A message from the Office of the President
Each year in June, Pride Month celebrates the diversity, history, contributions, and achievements of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, while also raising awareness about further progress needed for equity and justice. We acknowledge that we have a lot more work to do on campus to create a safe and just environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and faculty, and we are committed to that work.
While Pride Month is a time for celebration and joy, it is important that we stand in solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ students, faculty, staff and alumni throughout the year to ensure that all members of our community can access the same rights and privileges.
We do not tolerate hateful, harmful or violent rhetoric targeting campus community members and would encourage anyone experiencing harm, discrimination, marginalization, or struggling during Pride Month or any time throughout the year to seek support from Campus Wellness or the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism.
At the University of Waterloo, we are grateful to be the home of the Glow Centre – the oldest continuously running queer and trans student organization in Canada. We are proud of, and thankful for, the work they do to support and advocate for students.
Pride Month serves as a platform for advocacy and education. In our most recent equity survey results, 26% of student respondents did not identify as heterosexual or straight. While progress has been made in recent years, 2SLGBTQIA+ people continue to face significant challenges, including discrimination, violence and a lack of legal protections, which disproportionately impact racialized trans and non-binary people. Pride events and activities provide opportunities for University community members to gather with one another, raise awareness, deepen relationships, share information and advocate for change.
Beginning this month, Pride colours will be on display at the main campus, as we unveil rainbow walkways outside the Dana Porter Library and at campus main entrances (University Ave. and Columbia St.). These walkways are a visible symbol of the importance of inclusion on our campuses, specifically, that every member of our community belongs here and plays a unique role in our success.
For the first time on our campus, the Two-Spirit Pride flag will be flown this month, alongside the Intersex-Inclusive Progress flag. The Two-Spirit Pride flag represents our on-going commitment towards the indigenization of our campuses.
Both flags reflect the intersectional work being done across our institution to ensure that everyone at Waterloo feels like they belong. Many other activities are planned this month to celebrate Pride Month across our campuses, and I would encourage you to take part.
Strong, engaged communities are those that provide a voice and a sense of belonging to all members and we are committed to centering the voices of the 2SLGBTQIA+ campus community.
Thank you for your contributions to making our community more inclusive. Happy Pride Month!
