuum has coordinated Queer Pride Week, which includes a drag show. From 1994-1997, many events were cosponsored with the ASOSU LGBT Task Force that operated during that time, and they have worked closely with the Pride Center since its establishment in 2001.