UCLA Lambda LGBTQ Alumni Association
The UCLA Lambda (LGBTQ+) Alumni Association is a volunteer-led network of LGBTQ+ alumni and friends who support one another, UCLA students, and the broader LGBTQ+ community through social events, professional networking opportunities, community service, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities. We are proud to be one of the nation’s oldest and most established LGBTQ+ alumni organizations.
Explore this network
our name and history
Formally established in 1989 by Doug Walters ’90 and Corinne Lightweaver ’85, the UCLA Lambda Alumni Association is one of the oldest LGBTQ alumni organizations in the country. Alongside a storied history of LGBTQ activism, UCLA is also home to the first-ever LGBTQ college publication, OutWrite.
Lambda is the eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet and was first chosen as a symbol for the LGBTQ movement when it was adopted in 1970 by the New York Gay Activists Alliance, symbolizing a growing movement of gay liberation. In 1974, the lambda was subsequently adopted by the International Gay Rights Congress held in Edinburgh, Scotland. From there, the lambda became internationally popular. The meaning and logic behind the symbol are highly debated among activists and historians.
Lambda Alumni Association events
follow our socials
resources for students
scholarship & support
UCLA Lambda Alumni Association awards scholarships to deserving Bruins each year thanks to the generosity of our passionate donors. In addition to funds to support scholarships, we raise money for our annual operations including events held for students and alumni.
If you’re interested in supporting our fundraising efforts or programming for our student scholars, please email us at lambda@alumni.ucla.edu.
funds to support
Lambda Alumni Association general fund
Donate to this fund to support our programs, events and activities.
Lambda Alumni Association scholarship fund
Donate to this fund to help us provide scholarship support to students interested in LGBTQA studies, activities or have a demonstrated history of community service to the LGBTQA community.
mentorship
UCLA Lambda Alumni Association aims to foster meaningful relationships between alumni and current UCLA students. With a focus on social and professional networking, our goal is to support students in exploring ways to maximize their UCLA experience and prepare for the future.
If you are interested in supporting future career and professional development programming for our students, please email us at lambda@alumni.ucla.edu.
We also encourage you to explore the UCLA One platform and create a profile. This will offer you additional opportunities to engage in an expanding Bruin community of alumni and students dedicated to career and professional development. If you have any questions about the UCLA One platform, please email ace@support.ucla.edu.
leadership
UCLA Lambda Alumni Association is a volunteer-led organization. Board positions are open annually in the fall with terms beginning on January 1. Many board members begin their journey as volunteers with our network. Please reach out to us at lambda@alumni.ucla.edu to get involved as a volunteer and learn more about our organization.
chair
Bobby Rimas ’94
secretary
Kaya Foster ’10
treasurer
Ana Romero ’04, M.A. ’17, Ph.D. ’22
alumni engagement chair
Aurora Garcia ’14
communications chair
Enrique Gutierrez ’15
fundraising chair
Alec White, MBA ’25
student support chair
Tyler Peters ’24