Pride in our diversity

With the theme of Pride in our Diversity, this year’s Dalhousie Pride Week is all about accessible and inclusive events and programming aimed at celebrating and supporting different 2SLGBTQ+ communities and educating allies.  

The week kicks off today (Thursday) in Halifax with a flag raising ceremony on the Studley Quad at noon.

Dal's Human Rights & Equity Services (HRES), along with various centres, services, departments, offices and programs on campus and in the surrounding community, have planned a number of events and activities for the week, which runs from July 19-29.

"At Dalhousie, Pride Week is all about sharing and learning how
we can come together to take action and help create a more welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all 2SLGBTQ+ communities," says Verity Turpin, Dal's acting vice-provost of student affairs.

Separate Pride Week events in Truro, including a flag raising on the Agricultural Campus, participation in the local parade and many campus events, got underway last Friday and wrap up today.

Parade, supports, advocacy and more

Today's flag raising ceremony in Halifax, a partnership between Dal and the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU), will be followed by a guided conversation on intersectional 2SLGBTQ+ identities in the Student Union Building's Council Chambers (2nd floor). All are welcome.

And as in past years, Dal invites any students, staff, faculty, alumni and family or friends to join the university's contingent in the Pride Parade. Happening this Saturday (July 21), interested individuals are asked to meet at the start of the parade route at noon. Those who'd rather show their pride from the sidelines are invited to join the Dal Cheering Section in front the Medjuck Architecture Building.

Guests at Dal’s Cheering Section will also have a chance to meet Landon Getz, a Dalhousie PhD student, before and during the parade. He’ll be there with the Faculty of Science’s Ask a Scientist campaign to answer questions about bacteria, environmental microbiology and what it’s like to be a “queer scientist.” Earlier this month, Getz was proud to celebrate the first-ever International Day of LGBTQ+ People in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. He’s looking forward to celebrating inclusive and welcoming communities again with fellow Haligonians this weekend.

“Science is for everyone: join us to learn about more about what we do, and how we do it,” he says.

The following day, Halifax Pride and Dal welcome any and all to the first-ever Katchup — a Halifax Pride Brunch. Kicking off at noon at the Garrison Grounds, there will be pancakes, bacon, coffee and mimosas followed by a performance from Symphony Nova Scotia. Tickets are $10.

Other events happening as part of Dalhousie Pride Week include a closed Pride Day Drop-In (July 21) for queer, trans, intersex and 2 spirit individuals; a workshop on healthy relationships; sessions on pinkwashing and the commodification of Pride; and a coffee-house event put on by the International Centre and Residence Life.

For full details on all events, visit dal.ca/showyourpride