Notice Board

The University of Lethbridge stands alongside the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to recognize Pride Month under the theme of Allyship in Action Now. Every June, Pride Month brings us together to recognize history and resilience and hear the many voices and stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, employees and the community at large.

This year’s theme intentionally focuses on the importance of authentic allyship, especially in this current social and political climate. It’s important that all of us show up in solidarity and support for our Transgender and queer faculty, students, and staff who are key members of our community. Now, more than ever, allies need to stand up with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to continue to advocate for the equitable treatment and human rights of all queer and transgender individuals and groups.

As an institution, we have learned this year that moments of challenge create important opportunities for reflection, learning and growth. As a university community, we remain committed to listening and engaging in open and respectful dialogue, in our efforts to evolve in ways that strengthen inclusion and belonging for all. We acknowledge recent conversations have been difficult for and within our community, and we remain dedicated to fostering safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where the presence, contributions and experiences of trans and gender-diverse individuals are recognized and valued. The University of Lethbridge, located on the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, also aims to provide intersectional networks for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer students.

Pride Month is an opportunity to support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and to acknowledge the history and the achievements of queer and transgender individuals and groups, who often have to carry the invisible load of societal stigma and educating the public. Being an ally requires moving beyond good intentions to informed action that extends beyond the month of June.

Pride’s roots began in protest for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and ignited a movement for rights, legal recognition and acceptance. The first ever Pride march in the 70s was organized and led by transgender people of colour: Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman, was one of the major faces of the Stonewall Riots in New York City. Decades later, this month continues to remind us that there’s vital work that still needs to be done to be a community grounded in safety, respect and belonging. In Southern Alberta, Lethbridge Pride started in 2007, when a handful of community members hosted a BBQ on the outskirts of Lethbridge and a dance. OUTreach Southern Alberta’s roots go back to 1982 when it started out as SAGE (Southern Alberta Gay Equality).

Take some time to check out the Pride Month webpage and the many activities and resources that can help inform what allyship all year-long can look like. Join us on campus and in community this month for events including the Progress Pride Flag raising event and community barbecue on Tuesday, June 9. Sign up to walk in the Lethbridge Pride Parade with ULethbridge on June 20 and don’t miss the Bookstore and Q Space at Pride in the Park. The Accessibility, Belonging and Community Office also invites everyone to join an Active Allyship Workshop online on June 17.

There’s power in collective action. Allyship in action means consistent commitment to understanding and advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We all must keep Trans and queer voices central and continue the hard conversations to strengthen institutional accountability. We know it has been challenging given these complex times, but we want to be accountable and keep moving forward.

Through respectful curiosity, open dialogue and visible actions that extend beyond Pride Month, we can get there. Know that you are not alone. Let’s continue to work together to strengthen and support all of our community.

Aka-isam-o’too (Arrived a Long Time Ago) Martha Mathurin Moe
Vice-Provost, Accessibility, Belonging and Community

Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas
President and Vice-Chancellor