Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) presence was stronger than ever this Pride Season.
Students and employees showed their pride in a number of community celebrations over the summer. Trina Prince, Manager of Culture and Wellbeing in the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities (OEIC), says KPU’s involvement demonstrates solidarity to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
“It’s important for us to be at Pride and to show that we care about our students, employees and faculty who are a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” says Prince. “We’re showing that we’re proud of who we are by being at these events.”
KPU’s Pride Advocacy Group and the OEIC kicked off the season at the Surrey Pride Festival in June. Volunteers representing KPU interacted with community members and handed out buttons, stickers and colouring sheets.
In July, KPU celebrated Pride in White Rock with week-long celebrations including a flag-raising, a Pride ride and the Love is Love fundraiser gala.
In August, more than 40 volunteers took part in KPU’s annual Toonie Brigade at the Vancouver Pride Parade. Volunteers carried a giant rainbow flag along the parade route to collect donations for the Vancouver Pride Society Community Bursary Fund, handed out merch and danced to festive music.
In the years to come, Prince hopes to see KPU’s involvement expand through the OEIC and the Pride Advocacy Group.
“This is definitely the most involved KPU has been in Pride so far,” says Prince. “Every year we’re going to continue to look at what’s happening locally and take part in celebrations to our best abilities.
“We want to show that we’re dedicated to the work we do and that it isn’t just performative, but it’s action-oriented.”
Click here to learn more about Pride initiatives at KPU.