Municipal organizations held Day of Pink Mar.24 to promote LGBTQ awareness and anti-bullying. The event was part of the Queer Student Alliance’s Pride Week.
“I’m here with the CCGSD, which is the Canadian Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity,” said Logan Young, a first-year child and youth care student.
“We’re promoting our annual Day of Pink gala which is on April. 13. This year it’s being held at the Horticulture Building. It’s a gala to raise awareness of homophobia and transphobia.”
“It’s also an opportunity for fundraising since we’re a non-profit organisation and we run completely on donation,” said Young.
One of the important reoccurring theme, other than inclusion and respect, was security. It’s important for all students, including members the LGBT community, to feel safe at Algonquin College.
Jennifer Mathews, a member of the administration staff for security service, was promoting the AC security mobile application.
“In the application, there are emergency phone numbers for the campus which you can tap to call security,” said Mathews.
“There’s also a campus map if you’re unfamiliar with the college. You can also report suspicion activity. If you see something, say something.”
“It’s important for students to feel secure on campus,” said an energetic Mathews.
In addition, to reinforce the sense of security, the Ottawa Police GBLT liaison committee were also present.
“We are a stepping stone for the community. We do a lot of fundraising during Pride Week, as well as outreach and interaction with the community,” said Christine Drummond, an Algonquin alumni.
“We’re here to make ourselves visible to the college. Knowing that you have the police in your corner is something a lot of people, coming to the table, had no idea existed. We’re here for you,” said Drummond.