A rainbow took flight at Lethbridge College this morning as members of the college community gathered for the annual raising of the Pride flag. This is the third year the college has flown the colours of inclusion to show its support for LGBTQ+.
The traditional rainbow Pride flag has been a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community since the 1970s and is said to represent life, healing, sun, nature, harmony and spirit.
“We are proud to show our continued dedication to promoting equality and diversity on campus,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “By hoisting the flag, we are not only saying we support our LGBTQ+ students and partners, but that we embrace all people in this community.”
In addition to the raising of the flag, the college proudly displayed an interactive art piece commissioned by the Lethbridge Pride Fest committee on campus from June 12-15. The piece combined the word PRIDE with an additional heart to represent the six flag colours. Each character was created by a local artist and expressed what it means to be an LGBTQ+ individual.
The art piece totaled more than 30 feet in length and was located centrally on campus for people to view, explore and snap photos with.
“It shows that the college is inclusive and both recognizes queer individuals and supports them,” says Zachary Wigand, vice president and CFO of the Lethbridge College Students’ Association LGBTQ+ Club. “It makes me very proud to be a student at Lethbridge College.”
The college is also taking its support of Pride off-campus as volunteers will band together and march in the Lethbridge Pride Parade for the first time. Members of the leadership team, faculty, staff and students will walk together as a symbol of solidarity and support.
All of the scheduled events support the college’s plan to encompass wider outreach and inclusion in the LGBTQ+ community, as well as provide a safe and nurturing environment for students of all demographics.
“Society is measured by how we treat the most vulnerable and unfortunately that is often the members of the LGBTQ+ community,” says David McFall, Lethbridge Pride Fest Society director at large and parade coordinator. “By getting Lethbridge College’s support out there and visible, we can show people that not only will they be safe on campus but that they will also receive a quality education without the fear of being marginalized.”
The annual Pride parade takes place at noon on Saturday, June 23, and will kick off at City Hall. Parade participants will march toward Galt Gardens where the community will gather to celebrate Pride in the Park.
A full list of Pride week events can be found on the official Lethbridge Pride Fest website.
LISTEN: More reaction to the raising of the Pride flag on Lethbridge College's campus.
- Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO
- Zachary Wigand, vice president and CFO of the Lethbridge College Students’ Association LGBTQ+ Club
- David McFall, Lethbridge Pride Fest Society director at large and parade coordinator