The Pride flag will be raised on campus for Pride Month, in recognition of every individual’s right to equality, and of the richness that 2SLGBTQ+ individuals bring to our communities.

Whether you are 2SLGBTQ+, gender questioning or unsure, you belong here and we celebrate you year-round.

As the Equity and Inclusion Office says, “Pride is more than parades, events, and festivities; it is a profound acknowledgment of the struggles, victories, and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities throughout history. It is a reminder that everyone deserves respect, dignity, and the freedom to be their authentic selves.”

Click here for the full statement and event information.

Here is a list of local events, organizations and resources to celebrate or support the diverse individuals who enrich our community. Please check back as we will update it all month.

Events

• The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office at McMaster, in partnership is organizing a free virtual event, Beyond hashtags and rainbow washing: allyship in practice with Samra Habib, in partnership with  the Gendered and Sexual Violence Prevention and Support Program  at Wilfrid Laurier University.

The June 5 event will explore what allyship that drives meaningful change actually look like, and how institutions can ensure that their support for queer lives goes beyond performative gestures.

Click here for more information or to register.

The Equity and Inclusion Office is also organizing a free virtual Lunch and Learn workshop June 17 on Creating Safer and Inclusive Campuses for 2SLGBTQIA+ people/communities. Facilitated by Christine Hsu and Sookie Bardwell of Challenge Accepted, it will include a foundational understanding of diverse identities and experiences and tips on allyship for staff and faculty in supporting colleagues and students at McMaster.

Click here to learn more or register

The Student Wellness Centre is organizing in-person events and blog posts revolving around Pride.

• Visit the Pride Pop-Up table in MUSC on Thursday June 6 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Join Queer Trivia June 12 in the Wellness Lounge
• Come to the Pride Social June 25 in the Wellness Lounge.

Follow SWC on Instagram for more information on Queer Trivia and the Pride Social when it’s available.

The Faculty of Health Sciences, in partnership with Rainbow Health Ontario, has organized an interactive webinar Tuesday June 11, part of a two-part event to enhance staff and faculty’s understanding and support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community members in health-care settings.

Local non-profit group Pride Hamilton will hold its outdoor celebration in August.

Organizations and resources

Click here for the Student Wellness Centre’s resource page for people who are a part of or looking to support someone who is a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

MSU Pride Community Centre, or PCC is a student-led, peer support service provided by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) specifically for students who identify as part of the 2STLGBQIA+ community. In addition to providing confidential peer support, the PCC provides educational programming and advocates to challenge attitudes and norms that oppress the 2STLGBQIA+ population, helping establish a safe(r) space for Queer folx on campus and in the GTHA. Click here to follow them on Instagram.

LGBT Youth Line provides service for youth, by youth that affirms the experiences and aspirations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, 2-spirited, queer and questioning youth in Ontario. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer Sunday to Friday 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. via phone, chat or text services.
Phone: 1-800-268-9688 | Text: 647-694-4275

Good2Talk is a free, confidential and anonymous helpline providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to post-secondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365. Good2Talk serves students at Ontario’s publicly-funded colleges and universities, with a primary focus on those aged 17-25. Phone: 1-866-925-5454

Speqtrum Hamilton is a youth-founded, youth-run, and youth-focused skill-sharing and community building program for queer and trans young people in Hamilton.

Trans Lifeline Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. Phone: 1-877-330-6366

For information about supports and resources, contact equity@mcmaster.ca or the Gender and Sexuality Working Group of the President’s Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community (pacbic@mcmaster.ca).

More information on Pride

Click here for a synopsis of Pride history or click here for a chronicle of Canadian Pride history.

What do the letters in LGBTQ2S+ stand for? Click here to find out.