The statistical portrait suggests the value of celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Canada.
Nathan Buchanan, Vice President of Communications, MSVUSU
Many Halifax businesses participate in pride month every June to show their support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The name “Pride” was termed to encourage those feelings as the community comes together to celebrate and bolster rights to those that belong to marginalized groups.
MSVUSU General Manager, Reed Hanlon is a proud member of the Pride community and uses this month as a platform for advocacy and education. “Pride is as important today than it was when I came out twenty years ago,” says Hanlon. “Pride is still a focal point for advocacy, education and celebrating our lives as we see fit.”
The importance of celebrating pride
Every year, Pride Month celebrates the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of people who identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Through the uplifting of inspiring voices, listening to heartfelt stories being shared from Pride heroes, and educating ourselves on the history of pride through academia works authored by folks from the 2SLGBTQIA+ fraternity, pride is a time for reflection, introspection, and understanding how we can reposition a societal movement for future generations coming up behind us.
Hanlon uses Pride month as an opportunity to reflect. “While we must celebrate, we should be mindful of the sacrifices made by those who refused to be silent and worked to secure a freer world for our communities."
Andi Kpolugbo is a quintessential advocate and is passionate about creating change at the Mount. She is member of the BIPOC community and was recently hired to manage the Pride Centre.
“Pride is an important celebration of the many members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” says Kpolugbo. “We must also remember its origins in the fight for the rights of our community.” Andi is committed in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students regardless of sexual orientation. As the Pride Centre Coordinator, Andi seeks to build a positive environment within the Student Union space that promotes inclusivity, friendliness, and expression.
The Pride Centre
The Pride Centre is a Student Union service for sexually marginalized and gender diverse groups and allies for a place to learn and authentically express themselves. Located in Rosaria 213, the Pride Centre is part of our ongoing initiative in supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ folks on campus.
“The MSVUSU Pride Centre is a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ members of the MSVU community,” says Andi, the Pride Centre Coordinator. “Through our various resources and services, we aim to empower, educate, and support members of our community.”
The pride centre is currently closed over the summer, but Andi is excited to welcome back students in the fall. “Although we are not currently offering in-person services, feel free to contact us at supride@msvu.ca.”
Join the community
According to StatsCan, there are over one million Canadians who identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For all those represented, they are tasked to face challenges and barriers that many other people don’t experience. For MSVUSU Queer Representative, Skyler Anadkat, community means everything. “During pride month taking some time to recognize the contributions of our community through history is important. We have to come together as diverse groups of people that become our chosen family and support systems.”
Allyship is another pillar of joining the community. People who identify with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community wrestles through the ups and downs daily that we can’t sympathize with. They might feel voiceless. But as an ally, we can stand in their corner and show our support.
Pride month presents an opportunity to become part of a societal movement and advocate for change. Repositioning where we stand in the future starts with you. So as Andi puts it “take time this month, and year-round, to celebrate, learn, and flourish.”
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