pride flagged raised at the Student Centre

Pride and Trans flags fly over U of T

Jelena Damjanovic
Members of the University of Toronto community gathered at Varsity Stadium on Friday for the fourth annual raising of the Pride flag, to mark the start of Pride month. 
 
For the first time this year, the Trans flag was raised as well, in a nod to the transgender community on campus.
 
Ira Jacobs, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, welcomed everyone and spoke about the faculty’s and university’s continued support for the LGBTQ+ community.
 
“Not only does this event signify the beginning of Pride month, it also shows our dedication to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion at all levels – in research, education and our broad spectrum of co-curricular physical activity and sport programs, and student-driven initiatives,” he said.
 
It’s a sentiment much appreciated by Michelle Campbell, member of the KPE Student Council and Equity Movement Team, who invited U of T’s LGBTQ+ community to show up, take space and get comfortable.
 
“The raising of the Pride and Trans flags serves as a reminder to all members of the LGBTQ+ community that they are not alone and that there is a place for them both here at the university and in sport,” she said.
 
Kelly Hannah-Moffat, vice-president of human resources and equity, recalled that the first Pride flags were raised in San Francisco 40 years ago and shared her pleasure at seeing Pride flags everywhere and in different forms today, symbolizing LGBTQ+ identity and solidarity with the community.
 
“As you celebrate Pride month with your families, friends, partners, colleagues or allies, please remember that we here at U of T are celebrating with you,” she said.