Pride at SAIT

1. Respect confidentiality: Unless given explicit permission to share the information, respect their privacy and maintain confidentiality. Coming out is a personal journey, and it's important to honour their trust.
2. Listen and be empathetic: Create space for them to share their experiences, feelings, and concerns. Be a good listener and show empathy. Avoid making assumptions or judgments.
3. Educate yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about different sexual orientations, gender identities, and the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. This will help you better understand their needs and challenges. A great place to start is with PERS 143: Queer Inclusion and Belonging at SAIT, available to staff and students.
4. Use inclusive language: Be mindful of the language you use and make an effort to use inclusive terms. Respect their preferred pronouns and gender identity. If you're unsure, politely ask them what pronouns they prefer.
5. Create a safe and welcoming environment: Foster an inclusive atmosphere by promoting respect and acceptance. Encourage open dialogue, celebrate diversity, and address any discriminatory behavior or comments promptly.
6. Be a trusted ally: Stand up against discrimination and actively challenge stereotypes or prejudiced attitudes. Show your coworker or student that you are committed to being a supportive ally in both private and public settings.

Here are five things you can say to show your support:

• "Thank you for trusting me with this. I appreciate your courage in sharing your truth."
• "I'm here for you. If you ever want to talk or need support, know that I'm here to listen."
• "Your identity doesn't change how I see you. You are still the same person I've always known and respected."
• "I want you to know that I fully support you and your journey. You deserve to be happy and authentic."
• "If there's anything I can do to help you feel more comfortable or included, please let me know."

On the other hand, there are certain things you should avoid saying when someone comes out to you. These things can be hurtful or dismissive. Avoid saying these three things:

• "Are you sure?" or "It's just a phase." Avoid questioning or invalidating their identity. Accept their truth without skepticism or doubt.
• "I understand how you feel because I know someone who went through the same thing." Avoid making their experience about someone else or assuming that all experiences are the same.
• "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." While it's important to respect their privacy, this statement might suggest their identity is something to be kept hidden. Instead, focus on creating an environment of openness and acceptance.

Jenna is one of SAIT's Community and Belonging Officers.

She is a dedicated ally of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and has over 6 years of facilitation experience working with youth and young adults, teaching them sexual health, consent, healthy relationships, diversity and inclusion.

You can find her playing at the park with her kids or eating sweet treats when she isn't working.

Lukas is an elder millennial who represents the ‘G’ in 2SLGBTQ+. You’ll find him in the kitchen baking up delicious treats or in the digital world of video games.

He’s passionate about connection and collaboration and believes we’ve come a long way as a community, but there’s still work to be done.

He believes bringing people together is the first step in creating a better world for everyone, and we can make that happen through collaboration. If you see him around, say hi or reach out if you want to connect!

Mackenzie is a Dual-Credit Coordinator on the Youth Initiatives Team at SAIT. With a background in teaching and supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth, she has dedicated her career to fostering environments where equity and justice are at the forefront. Her passion for advocating for all voices, especially those in marginalized communities, drives her commitment to creating inclusive spaces both in and out of education.

Outside of work, her home is a lively one. She and her partner share it with three adorable hairless cats and an exuberant Australian Labradoodle who keeps everyone on their toes. She loves spending time at home to be with all her fur (and furless) babies.

Ashley is a Chinese Canadian settler who enjoys combining her love for education and the arts to build stronger, healthier, more vivid communities.

Ashley is a Strategic Youth Initiatives Coordinator with Student Services and looks forward to doing more great work with Pride at SAIT. Ashley is an ally of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities and has spent years working with youth to co-create safe and empowered spaces to be their own unique and authentic selves. 

She is a huge cat lady and a passionate house plant collector. She often thinks of herself as a house plan whisperer! Feel free to say hi if you see her around!

Aidan has been a SAIT instructor in Academic Services since 2013, teaching courses in Communication and Liberal Arts. In her role as course lead, she has been involved with developing curricula that fosters inclusion and diversity, and as an instructor she strives to create safe and empowered classroom spaces. She is a passionate ally and advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community and is thrilled to offer her expertise in the role of Education and Training Coordinator with the Pride at SAIT Committee.

Outside of work, she enjoys writing, travelling, walking or biking around Nose Hill, and hanging out with her son.

Kate is part of the communications team #HereAtSAIT.

She’s passionate about building community and telling stories that bring people together. As an ally of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Kate joined the Pride at SAIT committee to support initiatives to make campus a safe and inclusive space for students and staff.

Outside of work, she enjoys going on strolls with her bulldog and fostering pups needing a temporary home.

After 7+ years of experience working in disability services around Calgary, Amanda has taken her passion for accessibility for people from all backgrounds and extended it to Accessibility Services here at SAIT. There she does her best to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable.

Often found sitting in contorted positions in her office chair, this bisexual gal is excited to be welcomed into the Pride Committee, where she looks forward to helping out with many events around campus.

Outside of work, Amanda can be found playing D&D or boardgames, getting into adventures with her dog Beans, or honing her skills at one of her many hobbies.

John is the Director of Community and Belonging at SAIT. He brings ten years of progressive experience in higher education administration and is a founding Pride at SAIT Committee member.

Originally from Ottawa, ON, he holds a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, a Master of Arts from McMaster University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Bishop’s University.

• February 2023
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