Pride Month: Highlighting McMaster’s student-led Pride Community Centre

As we mark Pride Month at McMaster, we are highlighting and sharing some of the work our community members are doing to support and celebrate members of the 2STLGBQIA+ community here on campus.

We spoke with Mitchell German, the vice-president (administration) and chief administrative officer (CAO) of the McMaster Students Union (MSU) about what students should know about the PCC.

Tell us about the PCC

The Pride Community Centre (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.

The PCC has a physical space in MUSC room 221, where 2STLGBQIA+ identifying students can drop by to explore resources, receive peer support, or simply socialize with other Queer students. The primary goal of the PCC is to educate the McMaster community and work towards a campus free from prejudice and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.

How can students get involved?

Students looking to receive support and engage with the PCC’s programming or resources can stop by MUSC room 221 during the academic year or follow PCC on social media to stay up to date about programming and events (@msu_pride).

If someone is looking to be involved from a volunteer standpoint, applications to be on the PCC Executive Team, be a Safe(r) Space Volunteer, or an Events and Advocacy Committee Volunteer are always welcome. Typically, these applications will be released throughout the summer and into early fall. Keep an eye on PCC and MSU social media, as all job and volunteer opportunities will be posted on the MSU website, https://msumcmaster.ca/.

What is the PCC working on for fall 2022?

Broadly speaking, the PCC continues to plan for the transition back to in-person programming and events at McMaster. More specifically, the PCC executive team has the flexibility to plan events and advocacy initiatives based on the demonstrated needs of the community and individualized goals for the service.

With that being said, the PCC director and assistant director will organize social events, peer support groups and advocacy campaigns, in addition to some of the traditional programming offered by PCC — including things like Pride Book Club, 2STLGBQIA+ Movie Night, Queer History Trivia Night, Community Art Circles, TRANSparent Sex Talks, Queer Bingo, PCC Coffeehouse(s) and of course Mac Pride Week.

What else do you want people to know about the PCC?

The PCC will re-open over the summer months, in anticipation of September. Follow PCC on social media (@msu_pride) for updates and information from PCC throughout the year. Students looking for 2STLGBQIA+-related educational materials can check out the MSU PCC Handbook by visiting the group’s website.

To explore or access PCC recommended resources for the 2STLGBQIA+ community, please see the information below:

LGBT Youth Line
Phone: 1-800-268-9688
Text: 647-694-4275
Website: youthline.ca

Spectrum Hamilton
Website: speqtrum.ca

Trans Lifeline
Phone: 1-877-330-6366
Website: translifeline.org