The Progressive Pride Flag is once again flying at Lethbridge College as a show of support for the community’s 2SLGBTQIA+ population. The flag was raised this morning outside of the college’s main entrance.
This is the seventh year Lethbridge College has flown the Pride Flag on campus, and the second time it has raised the Progressive Pride Flag. The latest variation features a chevron symbol of white, pink, light blue, brown and black on the left side of the original Rainbow Flag. It promotes inclusivity by recognizing trans individuals, marginalized people of colour, and those who are living with or who have died from HIV/AIDS.
“Lethbridge College is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion,” says Dr. Samantha Lenci, interim President and CEO. “Everyone on our campus deserves to feel welcome and valued, and raising the Pride Flag each June is one way we can demonstrate that commitment.”
Lane Sterr, chair of Lethbridge Pride Fest, also participated in today’s flag raising.
“Attending Lethbridge College’s Pride Flag raising event is something I look forward to each year,” says Sterr. “It’s a time to celebrate Pride in our community, but it’s also a time to recognize the allyship and dedication the college has shown toward the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and other minority groups. It also warms my heart to see these efforts made year-round because through them, I truly believe we are strengthening future generations of students.”
In addition to celebrating Pride month, Lethbridge College has a dedicated Pride Lounge where members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies can meet and socialize. A student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) ambassador is based in the Pride Lounge throughout the academic year. Employees are offered 2SLGBTQIA+ awareness and ally training, and there are several gender-neutral washrooms located across campus.
“Whether it’s through our student EDI ambassador, a survey to understand the inclusion experience of our 2SLGBTQIA+ employees, or the working group that identifies ways to demonstrate meaningful support to our 2SLGBTQIA+ students, Lethbridge College is an equal opportunities institution during Pride month and beyond,” says Michelle ní Dochartaigh-Derbich, EDI strategist and lead researcher. “We believe everyone should be ready, be proud and be you!”
To further support Pride month, Lethbridge College will be entering a float in the upcoming Pride Parade on Saturday, June 25. College volunteers will make their way along the parade route from Civic Centre Park to Galt Gardens where the 14th annual Pride in the Park will take place. For details on the parade, Pride in the Park and several other events happening in the community this month, visit the Lethbridge Pride Fest website. Students, alumni, employees and friends of the college who would like to take part in the college’s float can contact Kristen DeMone, Lethbridge College community relations advisor.