Pride / en Թϱ holds flag-raising ceremonies across its three campuses to mark start of Pride Month /news/u-t-holds-flag-raising-ceremonies-across-its-three-campuses-mark-start-pride-month <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Թϱ holds flag-raising ceremonies across its three campuses to mark start of Pride Month</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-06/tricampus-2.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=d1aqDp2X 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-06/tricampus-2.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=NN0GCDQh 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-06/tricampus-2.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=91g3ZVVs 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-06/tricampus-2.jpg?h=81d682ee&amp;itok=d1aqDp2X" alt="photo montage of pride flags being flown at UTM and St. George campus and a colleciton of pride buttons at UTSC"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-06-04T16:21:00-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - 16:21" class="datetime">Tue, 06/04/2024 - 16:21</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>(photos by Nick Iwanyshyn, Don Campbell and XiaoXiao)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/jelena-damjanovic" hreflang="en">Jelena Damjanovic</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-secondary-author-reporter field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/don-campbell" hreflang="en">Don Campbell</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-kinesiology-physical-education" hreflang="en">Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/st-george" hreflang="en">St. George</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">Թϱ Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">Թϱ Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">"Let us celebrate the progress we have made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead"</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Flags have been raised across the University of Toronto’s three campuses to mark the start of Pride month.</p> <p>At the St. George campus, the Progress Pride flag was hoisted above Varsity Stadium during an event hosted by the Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education (KPE) and the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office.</p> <p><strong>Gretchen Kerr</strong>, dean of KPE, welcomed guests at the event and noted that June is also the start of National Indigenous History Month – a reminder that fighting for 2SLGBTQ+ rights also means fighting for an end to all forms of oppression.&nbsp;“I’m old enough to remember the&nbsp;Toronto bathhouse raids&nbsp;in 1981 and the violence exerted against the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We’ve made progress since then, but we can’t take our feet off the gas pedal,” Kerr said.</p> <p>"Raising the Progress Pride flag today at Թϱ is essentially important as we mark Pride within the context of our ongoing efforts to address many systems of oppression, discrimination, and harassment,” said <strong>Jodie Glean-Mitchell</strong>, Թϱ's executive director of equity, diversity and inclusion.</p> <p>"Pride Month is a time to celebrate the contributions that 2SLGBTQ+ people and communities have made –&nbsp;and continue to make – &nbsp;across the university. It is a time to educate ourselves on the past and present lived experience of queer and trans people. Most importantly it's a time to push back, a time for resistance... There is purpose in us being here. We have work to do. But we can only do it together."</p> <p>At Թϱ Scarborough, the More Colour, More Pride and Trans Pride flags were raised to mark the beginning of Pride Month.</p> <p>“Each of us will choose to mark this day in different ways,” said <strong>Cherilyn Scobie Edwards</strong>, senior director of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office (EDIO) at Թϱ Scarborough.&nbsp;</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-06/utsc.jpg?itok=qjPSeVF5" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Left: Թϱ Scarborough community members gather to mark the start of Pride Month. Right: Cherilyn Scobie Edwards,&nbsp;senior director of equity, diversity and inclusion, delivers remarks</em><em> (photos by Don Campbell)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Edwards noted that not everyone has the privilege of being able to celebrate Pride. “It is my hope that today we continue to note that the struggle for freedom and acceptance has not ended and that the fight for true freedom continues,” she said.</p> <p>Professor <strong>Linda Johnston</strong>, acting vice-president of Թϱ and principal of Թϱ Scarborough, and <strong>Diana Pearson</strong>, equity, diversity and inclusion coordinator with the EDIO, also offered remarks.</p> <p>The ceremony was followed by a courtyard celebration in front of the Arts and Administration Building featuring snow cones, a Pride balloon display, interactive floral mural and a welcome table set up by the&nbsp;Positive Space Committee.</p> <p>Pride flags were also raised at Թϱ Mississauga last week.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-06/utm.jpg?itok=lHHSxNek" width="750" height="500" alt="&quot;&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>The Progress Pride flag is raised at Թϱ Mississauga (photos by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Back at Varsity Stadium, <strong>Jasmine Lew</strong>, a kinesiology major and track-and-field athlete who was nominated by their peers as the 2SLGBTQ+ community impact honouree, said the raising of the Progress Pride flag is a deeply meaningful moment. “Let us celebrate the progress we have made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead,” said Lew, “and let us recommit ourselves to building safe and brave spaces that empowers us to love who we love and live authentically.”</p> <p>Wrapping up the event,&nbsp;<strong>Terry Gardiner</strong>, KPE’s director of equity, diversity and inclusion, said the raising of the Pride flag represents “a rallying call for all of us, as a community, to continue to work together to bring to life our vision of truly inclusive societies for everyone, everywhere.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:21:00 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 308059 at Թϱ kicks off Pride Month with flag-raising ceremonies across its three campuses /news/u-t-kicks-pride-month-flag-raising-ceremonies-across-its-three-campuses <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Թϱ kicks off Pride Month with flag-raising ceremonies across its three campuses</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2023-06/tricampus-pride.jpg?h=bfddd6a9&amp;itok=NC8MPG7y 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2023-06/tricampus-pride.jpg?h=bfddd6a9&amp;itok=8kS7mqva 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2023-06/tricampus-pride.jpg?h=bfddd6a9&amp;itok=B_DuZdcm 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2023-06/tricampus-pride.jpg?h=bfddd6a9&amp;itok=NC8MPG7y" alt="pride progress flag raising at the 3 Թϱ campuses"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>siddiq22</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-06-01T15:26:13-04:00" title="Thursday, June 1, 2023 - 15:26" class="datetime">Thu, 06/01/2023 - 15:26</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>Flags were raised at Թϱ Mississauga, the St. George campus and Թϱ Scarborough to mark the beginning of Pride Month (photos by Angelia Meffe, Polina Teif and Don Campbell)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/jelena-damjanovic" hreflang="en">Jelena Damjanovic</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/kimberly-howard" hreflang="en">Kimberly Howard</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/shauna-rempel" hreflang="en">Shauna Rempel</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/varsity-stadium" hreflang="en">Varsity Stadium</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/equity" hreflang="en">Equity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-kinesiology-physical-education" hreflang="en">Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/lgbtq" hreflang="en">LGBTQ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-gender-diversity-office" hreflang="en">Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/st-george-campus" hreflang="en">St. George campus</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">Թϱ Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">Թϱ Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The University of Toronto kicked off Pride Month celebrations on its three campuses Thursday with flag raising ceremonies and associated events.