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As a community that strives to think differently, act with purpose and work together, we flourish when we bring together different ideas, perspectives and lived experiences. A diversity of perspectives helps us see the world in different ways and encourage innovation and discovery.
Pride in our stories
Trans and Non-Binary Equity Strategy
This strategy reflects UWaterloo's institutional commitment to fostering a campus where all gender identities and expressions are respected, supported, and included. Informed by the experiences of non-binary, transgender, and queer members of the campus community, it outlines actionable steps toward lasting change. The goal is to ensure that equity and belonging are embedded in the fabric of our policies, practices, and everyday interactions. The Office of EDI-R, in collaboration with Campus Wellness, gathered and analyzed data to develop concrete recommendations for institutional change.
Events on campus
Celebrate Pride with Writing Possibility workshop
June 6 | 1:00PM-3:00PM
Location: Health Expansion Building
Need a breather? Join Dr. Markus Harwood-Jones (@Markusbones on TikTok) for an interactive workshop on storytelling as a strategy for survival, resistance, and radical joy— particularly among 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This event is open to all students, staff, faculty and postdocs in the Faculty of Health. Space is limited.
Registration required.
Community Corners: Pride Month
June 11 | 2:00-4:00PM
Location: Office of EDI-R (EC5, Level 2)
An event created for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty to connect in joy, reflection, and community care. Whether you come to reflect, relax, or reconnect, you’re welcome here.
Tour of Special Collections & Archives
June 16 | 2:00-3:00PM
Location: Dana Porter Library, Special Collections and Archives
Join Jessie, Librarian at Special Collections & Archives (SCA), to learn more about our holdings on Queer culture and the history of Mathematics and Computer Science. Come for the whole hour or drop by as you have time!
Table Talk Series: Collecting and Understanding Queer, Trans and Non-Binary Data
June 16 | 12:00-1:30PM
Location: EC5 - Office of EDI-R, Level 2 or Online (choose your preference when you register)
Staff and Faculty are invited to an insightful presentation on the challenges and best practices for collecting and interpreting data about queer, trans, and non-binary communities.
Queer Life Fair
June 17 | 11:00AM - 3:00PM
Location: SLC Great Hall
Join GLOW for a vibrant celebration of queer life, filled with affirming spaces, queer-friendly resources, and opportunities to connect with campus groups and local organizations. Whether you’re seeking support, looking to build community, or just want to celebrate who you are, this is the place to be!
QTWELL series for Grad Students
June 18 | 11:30 AM - 1:00PM
July 23 | 11:30 AM - 1:00PM
Location: Virtual
Join the Queer and Trans Wellness (QTWELL) conversation, a virtual drop-in group where you can embrace your authentic self, celebrate your individuality, and connect with a 2SLGBTQIA+ counsellor.
Special Collections Tour – Pride Edition
June 24 | 10:00- 11:00AM
Location: Dana Porter Library
Visit the Special Collections and Archives (SCA) to explore materials focused on Queer culture and health. Join for the full hour or drop by as you can.
Learn more!
Lunch Out Loud: Grad Pride Social
June 26 | 12:00-2:00PM
Location: SLC
Looking to meet other 2SLGBTQIA+ Grad Students?
Experience connection and community. Enjoy a free pizza lunch, drinks and snacks, play some games or just chat with others!
Register here.
Queer Film Series: Matinée Screening of "Rosie"
June 26 | 2:00- 4:00PM
Location: Princess Cinemas
In honour of National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month, the Faculty of Mathematics, in collaboration with the Office of Indigenous Relations and Princess Cinemas, invites you to a special matinée Queer Film Series screening of the film Rosie!
Register here!
Celebrate Pride Month with Kindness and Authenticity
Be You at Waterloo creates space to talk about mental health promotion through an intersectional lens. Join programs and activities throughout Pride month designed for 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Create open dialogue that contributes to supportive and inclusive narratives across our campus.
Whether you're exploring who you are, supporting someone you care about, or advocating for inclusion and equity, we invite you to embrace Be You at Waterloo.
Be Kind to Yourself and Others
Kindness is powerful—and it starts from within. For those living at the intersection of multiple identities, being kind to yourself means acknowledging your whole self and making space for growth, rest, and healing.
Reflection or discussion questions:
- What’s one small act of kindness you can offer yourself today that acknowledges the fullness of your identity?
- How do you balance showing kindness to others while taking care of your own well-being?
Embrace Your Authentic Self
Embracing your authentic self means making space for all the facets of your identity, your culture, gender, history, and lived experiences. Intersectionality reminds us that no one lives a single-issue life. Be true to yourself, especially when navigating different spaces that haven’t always been safe or inclusive.
Reflection or discussion questions:
- How do you honour and celebrate all the parts of who you are?
- How do you balance authenticity with the pressures of social or cultural expectations?
Take Pride in your Progress
Progress is personal—and powerful. Acknowledge your journey. For many 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those with intersecting racial, cultural, or disability identities, the journey can come with many systemic barriers that require individuals to self-advocate.
Reflection Questions:
- How do you acknowledge and celebrate your growth—even when it doesn’t look like someone else’s?
- How would you support someone who may be struggling to take pride in their progress, wherever they are in their journey?
Connect with the Be You at Waterloo initiative
Learn more about the Be You at Waterloo initiative and partner with the Campus Wellness, Health Promotion team on student mental health initiatives. This could look like expanding on an existing event with a Be You activation or developing a program from scratch, bringing Be You to the core of your event plans. Connect with Grace Wong Chong, student mental health coordinator, to get started.