Queer Straight Alliance records, 1977-2025

The Queer Straight Alliance at Montana State University (MSU) was founded in March 1977, by group president, Christopher Silberhorn. The student group was first organized under the name LAMBDA Gay Alliance. The Queer Straight Alliance provides a safe, friendly environment for the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other identities) members, as well as creating political awareness, social activities, and informaation to the community of MSU. Other names the organization has been known by include Q-MSU and Gay Straight Alliance.

The larger national organization, LAMBDA Legal (LAMBDA Legal Defense and Education Fund), was founded by a group of volunteer lawyers when Attorney William J. Thom won a 1973 court case, gaining the right to found LAMBDA as a legal nonprofit organization in New York. By supporting efforts in impact litigation, societal education, and public policy reform, LAMBDA Legal stills works today to advance the civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities as well as those with HIV/AIDS. LAMBDA Legal is responsible for winning several landmark cases such as Taylor vs. Rice in 2012 since their inception.