</p> <p>As the Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education (KPE) prepared for its annual flag-raising on the St. George campus,&nbsp;<a href="https://kpe.utoronto.ca/staff/canete-ivan"><strong>Ivan Canete</strong></a> thought back to when Toronto <a href="https://www.worldpridetoronto.com/">hosted WorldPride back in 2014</a>&nbsp;– in particular, the flags that lined Bloor Street.</p> <p>The event prompted the assistant manager of merchandise, apparel and ticketing sales for the KPE’s sport and recreation department&nbsp;to suggest a flag at Varsity Stadium. So, <strong>Beth Ali</strong>, Թϱ’s director of athletics and physical activity, tasked him with developing an accompanying ceremony.</p> <p>“I drafted a modest model and we held the inaugural ceremony in 2016,” Canete said. “We added the Trans flag in 2017 and transitioned to the Progress Pride flag – which includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of colour, along with the colours pink, light blue and white, which are used on the transgender Pride flag.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2023-06/2023-06-01-Progress-Pride-Flag-Raising_P-Teif-2-crop.jpg?itok=_QmDezQh" width="750" height="500" alt="Թϱ pride related merchandiese" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>KPE’s annual event, hosted&nbsp;in collaboration with the <a href="https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/">Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office</a>, takes place alongside similar ceremonies at Թϱ Mississauga and Թϱ Scarborough, as well as other Pride-related events at the university throughout the month.</p> <p>At Թϱ Mississauga, the Pride Month launch barbecue and flag-raising opened with a performance by Danielle Migwans, an Indigenous drummer from M'Chigeeng First Nation and the community of Wikwemikong.</p> <p>For the first time on the campus, Թϱ Mississauga is displaying a 2-Spirit flag alongside the More Colour, More Pride flag.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2023-06/23_UTM_8-crop.jpg?itok=zx5rlRvQ" width="750" height="500" alt="pride festivities at UTM" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(Photo by Angelia Meffe)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Professor <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/vp-principal/announcements-news-and-events/appointment-professor-nicholas-rule-vice-principal-academic-and-dean"><strong>Nicholas Rule</strong></a>, incoming vice-principal, academic and dean, said the chance to speak at the Թϱ Mississauga’s kickoff event was meaningful in multiple ways.</p> <p>“As someone who identifies as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, [I] recognize that in many parts of the world – including in my own place of origin in the U.S. – issues such as anti-Trans bills and attacks on gender-affirming care continue to be pervasive,” he told a crowd gathered in front of the Թϱ Mississauga Student Centre.</p> <p>“Many people are suffering, dying and fighting for rights of equality – something that a lot of us in Canada take for granted. But today I want to focus on the positive by reflecting on how fortunate we all are to be able to gather here on this beautiful campus&nbsp;– on a beautiful day, in the spirit of comradeship&nbsp;– to commemorate and honour this month.”</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2023-06/UTSC0U1A0712-crop.jpg?itok=srPViC9l" width="750" height="500" alt="flowers being assembled in a mural at UTSC" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Don Campbell)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>At Թϱ Scarborough, the More Colour, More Pride flags were raised for the fifth year in a row.</p> <p>“By raising this flag, we honour the experiences and resiliency of gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer people and the experiences of Black, Indigenous and racialized people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Additionally, we raise the Trans Pride flag to represent 2-spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people,” said <a href="https://www.viceprovoststudents.utoronto.ca/nadia-rosemond/"><strong>Nadia Rosemond</strong></a>, Թϱ Scarborough’s assistant dean, co-curricular programs and student leadership, during her opening remarks.</p> <p>“I want to pause and express gratitude and love to our 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff, faculty and librarians at UTSC. I don’t know how often you hear or feel this outside the month of June, but I want you to know that you belong here. You are welcomed here.”</p> <p>The ceremony was followed by a courtyard celebration in front of the Arts and Administration Building with snacks, a unique floral mural marking Pride Month and a welcome table set up by the <a href="https://positivespace.utoronto.ca/">Positive Space Committee</a>.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2023-06/UTSC0U1A0462-crop.jpg?itok=Ev4mZe_6" width="750" height="500" alt="balloons that say &quot;happy pride&quot;" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Don Campbell)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Back at the Varsity Stadium event, Sport and Recreation aquatics instructor <strong>Alex Jung</strong> was selected as the KPE staff guest of honour for his dedication to improving trans pool hours and launching upcoming trans swim lessons.</p> <p>“As we swim through eliminationist policy and transgender athlete bans, I look to the spaces we trans folk grow for us,” Jung said. “I’m excited for more of us to be in the pool, comfortable in our own skin and in the water.”</p> <p><a href="https://people.utoronto.ca/memos/staff-announcement-executive-director-equity-diversity-inclusion-2/"><strong>Allison Burgess</strong></a>, Թϱ’s acting executive director of equity, diversity and inclusion, reminded guests that June is also <a href="https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512">National Indigenous History Month</a> and said raising the Progress flag should be viewed both as a gesture of support for 2SLGBTQ+ communities and a stand against all oppression.</p> <p>“All of this might feel like ancient history – but we know that, sadly, the fight for equity is not over,” said Burgess, adding that Pride is a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ members of the Թϱ community and get involved in Pride Month initiatives across the three campuses.</p> <p>“Simply being here today to help us raise the Pride flag is a political act, but I hope this won’t be the only action you take during Pride Month.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:26:13 +0000 siddiq22 301852 at Թϱ raises Progress Pride flag to mark the beginning of Pride Month /news/u-t-raises-progress-pride-flag-mark-beginning-pride-month <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Թϱ raises Progress Pride flag to mark the beginning of Pride Month</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/jill_01062022_pride_flag-3552-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=nKCbFdTb 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/jill_01062022_pride_flag-3552-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=jGSUOqd1 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/jill_01062022_pride_flag-3552-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=-Iskipcc 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/jill_01062022_pride_flag-3552-crop.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=nKCbFdTb" alt="pride flag flies next to the canadian flag and u of t flag at varsity stadium"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-06-01T15:56:14-04:00" title="Wednesday, June 1, 2022 - 15:56" class="datetime">Wed, 06/01/2022 - 15:56</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">The Progress Pride flag flies over Varsity Stadium on the St. George campus to mark the start of Pride Month (photo by Seyran Mammadov)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/jelena-damjanovic" hreflang="en">Jelena Damjanovic</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-kinesiology-physical-education" hreflang="en">Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/lgbtq" hreflang="en">LGBTQ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-gender-diversity-office" hreflang="en">Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/st-george" hreflang="en">St. George</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">Թϱ Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">Թϱ Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The clouds cleared just in time for the beginning of Pride month celebrations at the University of Toronto this week.