On Thursday, April 3, The Qube held what they called the "Gay Oscars," aka the Gayla, where the Qube gives out "Qubie Awards:. "Student and faculty advocates have been working hard for years to help create this amazing inclusive climate at Stout. The support for the LGBTQ community here is now so active that we need to show recognition for our advocates and allies, simply because they deserve it! We have come a long way and this is how we show our thanks." Angela Oaks, LGBTQ 2014-2015 President tells us.

       One award that I thought was unique was the Debra Davis Award for Transgender Advocacy. This award was named in honor of UW - Stout alumnae Debra Davis, and was given to Dr. Markie Blumer (right). Debra graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor's in education and further completed a Master's degree in communications media technology in 1988. "Ms. Davis went on to become an award-winning transgender educator, activist, and nationally renowned speaker, trainer, and author. She is Executive Director of the Gender Education Center, a Minnesota non-profit organization of transgender people dedicated to support advocacy and education, and winner of over a dozen awards from local and national organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, Curve Magazine, OutFront Minnesota, and Twin Cities Pride," LGBTQ Program Coordinator, Julie Miller told the audience. After Ms. Davis came out in 1998 as a transgender woman at the high school where she was the librarian, she became one of the first successful transitions in the nation of an educator, working directly with students on a daily basis. She continues to support UW-Stout by donating to the Gender & Sexuality Alliance. She shared with us how important it is to continue to support your college after you graduate.