Brandon University celebrates Pride Month

Brandon University (BU) is celebrating gender diversity during Pride Month.

The rainbow flag is being proudly displayed on the front of Clark Hall this month in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ members of the BU community and everywhere.

“So many people work hard to promote gender equality, and we’re proud to host faculty- and staff-driven initiatives to ensure that all genders receive equal and fair treatment, as well as student-run groups such as the BU Gender Empowerment Collective,” said Cheryl Fleming, BU’s Diversity and Human Rights Advisor. “These groups remind all of us that for as much progress as we have made, we still have a long way to go in achieving true equality. Pride is a time to reaffirm our commitment to creating a world free from discrimination, where everyone can feel safe and valued for who they are.”

Brandon University normally takes part in the Brandon Pride Festival, but events have been postponed for the second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fleming said that it’s still a month to celebrate, and she is sharing many of her favourite resources with BU staff, faculty and students.

“I am so inspired by the 2SLGBTQIA+ people in my life for their inclusiveness, the courage to be themselves, the love and support they show to their community, and they don’t allow the world to dull their sparkle,” she said.

“Since we are not able to gather as a group, I hope that everyone will take some time on their own and with their loved ones to learn more about Pride and to celebrate inclusivity.”

Among them are the Sexuality Education Resource Centre’s (SERC’s) online Lunch & Learn Series, including an introduction to Brandon’s Trans Health Clinic with Dr. Kelby Treloar on Monday, June 14 from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16 at the same time the Lunch & Learn Series topic will the “The History of Pride.” Email Brandon@SERC.mb.ca to register for either of these free events.

Fleming also recommends streaming some of the films, documentaries and series presented on CBC Gem’s “Watch with Pride” available at Gem.CBC.ca/category/celebrating-pride-month/featured-all/09f36f93-afa7-4ea1-9844-2af09f124f48.

The final item on Fleming’s Pride Month to-do list is a browse of the Queer Events website for important milestones in the history of Pride across Canada at QueerEvents.ca/Canada/Pride/History.

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