</p> <p>The university marked the occasion&nbsp;with a flag raising at Varsity Stadium&nbsp;that was hosted by the Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education (KPE) in collaboration with the Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office (SGDO).</p> <p>Flags were&nbsp;also raised at Թϱ Mississauga and Թϱ Scarborough.</p> <p>At St. George,<strong> Caroline Fusco</strong>, an associate professor at KPE specializing in social justice and equity issues in sport, kicked off&nbsp;the ceremony by sharing what the flag raising meant to her, an Irish-Catholic member of the LGBTQ community who grew up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.<br> <br> “When I represented Ireland in international field hockey, I never got to stand under the Irish tricolour, the national flag of Ireland, because the governing body of Northern Ireland hockey wanted the Irish team to stand under a politically neutral flag,” she said. “And when I came out as a member of the LGBTQ community in Ireland, there was no flag to celebrate my identification.”<br> <br> In fact, she said the first Pride flag was <a href="https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/northern-ireland-councils-pride-flag-hailed-as-phenomenal-move-37155124.html">raised on a government building in Northern Ireland</a> only a few years ago, and that while there have been hostile responses to Pride flags in Ireland over the years,&nbsp;the post office recently produced two special edition rainbow stamps with all proceeds from sales of the stamps going to <a href="https://lgbt.ie/" target="_blank">LGBT Ireland</a>.<br> <br> “So, flags have stories and we have memories of them,” Fusco said.<br> <br> This year, the university raised the Progress Pride flag for the first time. The flag was designed in 2018 by Daniel Quasar, who added a five-colored chevron to the classic Rainbow Flag, which is widely recognized as the symbol of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, to place a greater emphasis on inclusion and progression.&nbsp;<br> <br> The flag includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalized 2SLGBTQ+ communities&nbsp;– the black stripe doubly representing community members lost to HIV/AIDS and those currently living with AIDS – along with the colours pink, light blue and white, which are used on the Transgender Pride flag.&nbsp;</p> <p><img alt src="/sites/default/files/jill_01062022_pride_flag-6383-crop.jpg" style="width: 750px; height: 500px;"></p> <p><em>A flag-raising event at Varsity Stadium was hosted by the Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education in collaboration with the Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office (photo by Seyran Mammadov)</em></p> <p>Fusco&nbsp;said that recognizing Pride month also means recognizing that June 1st is the beginning of Indigenous History Month and emphasized that fighting for LGBTQ rights also means fighting for an end to all oppression.<br> &nbsp;<br> “Our presence here at this flag raising is a dismantling of sorts, a disorientation and reorientation of our thinking&nbsp;– a provocation to look up at the progress flag and encounter the world differently,” she said.<br> <br> Professor&nbsp;<strong>Gretchen Kerr</strong>, dean of KPE, spoke of the faculty’s strong history of leadership in the areas of equity and inclusion in sport, recreation and academics.<br> <br> “In collaboration with SGDO, KPE has expanded training, programs and events to empower and include the 2SLGBTQ+ communities,” Kerr&nbsp;said. “These range from initiatives such as the Athlete Ally, a Varsity Blues program committed to ending homophobia and transphobia in sport, to the Sport &amp; Rec diversity and equity team, a student-led group that organizes inclusive events throughout the year such as the trans-positive swim time at the Athletic Centre.”<br> <br> Kerr also said the faculty has world-renowned researchers in the areas of equity and social justice who&nbsp;conduct research that informs its academic, sport and recreation programs.&nbsp;<br> <br> “The act of raising the flag is another strong signal of our faculty’s and Թϱ’s continued support for the 2SLGBTQ+ communities,” she said. “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 Sport &amp; Rec programs and student-driven initiatives.”</p> <p><img alt src="/sites/default/files/0601Pride006-crop.jpg" style="width: 750px; height: 500px;"></p> <p><em>The Progress Pride flag is raised at Թϱ Mississauga (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></p> <p>Professor&nbsp;<strong>Kelly Hannah-Moffat</strong>, Թϱ’s vice-president of people strategy, equity and culture, said that raising the Progress Pride flag to mark Pride is especially important within the context of renewed and ongoing efforts at the university to address racism and faith-based discrimination.</p> <div class="image-with-caption left"> <p><img alt src="/sites/default/files/utsc-pride.JPG" style="width: 300px; height: 477px;"><em><span style="font-size:12px;">The Progress Pride flag is raised at Թϱ Scarborough.</span></em></p> </div> <p>Moffat reflected on the history and successes of the fight for equity, saying Pride is a time to recognize the invaluable contributions that 2SLGBTQ+ members of the Թϱ community have made – and continue to make – to research and teaching,&nbsp;campus life, services&nbsp;and operations,&nbsp;and across all disciplines.<br> <br> She encouraged members of the Թϱ community to extend their celebration, advocacy and learning beyond Pride Month, noting that ceremonies such as this one serve to celebrate hard-fought progress and as a reminder that our work is never finished.<br> <br> Last to speak was&nbsp;<strong>Raiya Thomure</strong>, who is graduating with a&nbsp;bachelor of kinesiology degree.&nbsp;<br> <br> “It means so much to be able to be up here, taking up space as a queer member of the student body in KPE,” said Thomure, who identifies as a queer, non-binary, Muslim Arab. “As a queer Muslim, I am often tasked with explaining my connection to the faith or my embracing of queerness, but queer and trans* people should not be tasked with the sanitization or suppression of our identities for the comfort of others.</p> <div>"The Progress Pride flag rejects this status quo.”<br> <br> Thomure brought attention to Indigenous communities, saying that inclusion of two-spirit/queer Indigenous Peoples needs&nbsp;to be backed up by inclusion of Indigenous knowledge. They also spoke about the importance of not ignoring gender-based violence against trans* athletes.&nbsp;<br> <br> Thomure did a self-directed research study in their third year at KPE. They investigated online social media abuse towards a trans woman power-lifter and interviewed five different trans* athletes for their fourth year project. Each had experienced transphobic violence in their current or previous places of sport.&nbsp;<br> <br> They and four other students, athletes and alumni of KPE – <strong>Val Gerlings</strong>, <strong>D Bell</strong>, <strong>Matt Dans</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Katie Pajor</strong> – were guests of honour at the event and were applauded for work that positively impacts 2SLGBTQ+ peoples’ access, participation and inclusion at the university and beyond.&nbsp;</div> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:56:14 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 175056 at Reflection and celebration: June events mark Pride, Indigenous history and convocation /news/reflection-and-celebration-june-events-mark-pride-indigenous-history-and-convocation <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Reflection and celebration: June events mark Pride, Indigenous history and convocation</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2023-04/june-events-v2.jpeg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=G2d-EZRY 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2023-04/june-events-v2.jpeg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=UCdeWnzr 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2023-04/june-events-v2.jpeg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=3GL1WZYU 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2023-04/june-events-v2.jpeg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=G2d-EZRY" alt="Canadian and pride flags"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>rahul.kalvapalle</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2021-06-01T13:10:32-04:00" title="Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - 13:10" class="datetime">Tue, 06/01/2021 - 13:10</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p>Flags fly at half-mast in remembrance of the 