Building SAIT Pride

An international symbol of pride and acceptance, the bands of stacked primary colours on the rainbow flag reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ2+ community — something SAIT is celebrating on our own campus with Pride Week.

With events from a Drag 101 workshop to the second annual Rainbow Reception, Pride Week will give our employees and students a chance to mix, mingle and show their #SAITPride. The initiative, which runs from Monday, Feb. 4 to Friday, Feb. 8, is the work of the SAIT Student Association and the Pride at SAIT committee — whose mandate is to promote inclusivity at SAIT.

"A diverse student population is the new normal for SAIT and all other post-secondary schools in Canada," says John Partington, Pride at SAIT committee member at large.

"We have an obligation to support equality and inclusion on campus."

The impact of allies

Whether you're a part of the LGBTQ2+ community or not, the way you show your support can take many forms, says Partington.

"Being an ally is about taking action in your own way with the resources available to you."

You never know the positive effect your efforts might have on someone - Partington's own experiences have shown him the lasting impact of an enthusiastic ally after Tom Bornhorst, Associate Vice President, Learner and Academic Services, participated in the Calgary Pride Parade for the first time two years ago.

"He brought his family — including his young daughter — to march with us. It was in this moment that I realized our efforts and initiatives with the Pride at SAIT were starting to change the culture of this institution as a whole.

"It was especially meaningful to me because I could see that the impact of the parade would be far reaching. His daughter would grow up to remember this experience, and it would hopefully shape her world view for the better as the next generation of young adults."

Pride week at SAIT

Come celebrate all the colours of the rainbow with these spectacular events.

Tuesday, Feb. 5
11 am - 1 pm: Drag 101 Workshop (AA128, Heritage Hall)

• discover the history of drag
• learn how to transform yourself into a drag queen or king

Wednesday, Feb. 6
10 am - 2 pm: LGBTQ Mix & Mingle and Out of the Closet Clothing Sale (Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre)

• second hand clothing sale
• games, coffee and Timbits at the study alcove tables

Thursday, Feb. 7
5 - 9 pm: Rainbow Reception (Symposium room, Campus Centre)

• live entertainment by Fake Mustache 
• food and drink

Email An Tran to RSVP for events.