I am thrilled to be joining the university community this year in celebrating University of Alberta Pride Week 2021. Universities have a key role to play in offering inclusive spaces, resources, and celebrations in support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. I know this from my personal experience as a young gay university student— way back in the 1980s. Feeling a sense of community and support was of such importance to me and my ability to thrive and grow. I want to do all that I can to ensure that all 2SLGBTQ+ members of our community feel that same welcome and support.
The University of Alberta's annual Pride Week reflects on the contributions, achievements, and lived experiences of our 2SLGBTQ+ communities and on the vital work that still needs to happen to ensure a safe and equitable environment for all.
While we cannot gather in-person this year and we will all miss the annual celebratory parade, the pride banner will be raised above the Administration Building on North Campus from March 8 - 15. Thanks to the leadership of the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies & Services, students, staff, and faculty have planned a series of virtual events on March 8-13, 2021, on topics ranging from queer music history to inclusive healthcare. Learn more about intersectionality at events like The Black Perspective: An Open Panel Discussion on LGBTQA2S+ Matters in the Black Community.
Pride Week is part of the U of A's ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity. Other campus-wide EDII initiatives include Black History Month celebrated in February, International Women's Day coming up on March 8, and National Indigenous History Month in June. All are part of the multitude of actions we take every day to create a more equitable and inclusive campus community.
On Monday, March 8, at noon, I’ll be at the virtual Pride Week opening ceremony with my husband, Saffron. I look forward to seeing you there!
Bill Flanagan
President and Vice-Chancellor