215 children who died at a former B.C. residential school; dancing is on the agenda at a June 19 virtual pow wow; Թϱ's virtual convocation airs on June 23 (photos by Makeda Marc-Ali, Hannah James &amp; UTSC)</p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/rahul-kalvapalle" hreflang="en">Rahul Kalvapalle</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City &amp; Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/convocation-2021" hreflang="en">Convocation 2021</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/icube" hreflang="en">ICUBE</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/black-grad" hreflang="en">Black Grad</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/accessibility" hreflang="en">Accessibility</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/entrepreneneurship" hreflang="en">Entrepreneneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/indigenous" hreflang="en">Indigenous</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/lgbtq" hreflang="en">LGBTQ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-gender-diversity-office" hreflang="en">Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">Թϱ Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">Թϱ Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>June is among the most eventful months at the University of Toronto,&nbsp;with&nbsp;myriad opportunities for students, faculty and staff to express solidarity, build awareness and celebrate life-changing educational milestones.</p> <p>Թϱ's virtual spring convocation takes place on June 23 this year. It&nbsp;will be book-ended by events that promote inclusion of people with disabilities and celebrate and advocate for LGBTQ+ communities. The month is also a time when the history, heritage and contributions of Indigenous Peoples are commemorated through National Indigenous History Month as well as National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21.</p> <p>This year, with events being reinvented and moved to virtual spaces, there are more opportunities than ever to participate in some of the most important and highly anticipated&nbsp;events of the year.</p> <p>Here’s a snapshot of&nbsp;the notable events taking place virtually across Թϱ in June:</p> <hr> <h3>May 31 – June 4</h3> <p><strong>National AccessAbility Week: Reframing Disability, Embracing Difference</strong></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline"><a href="https://hrandequity.utoronto.ca/news/national-accessability-week-reframing-disability-embracing-difference/">Each day from May 31 to June 4</a>, the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities) Office in Թϱ’s Division of Human Resources &amp; Equity, as well as its partners, will host events and discussions aimed at commemorating the contributions of Canadians with disabilities, celebrating those working to foster greater inclusion&nbsp;and inspiring action on accessibility.</span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">From inclusive curriculum design to accessibility in health-care settings and peer support networks for university employees with disabilities, the National AccessAbility Week sessions will explore a number of ways to eliminate barriers to accessibility, reframe disability and elevate intentional inclusivity.</span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">All events will feature American Sign Language and live captions.</span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <h3 class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">June 1</span></h3> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Pride and Trans Flag Raising</strong></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">The first day of June sees Թϱ kick off Pride month with the official raising of the Pride and Trans Flag at virtual events hosted by all three campuses – the first of a <a href="https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/events/pride/">broad range of virtual events</a> celebrating diverse LGBTQ+ communities.</span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">By raising these flags, the Թϱ community signals its commitment to representation and inclusion of LGBTQ+ across the university. </span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline"><a href="https://utoronto.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvdeCgrTgrG9N0oD0Fp3KcshmbUopgQMAc">Թϱ Mississauga’s virtual flag raising ceremony</a> will include remarks from Vice-President and Principal <strong>Alexandra Gillespie</strong> and a talk by Professor&nbsp;<strong>Elspeth Brown</strong> on the history of LGBTQ+ communities in Mississauga. <a href="https://utsc.utoronto.ca/news-events/our-community/u-t-scarborough-celebrates-pride-month">Թϱ Scarborough’s flag-raising</a> will kick off a month of Pride events around the theme of “Love is Here,” which seeks to embrace a diversity of sexualities and ethnicities while&nbsp;celebrating our differences.</span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <h3 class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">June 3</span></h3> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline"><b>Annual Rainbow Tie Celebration: Moving Forward Together&nbsp;</b>&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">Թϱ Scarborough’s Positive Space Committee invites you to connect with the campus’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community at the <a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yuaFBsboTHuhPDwYNqCUjw">Annual Rainbow Tie Celebration: Moving Forward Together</a>. </span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">The virtual celebration will include a number of special guests including <em>Canada’s Drag Race</em> winner Priyanka, musician, writer and artist Vivek Shraya, comedian Monica Garrido and writer/performer Heath Salazar. </span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <h3 class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">June 16&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></h3> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Թϱ Pride Pitch<span style="vertical-align:baseline">&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">LGBTQ+ students and entrepreneurs can showcase their innovative business ideas and potentially share in&nbsp;$5,000 in prizes at the <a href="https://icubeutm.ca/pridepitch/">second annual Թϱ Pride Pitch</a>.</span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">Organized by Թϱ Mississauga’s Positive Space Committee in partnership with the ICUBE accelerator program, Թϱ Pride Pitch will also feature a keynote from Martha Chaves, a Nicaraguan-Canadian and LGBTQ comedian, actor, activist and playwright.</span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <h3 style="margin-bottom: 11px;">June 17</h3> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><b>Display Your Pride</b></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Use colours, creativity and your personal flair to <a href="https://positivespace.utoronto.ca/event/display-your-pride/">showcase what your Pride looks like at the annual “Display Your Pride” event</a> organized by Թϱ’s Positive Space Campaign.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Whether it’s decorating your room, office or student space, creating a piece of art or designing a virtual background, this is your chance to visually celebrate Pride and support LGBTQ-affirming spaces on all three campuses – and share your creation with the world using the #DisplayYourPride hashtag.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">If you’re looking for inspiration, ideas and tips on how to create physical or virtual crafts, you can take part in a trio of sessions ahead of the event:</p> <ul> <li style="margin-bottom: 11px;">Zoom Pride Backgrounds – June 8, 3 p.m.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 11px;">Hand crafts – June 11, 11 a.m.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 11px;">Macrame – June 14, 2 p.m.</li> </ul> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">This is the seventh consecutive year that Թϱ’s Positive Space Campaign will participate in “Display Your Pride” alongside Ryerson University, York University, Humber College and OCAD University.