Celebrate Campus Pride: Embracing equity, diversity and inclusion at Loyalist College

Belleville, ON, Nov. 17, 2023 – From Nov. 13 – 20, Loyalist College proudly raises the Pride flag for Campus Pride Week, which includes a series of events and celebrations emphasizing the importance of understanding, illuminating and integrating the diversity of identities within our campus community.

Led by the Pride on Campus student club and supported by Loyalist Student Government, the series of events across the week leads up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20. This weeklong initiative highlights Loyalist College’s commitment to honouring those impacted by anti-transgender violence and to cultivating a culture of understanding, respect, and inclusivity on campus.

“Loyalist College is committed to cultivating a caring, inclusive campus environment where all students, employees and visitors feel safe and welcome,” says Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “Campus Pride Week is an important opportunity for Loyalist to reaffirm our commitment to acceptance and inclusion and to celebrate the contributions of our LGBTQ2S+ community members.”

Engagement from the student body has been particularly inspiring, with the college’s Pride club at the forefront of this initiative. Brianna Hill, an Advanced Filmmaking student and Pride on Campus club member, noted that Campus Pride Week is an important time for celebration, along with education for students unfamiliar with what Pride means. “Our student population is incredibly diverse, and it’s important that everyone sees themselves represented on campus,” says Brianna. “The world isn’t always a safe place for LGBTQ2S+ people, and we want to ensure that all our students feel welcome and encouraged to be themselves at Loyalist. We invite everyone to participate in Pride Week, even if you don’t consider yourself a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community.”

Students kicked off the Pride Palooza celebration this week with DIY jewelry and tote bags, candy, music, and games in Residence Commons. The Shark Tank Pub was awash with Tie Dye for Pride on Wednesday, hosted by the campus Pride club. On Thursday night, Werq the Mic entertained and uplifted the Loyalist community with a spectacular drag show in the Shark Tank Pub, and Pride Pub Night on Friday will be hosted by the one and only Drag Queen Rowena Whey.

Campus initiatives, including comprehensive support services, educational programs, and inclusive campus policies, speak to the transformative power of education in creating a more equitable society, serving as a reminder of the importance of community and inclusivity.

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