Tomorrow, June 1, marks the beginning of Pride Month, an opportunity to celebrate our 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members and promote acceptance, solidarity and inclusion among individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
I am proud of the respectful and welcoming community we have fostered at Durham College (DC). As we continue to focus on being an equity-driven college, we are uniquely positioned to emphasize equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging for our employees as we prepare students to become leaders and contributing members of our community. By embracing this responsibility, we can embed these ideals into the fabric of DC and evolve our work from a compliance mindset to a broader mandate to live our values.
It’s also important to acknowledge that Pride Month serves as a reminder of the struggles and losses experienced by members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. This emphasizes the ongoing need to end biphobia, transphobia, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination and harassment.
As a visible demonstration of our commitment to support our 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, we will raise the Progress Pride Intersex Inclusive Flag tomorrow at both our campuses, for the month.
To support our community’s continued learning, understanding and empathy for others, the DC Library has curated a collection of Pride Month resources. DC’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion has also recently shared a number of local events, activities and ways to get involved in Pride Month.
Everyone has a place at DC. As a DC community, I encourage everyone to be an ally today – and every day – and ensure that we work together to provide safe and inclusive spaces where people feel they belong.