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <h3 class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">June 19-27</span></h3> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Virtual Pride &amp; Remembrance Run<span style="vertical-align:baseline">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">For the past 25 years, the Pride &amp; Remembrance Run has raised funds for organizations providing cultural programming and health and wellness support for the LGBTQ+ community. </span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline"><a href="https://www.priderun.org/">This year’s Virtual Pride &amp; Remembrance Run</a> will be held virtually from June 19 to June 27, with Թϱ staff able to register to take part in the interactive virtual run as part of a university team led by the Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office and team captain <b>Mark Seymour</b>. </span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <h3 class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">June 19</span></h3> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Honouring our Students Pow Wow</strong></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><a href="https://issupowwow.wixsite.com/my-site">The Indigenous Studies Students' Union will be hosting this virtual pow wow</a> on June 19, an event that will include&nbsp;dancing, drumming, teachings, contests, giveaways and more.&nbsp;</p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px">Held on the YouTube Premieres platform, the fifth annual Honouring Our Students Pow Wow will feature head dancers John Hupfield and Cedar Smoke, special guests and Elders.&nbsp;</p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <h3 class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom: 11px;">June 21</h3> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>National Indigenous Peoples Day</strong></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px">The city of Toronto is planning a <a href="https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accessibility-human-rights/indigenous-affairs-office/indigenous-events-awards/">virtual celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day</a>, which recognizes the cultural significance of&nbsp;First Nations, Inuit and Métis.&nbsp;Details to come.</p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <h3 style="margin-bottom: 11px;">June 22</h3> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><b>Թϱ Pride Concert featuring Jeremy Dutcher</b></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Take in a special live-streamed concert by Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter Jeremy Dutcher, a classically trained operatic tenor and composer whose music is deeply influenced by his roots in the Wolastoq&nbsp;First Nation. His debut album “Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa” involved rearranging wax cylinder field recordings from his community dating back to the early 1900s.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">In addition to showcasing his distinct musical style, Dutcher will also engage with the audience through a live Q&amp;A.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">The concert will be preceded by an opening performance by Nenookasi, an afro-Indigenous two-spirit queer wife, mother of three and artist-activist who draws on music and mixed media for the causes of Black, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQI+ rights.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><a href="http://public.eve.utoronto.ca/events/1651">The event&nbsp;–&nbsp;hosted by Թϱ’s Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office, Hart House, First Nations House, Office of Indigenous Initiatives and the Թϱ Mississauga Indigenous Centre&nbsp;–&nbsp;takes place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 22.</a> Registration is free.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> <h3>June 23</h3> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline"><b>Convocation</b></span></p> <p>Celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of Թϱ’s Class of 2021! This year’s virtual&nbsp;<a href="/convocation">spring convocation ceremony will air&nbsp;on June 23 at 12 p.m.</a>&nbsp;<a href="/news/mixing-novelty-and-tradition-u-t-gears-virtual-convocation-spring">More than 15,500 students from 105 different countries</a> will have their degrees conferred <em>in absentia</em>, with parchments mailed out around the world.&nbsp;</p> <p>Graduating students can showcase their pride by renting optional gowns and hoods, while friends and family can purchase grad gifts at the <a href="https://uoftbookstore.com/shop_main.asp?catalog_group_id=MTU5&amp;catalog_group_name=R3JhZHVhdGlvbg">Թϱ Bookstore</a>. Customized Zoom backgrounds, GIPHY stickers and Instagram activities are also available to use for everyone tuning into the celebrations. Use the hashtag&nbsp;<strong>#UofTGrad21</strong> to share your moments on social media.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>June 24</h3> <p><strong>Indigenous Toronto: Stories that Carry this Place</strong></p> <p>A <a href="https://communityevents.td.com/en/event/852">panel discussion hosted by the Toronto Public Library</a> will bring together contributors to the newly released book, <em>Indigenous Toronto: Stories that Carry this Place</em>, an anthology that explores the impact of Indigenous cultural continuity and settler colonialism on Toronto.</p> <p>Panelists, who will include Chef Johl Whiteduck, visual artist Philip Cote, author and playwright Drew Hayden Taylor and creative director Denise Bolduc, will share their perspectives on how&nbsp;12,000 years of continued Indigenous presence and nationhood.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>June 26</h3> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline"><b>Black Grad celebration</b></span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">Թϱ’s Black graduating students will be honoured and recognized&nbsp;at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blackgraduoft">fifth annual tri-campus Black Graduation</a>&nbsp;event. The student-run celebration is hosted by the Թϱ Black Students’ Association and takes place at 12 p.m. on June 26. </span></p> <p class="paragraph" style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="vertical-align:baseline">Due to overwhelming interest, two extra rounds of registration were added for students keen to take part in Black Grad 2021, with the final round ending on June 10.&nbsp;Students who register by the deadline will receive a Kente stole to showcase pride in their identities&nbsp;and academic accomplishments.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Tue, 01 Jun 2021 17:10:32 +0000 rahul.kalvapalle 301377 at In a celebration of Pride and inclusion, Թϱ raises flags above Varsity Stadium /news/celebration-pride-u-t-raises-flags-above-varsity-stadium <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">In a celebration of Pride and inclusion, Թϱ raises flags above Varsity Stadium</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/Pride%202020.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=mDR8UZYa 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/Pride%202020.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=cdZ6RKAp 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/Pride%202020.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=PUoavZl2 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/Pride%202020.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=mDR8UZYa" alt="&quot;&quot;"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2020-06-04T12:36:23-04:00" title="Thursday, June 4, 2020 - 12:36" class="datetime">Thu, 06/04/2020 - 12:36</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">The Trans Flag, Canadian flag and new "More Colour, More Pride" flag fly above Varsity Stadium (photo by Jill Clark)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/jelena-damjanovic" hreflang="en">Jelena Damjanovic</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/diversity-and-inclusion" hreflang="en">Diversity and Inclusion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/equity" hreflang="en">Equity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-kinesiology-physical-education" hreflang="en">Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-gender-diversity-office" hreflang="en">Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/varsity-0" hreflang="en">Varsity</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>When the Pride and trans flags were raised this week at the University&nbsp;of Toronto’s Varsity Stadium on St. George campus, there was no cheering audience to mark the occasion. Due to COVID-19, all public gatherings have been cancelled until further notice. But&nbsp;the empty stands weren’t the only thing that was different about the event this year: The Pride flag had black and brown added to its colour palette.</p> <p>“The addition of the black and brown stripes serves to highlight the importance of representation and inclusion of queer, trans, Black, Indigenous and people of colour (QTBIPOC) communities and is a sign of Թϱ’s commitment to being intentionally inclusive,” says&nbsp;<strong>David Pereira</strong>, director of Թϱ’s Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office.