Ontario Tech marks Pride Month

Every June, Ontario Tech University celebrates Pride Month in recognition of the progress made to achieve equal rights and inclusion for 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual) individuals, and to affirm and honour their lives.

Pride Month takes place in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots that took place in New York City in June 1969. This date in history served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement and 2SLGBTQIA+ activism.

Pride Month honours 2SLGBTQIA+ voices and experiences while drawing attention to the issues members of the community still face, and highlights the continued importance of resisting various forms of transphobia, biphobia and homophobia.

Join Ontario Tech Pride Month celebrations:

Raising the Pride flag

Ontario Tech, along with Durham College, will raise the Progress Pride flag (pictured above) and host a flag recognition ceremony on Wednesday, June 1. Raising the flag signifies that all people are welcome and belong at Ontario Tech.

Pride flag recognition ceremony:

• When: Wednesday, June 1 from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
• Where: The Pit, Gordon Willey Building.

Pride Picnic

In collaboration with Durham College, the university will host a Pride Picnic for campus community members. The picnic will include performances, food and festivities.

• When: Wednesday, June 1 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
• Where: The Pit, Gordon Willey Building.

For more information about the Pride Picnic, contact the university’s Student Engagement and Equity department.

Initiatives and discussion groups for students

The university’s Office of Student Life hosts several events and discussion groups that focus on equity and inclusion. These initiatives provide opportunities for students to share ideas, find community, learn from one another and promote a culture of empathy across the university.

June’s initiatives:

• Let’s Talk Sex Workshops:
  • Affirming 2SLGBTQIA+ Language: Wednesday, June 1.
  • Queer History: Wednesday, June 15.

Digital campaigns

The Office of Student Life will share a Pride Toolkit on the university’s student-driven Digital Community.

Literature collection for the Campus Libraries

Check out the Pride Month and a gender identity literature collections compiled by the Campus Libraries.