“Initially, people thought that there would be a schism in the gay community [after BOND formed],” says Adam A. Sofen ’01, co-chair of the BGLTSA in 1998 and a former Crimson executive. “Today you will see the two organizations publicizing each other’s activities.”

Smith says there are still differences between BOND and BGLTSA, since the former is apolitical. In fact, Smith was a co-chair of BOND a year ago but switched to BGLTSA because he wanted to be more political.

Michael A. Hill ’02, co-chair of BGLTSA in 2000, describes BOND as a “wonderful thing,” saying the group has “reach[ed] out to many students and [provided] a number of smaller venues where people can interact socially”.

Tremitiere characterizes BGLTSA as “out and proud” and BOND as more “low-profile.”

He also says the formation of BOND is beneficial because neither group is “stuck” in the position of being “the only BGLT group around.”

Former board members emphasize that, while there has been a shift in BGLTSA’s outlook, the shift is not necessarily permanent. The tenor of BGLTSA’s outreach activities, they say, are greatly influenced by convictions of group leaders at the given time.

“There was a shift from a more political outlook to a more social, less controversial outlook,” Sofen says.

“There is no historical trend here, it just depends on a few charismatic leaders,” says Sofen, pointing out that there were many outspoken activists in the organization in the mid-’90s.

Albert S. Cho ’02, BGLTSA co-chair in 2000, makes a similar argument.

“The basic objective is the same, but the approach changes every year with a change in leadership,” he says.

Hill argues, contrary to other members, that BGLTSA itself was “never radical.” But he says some of its members were often “radical and politically-charged” and their occupying board positions was coincidental.

From Pin-Ups to Avarice

Founded in 1970 as the Harvard Gay Students Association before evolving into BGLTSA, the group’s most visible time period in the late ’90s was characterized by controversial activities like the postering campaign.

It was also characterized by colorful leaders with a penchant for publicity-garnering stunts.

In February 2000, Hill took center stage as the star “witness” in the bizarre impeachment proceedings against Undergraduate Council Vice President John A. Burton ’01, who had been accused by some council members of stealing an entire box of gay pride buttons from the BGLTSA and illegally using them for his council campaign.