&nbsp;</p> <p>“The newly added black and brown stripes are a visible symbol of the importance of including more voices and experiences in the LGBTQ2S+ community.”</p> <p>The ‘More Colour; More Pride’ flag was designed in 2017 by Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, which worked with the advertising agency Tierney on an inclusivity campaign. The added black and brown stripes were meant to address issues of racism and exclusion in Philadelphia’s gay neighbourhood, but the new symbol quickly raised the attention of communities of colour globally. &nbsp;</p> <p>“Raising the ‘More Colour; More Pride’ flag along with the Trans Flag at Թϱ’s Varsity Stadium is a testament to our faculty’s commitment to the LGBTQ2S+ community and our ongoing work towards greater representation and inclusion of queer, trans, Black, Indigenous and people of colour,” says&nbsp;<strong>Robin Waley</strong>, assistant manager of co-curricular diversity and equity at Թϱ’s Faculty of Kinesiology &amp; Physical Education (KPE).</p> <p>“Through Թϱ Sport &amp; Rec programs like the Diversity in Motion Conference, Black Excellence Kiki Ball and Move with Pride workshop series, we provide students with intersectional learning opportunities from the diversity of experiences that exist within the LGBTQ2S+ community.”</p> <p>Professor&nbsp;<strong>Ira Jacobs</strong>, dean of KPE, says he regrets that the Թϱ community wasn’t able to come together this year to celebrate the raising of the flags in person.</p> <p>“I enjoyed watching it on video with the rest of our supportive community,” he says. “It was a proud reminder of our faculty’s and university’s dedication to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion at all levels, not only in research and education, but also in our broad spectrum of co-curricular physical activity and sport programs.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Reflecting on the protests against anti-Black racism and racial violence that have swept across the United States and countries around the world, Jacobs affirmed the faculty’s solidarity with the Black community.<br> <br> “I am proud to be the dean of a faculty that intentionally embeds equity, diversity and inclusion awareness within its curriculum, and within the framework of sport and recreation opportunities for all Թϱ students,” says Jacobs, adding the faculty recently produced its first&nbsp;equity report&nbsp;to highlight its efforts to uphold these values.<br> <br> “We know that sport and recreation are not immune to racism. But we also know that sport can be a powerful platform for positive individual, social, political and collective development.</p> <p>“As a faculty, we are dedicated to studying, researching and advocating for physical activity and sport, not only because they are vital to personal health, but because they are so important to societal health.”&nbsp;<br> <iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="422" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/425630989" width="750"></iframe></p> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/425630989">Թϱ Pride Flag Raising 2020</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/uoftkpe">UofT Kinesiology &amp; Phys Ed</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:36:23 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 164837 at Pride 2020: Թϱ to raise flags on all three campuses /news/pride-2020-u-t-raise-flags-all-three-campuses <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Pride 2020: Թϱ to raise flags on all three campuses </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2020-06-03T14:57:22-04:00" title="Wednesday, June 3, 2020 - 14:57" class="datetime">Wed, 06/03/2020 - 14:57</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-youtube field--type-youtube field--label-hidden field__item"><figure class="youtube-container"> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eoPKSnMBVO8?wmode=opaque" width="450" height="315" id="youtube-field-player" class="youtube-field-player" title="Embedded video for Pride 2020: Թϱ to raise flags on all three campuses " aria-label="Embedded video for Pride 2020: Թϱ to raise flags on all three campuses : https://www.youtube.com/embed/eoPKSnMBVO8?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </figure> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City &amp; Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/lgbtq" hreflang="en">LGBTQ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">Թϱ Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">Թϱ Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The University of Toronto is kicking off its month-long celebration of&nbsp;Pride 2020&nbsp;with a&nbsp;virtual&nbsp;raising&nbsp;of flags&nbsp;across&nbsp;its&nbsp;three campuses.&nbsp;</p> <p>“From its inception, Pride has always been more than a celebration. Pride commemorates pain and loss within&nbsp;LGBTQ2S+ communities and highlights the importance of fighting discrimination,” said&nbsp;<strong>Karima&nbsp;Hashmani</strong>, Թϱ’s executive director, equity, diversity and inclusion.</p> <p>“It is a reminder of the importance of resisting homophobia and&nbsp;transphobia and&nbsp;acknowledging&nbsp;the experiences of QTBIPOC communities.&nbsp;Pride programs intentionally centre queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, people of colour (QTBIPOC) experiences, with a focus on embedding and engaging LGBTQ2S+ Indigenous people, culture and stories.</p> <p>“On all our campuses, both the&nbsp;Trans flag and the ‘More Colour,&nbsp;More Pride’ flag will be raised.”</p> <p>Hashmani added that Թϱ is committed to being intentionally inclusive and the raising of the ‘More Colours; More Pride’ flag highlights the representation, experiences and inclusion of QTBIPOC communities.&nbsp;</p> <p>Adding the black and brown&nbsp;stripes&nbsp;to the Pride flag&nbsp;is now more critical than ever, according to Hashmani.&nbsp;She said the most recent events of racialized violence against Black lives highlight the importance&nbsp;of continuing to educate, to act and respond to racism,&nbsp;and to be intentional.</p> <p>“There is&nbsp;still&nbsp;much more&nbsp;work to be done as we not only listen but&nbsp;continue&nbsp;to create change,” said Hashmani. “It is&nbsp;especially important to us&nbsp;right now&nbsp;that QTBIPOC communities&nbsp;know that&nbsp;their&nbsp;voices&nbsp;and experiences&nbsp;matter,&nbsp;especially as a member of the Թϱ community.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The virtual flag raising will be followed by the traditional raising of&nbsp;the ‘More Colours; More&nbsp;Pride’ and Trans Pride&nbsp;flags on each of the university’s three campuses on June 4.&nbsp;</p> <p>“The&nbsp;Pride flag, like the LGBTQ2S+ community, will continue to evolve and we hope that this ‘More Colour,&nbsp;More Pride’ flag will contribute to QTBIPOC being seen, heard, and valued on campus,” Hashmani said.&nbsp;</p> <p>“We are immensely proud of the rich diversity in our LGBTQ2S+ community, and wish everyone at Թϱ a happy Pride.”&nbsp;</p> <h3><a href="https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/programs/pride/">See Թϱ’s Virtual Pride Calendar for events</a></h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 03 Jun 2020 18:57:22 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 164827 at In photos: Թϱ shows its colours for Pride Month /news/photos-u-t-shows-its-colours-pride-month <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">In photos: Թϱ shows its colours for Pride Month</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/pride-flag-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=yfI-tQhQ 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/pride-flag-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=5bVdi0Nu 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/pride-flag-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=VLrRPJ7g 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/pride-flag-lead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=yfI-tQhQ" alt="Photo of Pride flags"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>geoff.vendeville</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2019-06-21T12:01:56-04:00" title="Friday, June 21, 2019 - 12:01" class="datetime">Fri, 06/21/2019 - 12:01</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">The rainbow flag, Maple Leaf and Trans Pride flag fly at Varsity Stadium (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/geoffrey-vendeville" hreflang="en">Geoffrey Vendeville</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/nick-iwanyshyn" hreflang="en">Nick Iwanyshyn</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City &amp; Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/hart-house" hreflang="en">Hart House</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/lgbtq" hreflang="en">LGBTQ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-gender-diversity-office" hreflang="en">Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">Թϱ Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">Թϱ Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The University of Toronto came together to show its support for the LGBTQ+ community at multiple events across the three campuses this month.