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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
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.