Dr. Lindsey Churchill

"Human Rights are for everyone --
no matter who you are or whom
you love."
-- The United Nations Free & Equal campaign

The University of Central Oklahoma boasts two new programs designed to supplement gender and sexuality studies on campus. Known collectively as“The Center,” the programs were designed and launched under the leadership of Dr. Lindsey Churchill. She will be recognized on December 10th at the Oklahoma State Capitol -- along with other winners of the 2016 Oklahoma Human Rights award.

Free & Equal is a United Nations
campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender equality

Dr. Churchill arrived at the University of Central Oklahoma in 2012. Since her arrival she has worked for change for women and the LGBTQ+ community. In 2015 she helped found the Center which includes the Women's Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center at UCO. Dr. Churchill currently directs the Center.

The Center has two arms that work independently and/or collaboratively, to engage and advance women and the BGLTQ+ community at the University of Central Oklahoma, the greater Oklahoma City metropolitan region. In 2015 she also created the Gender and Sexuality Studies minor at UCO.

Dr. Churchill directs over 25 students who work on research projects about gender, sexuality, and the community. Some of these projects include a transgender clothing exchange and a documentary about the history of lesbian/feminist activists in OK. Dr. Churchill also helped to secure the donation of over 4000  (many very rare) books about gender and sexuality for UCO. This was the largest book donation in UCO history. Thanks to this donation the Center will have its own library that will be open to the community in 2017.

On September 26-28th of 2016 Dr. Churchill organized the Inaugural International Gender and Sexuality Studies Conference. This conference featured nearly 100 presenters from 7 different countries and 30 universities.

You're invited to attend the presentation of the 2016 Human Rights Awards on Saturday, December 10th, in the House Chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The program will begin at 10am. It will be emcee'd by former State Representative Seneca Scott. There is no charge to attend. Following the awards program, you are invited to enjoy a Free Speech Forum in the Senate Assembly Room from 12 Noon to 2pm.

Every year, the Oklahoma Human Rights Awards are co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association and the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance.

Previous winners of the award include educators, physicians, students, and community volunteers from many different communities and all walks of life. They are united by their enduring commitment to the values and principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information about the awards program, please contact Wilfredo Santosrivera, 405-631-3027.