&nbsp;Here is a selection of images that detail the&nbsp;colourful displays:&nbsp;</p> <hr> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/0606PrideFlag001.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)&nbsp;</em></p> <p>The festivities kicked off with the traditional flag-raising ceremony at Varsity Stadium on June 6. “The raising of the Pride and trans flags, along with other campus events, promotes necessary LGBTQ+ visibility, celebrates our differences and emphasizes our support and allyship with our queer and trans communities,” said <strong>Kelly Hannah-Moffat&nbsp;</strong>(fourth from left), Թϱ’s vice-president of human resources and equity.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/0606PrideFlag006.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)&nbsp;</em></p> <p>It's the second year that Թϱ has flown the blue, pink and white Trans Pride flag. Monica Helms, a U.S. Navy veteran and trans activist, designed the flag in 1999 using the traditional colours for boys and girls, with a white band separating the two to represent intersex, gender non-conforming or transitioning people.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/0606PrideFlag003.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)&nbsp;</em></p> <p>People in the audience snap pictures during the flag-raising ceremony at Varsity Stadium.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/0607PridePub006.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)&nbsp;</em></p> <p>One of the signature events on the Pride at Թϱ calendar, Pride Pub brings the community together for barbecue, dancing and a communtiy fair with local LGBTQ+ organizations. This year's edition featured Samba Elegua, a percussion ensemble inspired by Brazilian music.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/flag-celebration.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by&nbsp;Tina Adamopoulos)</em></p> <p>The Թϱ Scarborough community came out in large numbers for a flag celebration.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/0607PridePub002.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></p> <p>The Instagram-friendly rainbow frame at Hart House was a popular spot for pictures. Pride Pub is organized by Թϱ's Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office and Hart House.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/0607PridePub004.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></p> <p>Partygoers could also record their memories of Pride Pub at a photo booth installed for the occasion.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/0607PridePub007.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></p> <p>Cuter than the real Elmo? A family poses for a portrait at the photo booth.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/UTM-Pride-Trans-Flag-Unveiling-01.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by Drew&nbsp;Lesiuczok)</em></p> <p>The festivities took place on each of Թϱ's campuses. Թϱ Mississauga held its flag-unfurling ceremony on June 6 at the UTM Student Centre with representatives from the Equity &amp; Diversity Office, UTM students’ union, OUT @ UTM, human resources, dean of student affairs and the Indigenous Centre.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/cupcakes2.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by Blake Eligh)</em></p> <p><strong>Angela Lange</strong>, Թϱ Mississauga's acting vice-principal, academic and dean, and&nbsp;<strong>Amrita Daniere</strong>, acting principal, pose with Pride-themed&nbsp;cupcakes.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/eddy-eagle.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>(photo by Leslie Seto)</em></p> <p>Թϱ Mississauga's mascot, Eddy the Eagle, sporting colourful plumage in honour of Pride month.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Fri, 21 Jun 2019 16:01:56 +0000 geoff.vendeville 157055 at Social media and sexual health: Թϱ researchers recruit 'health ambassadors' for popular gay networking app /news/social-media-and-sexual-health-u-t-researchers-recruit-health-ambassadors-popular-gay <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Social media and sexual health: Թϱ researchers recruit 'health ambassadors' for popular gay networking app </span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/0607DavidBrennan---weblead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=Km2Tsl_i 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/0607DavidBrennan---weblead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=pgU1Qrto 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/0607DavidBrennan---weblead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=N-aK14ZV 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/0607DavidBrennan---weblead.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=Km2Tsl_i" alt="Photo of David Brennan, an associate professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>rahul.kalvapalle</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2019-06-14T14:28:45-04:00" title="Friday, June 14, 2019 - 14:28" class="datetime">Fri, 06/14/2019 - 14:28</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">As part of a research project, David Brennan, an associate professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, is recruiting volunteers to serve as “health ambassadors” on Hornet, a networking app popular among gay men (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn) </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/rahul-kalvapalle" hreflang="en">Rahul Kalvapalle</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/factor-inwentash-faculty-social-work" hreflang="en">Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/lgbtq" hreflang="en">LGBTQ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/research-innovation" hreflang="en">Research &amp; Innovation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/social-media" hreflang="en">Social Media</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>With Pride Month underway, Toronto’s LGBTQ community and allies will be out in large numbers meeting and mingling at events across the city.</p> <p>But such face-to-face interactions are increasingly the exception to the norm in an age of digital and social media – a trend that poses challenges for those seeking to perform sexual health outreach initiatives among LGBTQ groups.</p> <p>“On a Saturday night 20 years ago, everyone would be out at a gay bar dancing,” says <strong>David Brennan</strong>, an associate professor in the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.</p> <p>“Now, everyone’s at home swiping and watching Netflix. There isn’t the same sense of community.”</p> <p>It’s a hurdle Brennan and other researchers at Թϱ’s CRUISElab – an interdisciplinary social work research lab that focuses on the health and well-being of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men – hope to overcome by using social media apps to promote sexual health and then track the tactic’s effectiveness in reaching the desired audience.</p> <p>The lab is currently recruiting men for a public-private-academic effort that will see volunteers serve as “health ambassadors” on Hornet, a popular social networking app for gay men.</p> <p>The health ambassadors, as well as the regular Hornet users who they interact with, will then be given a chance to participate in focus groups and surveys so researchers can learn more about how social media apps, which are increasingly popular among people seeking out sex, romance, friendship and community, can be leveraged for sexual health outreach.</p> <p>“We want to see whether these types of conversations make a difference in people’s lives, and whether these interactions cause people to take actions to take care of their health and wellness,” says Brennan, who is CRUISElab’s director.