"At Waterloo, we know that creating a truly inclusive university requires working together with purpose and accountability. It means listening carefully, learning continuously and thinking differently to remove barriers so that every member of our community can thrive."
— President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel
Pride in our stories
Events on campus
Rainbow Week @ CMH
Monday, June 1, 2026 - Friday, June 5, 2026 | All day
Location: CMH Eatery
Enjoy a Pride month-inspired limited-time menu featuring vibrant, globally inspired flavours, alongside a series of fun activities like a colouring contest, free temporary tattoos, and cupcake decorating.
QTWELL
Wednesday, June 10 | 11:30AM - 1:00PM
Location: Online
Are you a 2SLGBTQIA+ Graduate Student? 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.
Lunch Out Loud: Grad Pride Social
Thursday, July 16 | 12:00-2:00PM
Location: Arts Quad
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! Come as you are and embrace your authentic self!
Lunch Out Loud: Pride Picnic Edition
Thursday, June 25 | 12:00-2:00PM
Location: Arts Quad
Looking to meet other 2SLGBTQIA+ students and folks across campus and celebrate Pride together? Join us for our Pride Picnic, a relaxed and welcoming space to connect, build community, and enjoy being yourself.
Trans and Non-Binary Equity Strategy
Guided by the voices of community members most impacted, the Strategy released in 2025 outlines 28 recommendations to advance gender equity across the University of Waterloo.
Work is now underway to move these recommendations into action through coordinated projects and initiatives led by units across campus.
Together, this work reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, and its work to create lasting, systemic change for trans and non-binary communities. Full implementation of the Strategy is expected by the end of 2028.
Shop the W-Store Pride collection
Show your Pride with some University of Waterloo swag!
Resources
Making Space programming
Specific programming where Trans, Nonbinary, and 2SLGBTQIA+ students can use Athletics and Recreation spaces in a safe, comfortable, inclusive, community-driven and fun atmosphere.
View programming for the spring 2026 term →
2SLGBTQIA+ Resource Hub
An open course on LEARN provides resources for instruction, research, and self-education on gender diversity, trans and non-binary issues, and 2SLGBTQIA+ issues.
Learn more about the hub and how to register →
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.