Hidden Threads 

With the materials stored in the Mercer University Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Initiatives, we compiled a concise timeline of important events and moments of public debate. We recruited a team of passionate students to conduct research on this issue. Our team consisted of all LGBTQ+ identifying students dedicated to restoring queer history at Mercer. Each contributor conducted research and interviewed Mercer faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other influential figures from Mercer’s history. 

Hidden Threads delves into topics including Mercer’s development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies; the severance between the Georgia Baptist Convention and Mercer; the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people on campus; and the personal experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ+ Mercerians. Through this comprehensive exploration, the project aims to shed light on the historical significance of the LGBTQ+ community at Mercer and create a more inclusive and supportive environment on campus. 

To read full interviews from this project please access, The Treatment of Us. It is available at Jack Tarver Library.

"My first year at Mercer, I had no idea about MTS or the GBC severance. I had no idea who April Trussell was or the history of LGBT+ Mercerians. I felt betrayed by the lack of inclusion at Mercer so I decided to change it. I advocated for the preferred name policy and my campaign was a success. However not many know about my work. So I asked myself, who else has done the work? Who else put in the work to allow me to have the access to even run a campaign like I did. Bringing this timeline together brings credit to all the LGBT+ Mercerians and allies of our history. The hard work of the University, students and faculty to protect academic, religious freedom needs to be known. Mercer students of past and present need access to this history."

 - Bekehm Mohn