The faces of SAIT Pride
Like colours unified in a rainbow, Pride brings people together.
It’s a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and a movement for fostering inclusion every day.
Thanks to the ongoing work of the Gender and Sexuality Inclusion Committee (GSIC) and with an institutional Equity, Diversity and Inclusion plan under development, SAIT is enhancing resources for our LGBTQ+ community and affecting positive change.
With a vibrant lineup of Pride events scheduled across campus, we invite you to celebrate with us this February!
To kick things off, hear from three SAIT students — proud members of the LGBTQ+ community — who are helping to build a more inclusive institution.
Arturo Garcia
Pride Student Leader, GSIC | Travel and Tourism international student
“I come from Peru where LGBTQ+ rights remain a struggle, so it was a huge change to come here as an international student and see all the resources available — both at SAIT and in Canada. When I first arrived, I didn’t even think about coming out to my parents. Following a few personal events, I decided to go to counselling here at SAIT. It really helped me find myself. After that, I came out to my parents. It’s not easy, it’s a process — but I’m glad I did it and I’m glad SAIT was a part of it.
“Pride means we’ve all been through a lot, but it’s been worth it. My goal as a Pride Student Leader is to help people in every way I can. To promote love within the SAIT community. To show people they are not alone — we’re all in the same boat and we’ll navigate it together.”
Jess Beddow
VP Student Life, Saitsa | Travel and Tourism student
“Starting a Pride club with Saitsa in 2016 opened a lot of doors for me. I was invited to join GSIC, and together, we’ve completed a number of LGBTQ+ initiatives. SAIT has two permanent rainbow crosswalks, and I’m proud to have brought in the first drag kings and queens to The Gateway. We even have a regular ‘house queen’ who hosts Dirty Bingo!
“To me, Pride means community. It’s celebrating how far we’ve come in building inclusion. It means acknowledging others for being their authentic selves and creating space for them to share that with others. Pride feels like glitter, rainbows and having fun!”
Eddie Visser
Pride Student Leader, GSIC | Baking and Pastry Arts student
“I believe the best way to be inclusive of minority groups is to ask those groups what they want and need to feel included. SAIT does a good job of this, and is creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all different kinds of people. In my new role as Pride Student Leader, I’m excited to plan and rollout events the LGBTQ+ community will love.
“Celebrating Pride means celebrating who I am with people who are like me. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or not, Pride is always fun and everyone’s friendly. It’s such a warm and happy time!”
Join Arturo, Jess and Eddie in celebrating #SAITpride by participating in events throughout February:
Pride Flag Raising
Monday, Feb. 3, 9 – 10 am at the west end of Heritage Hall
Kick off Pride with the raising of the rainbow flag.
Rainbow Hot Chocolate
Tuesday, Feb. 4 in locations across main campus
Enjoy a cup of rainbow hot chocolate from mobile stations located in Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre, Aldred Centre, Stan Grad Centre and the Senator Burns building.
LGBT 101 Open Lab
Thursday, Feb. 6, 11 am – 1 pm in MC015, Reg Erhardt Library
Students and employees are invited to drop in to complete Pride at Work Canada’s course called
LGBT 101: History, Terms, and Phrases. The free training takes about 30 minutes to complete. RSVP by emailing
pride@sait.ca.
Can’t make the event? Employees can take the course anytime through PeopleNOW. Search “LGBT” to get started.
Paint with Pride
Thursday, Feb. 6, 11 am – 1 pm in the Irene Lewis Atrium, Stan Grad Centre
Support Pride and learn about the LGBTQ+ community while finger painting.
Out-of-the-Closet Clothing Sale
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 10 am – 2 pm in the Irene Lewis Atrium, Stan Grad Centre
Donate gently used clothing and revamp your wardrobe by purchasing items from the sale. Proceeds will go to SAIT’s Pride scholarship.
Drop donations off to Madison Kelsey in NN301, Senator Burns building by Friday, Feb. 7.
Can you help out at the event? Sign up as a volunteer.
Rainbow Reception
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5 – 8 pm in the Symposium Room, Campus Centre
This will be SAIT’s fourth annual celebration of SAIT’s LGBTQ+ community. The event will kick off with a panel discussion, followed by live entertainment. You won’t want to miss it!
Register to attend, or you can volunteer at the event.
Visit this page for LGBTQ+ supports and resources or to learn more about Pride at SAIT.