</p> <p><img class="migrated-asset" src="/sites/default/files/GettyImages-1088241676.jpg" alt></p> <p><em>Brennan says&nbsp;social media platforms enable the delivery of sexual health information to those who might not have anyone in their lives to turn&nbsp;to for advice&nbsp;(photo by Drazen via Getty Images)</em></p> <p>Some 30 men will be recruited for the study. They will complete a training program designed by the AIDS Committee of Toronto and then have their Hornet profiles highlighted with a badge that marks them out as health ambassadors – meaning they’re open and available to share information about sexual health and discuss their personal experiences.</p> <p>“We want a diverse range of guys – diverse in terms of race, age, gay or bisexual, trans and also in terms of life experiences,” says Brennan, who was recently appointed the associate dean, research at Factor-Inwentash.</p> <p>“If you’re a Hornet user and you have questions about PrEP [pre-exposure prophylaxis treatment to reduce the risk of contracting HIV] or being HIV+ or mental health or substance abuse issues, you can ask a health ambassador. They’ve gone through training and they’ll talk to you about their experiences.”</p> <p>After three months, the health ambassadors will be invited to a focus group to share their thoughts on the project. Next, the regular Hornet users who interacted with them will be invited to fill out a survey to share whether they remember interactions with health ambassadors, learned anything or took any decisions as a result of the interactions.</p> <p>The project builds on previous work, including a 2015 study led by Brennan that found encouraging results about men’s experiences accessing this kind of sexual health outreach on websites and apps.</p> <p>Brennan explains that AIDS service organizations have previously experimented with using trained volunteers and staff to deliver outreach services through websites and apps.</p> <p>“One of our manifestos as social workers is to ‘meet the client where they’re at,’” says Brennan. “If people are online and that’s where they’re connecting with other guys and finding out about sexual health, then we need to be in these apps, too.”</p> <p>Brennan also notes that social media platforms enable the delivery of important sexual health information to people who might not have anyone in their lives who they’re comfortable turning to for advice.</p> <p>“If I’m 16 years old, realizing I’m gay and I’m thinking about engaging in sex with other guys, I don’t know that the first person I’m going to talk to is my family physician, my parents or my pastor or religious leader – probably not,” Brennan says.</p> <p>“But I might be able to find some peers online who can tell me to think about this or that, so I can begin to build a supportive network.”</p> <p>Hornet was selected as a partner for the study because of its demonstrated commitment to its users’ health and wellness, according to Brennan.</p> <p>The network, which has over 25 million users, already runs health ambassador programs in various cities around the world, with the first such initiative trialed in Rio de Janeiro during the 2016 Olympic Games.</p> <p>However, Toronto will be the first city to benefit from a rigorous research evaluation – in the form of the&nbsp;CRUISElab’s&nbsp;study – before any Hornet health ambassador program is launched here.</p> <p>“If these apps can be used to help build community, that would be amazing,” says Brennan.</p> <p>“In the future, I see us being able to use apps to very quickly get information and support out to people who need it. That’s what I’m hoping for.”</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Fri, 14 Jun 2019 18:28:45 +0000 rahul.kalvapalle 156860 at #DisplayYourPride and Convocation 2019: Check out these June events /news/displayyourpride-and-convocation-2019-check-out-these-june-events <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">#DisplayYourPride and Convocation 2019: Check out these June events</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/pride-cropped.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=XGwoLxgx 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/pride-cropped.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=9dzX_Ata 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/pride-cropped.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=qxK16jce 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/pride-cropped.jpg?h=afdc3185&amp;itok=XGwoLxgx" alt> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Romi Levine</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2019-06-03T12:03:16-04:00" title="Monday, June 3, 2019 - 12:03" class="datetime">Mon, 06/03/2019 - 12:03</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">From marching in the parade to flag raising ceremonies on campus, there are plenty of Pride events to participate in this month (Carlos Osorio/Toronto Star via Getty Images)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/isabel-armiento" hreflang="en">Isabel Armiento</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City &amp; Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/black-graduation" hreflang="en">Black Graduation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/institute-health-policy-management-and-evaluation" hreflang="en">Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/munk-school-global-affairs-public-policy-0" hreflang="en">Munk School of Global Affairs &amp; Public Policy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/convocation" hreflang="en">Convocation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/dunlap-institute-astronomy-astrophysics" hreflang="en">Dunlap Institute for Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/hart-house" hreflang="en">Hart House</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/lgbtq" hreflang="en">LGBTQ</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/rotman-school-management" hreflang="en">Rotman School of Management</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sexual-gender-diversity-office" hreflang="en">Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sustainability" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/thomas-fisher-rare-book-library" hreflang="en">Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">Թϱ Mississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">Թϱ Scarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>June is a time when&nbsp;University of Toronto students can celebrate academic achievement and student diversity.</p> <p>The month kicks off with spring convocation, which recognizes&nbsp;students’ accomplishments and experiences, as well as their promising futures.</p> <p>But don't worry&nbsp;if you don't happen to be graduating. There’s still plenty of reasons&nbsp;to return to campus, including university-wide celebrations of Թϱ’s LGBTQ community for Pride Month.</p> <p>Whether you’re a grad, part of the queer and allied community, or just a curious student looking for exciting events on campus, be sure to check out all that Թϱ has to offer during the month of June.</p> <hr> <h3>June 3</h3> <p>Convocation begins today! Check out Թϱ’s <a href="/convocation">convocation hub</a> for ceremony dates and details, as well as graduation checklists, stories about graduating students, FAQs and more.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <h3>June 4</h3> <p>Find out what we can learn from the making of a book by examining its materiality, script and preservation with <a href="https://fisher.library.utoronto.ca/exhibition/current">Uncovering the Book: An exhibition in honour of Greta Golick</a>. This exhibition on the art of bookbinding at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library will run until Aug. 16.</p> <h3>June 5</h3> <p>Explore questions of representation and identity through a multimedia exhibition about intersectionality and diaspora. Artist <strong>Abdi Osman</strong>’s <a href="https://artmuseum.utoronto.ca/exhibition/variations-in-black-queer-and-otherwise-works-by-abdi-osman/">Variations in Black, Queer, and Otherwise</a> runs at the Թϱ Art Centre until July 27.</p> <h3>June 6</h3> <p>Join Թϱ’s LGBTQ students and allies at the downtown Toronto campus to watch the <a href="https://kpe.utoronto.ca/thu-06062019-1200/pride-trans-flag-raising-ceremony">Pride and Trans Flag Raising Ceremony</a>.</p> <p>You can also show your support at the Թϱ Mississauga campus’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/395079027757500/">Pride and Trans Flag Unfurling Ceremony</a>. &nbsp;</p> <h3>June 7</h3> <p>Bring your friends and family to enjoy the summer weather with drinks and barbecue at the <a href="https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/programs/u-of-t-pride-pub/">Թϱ Pride Pub</a>. Located in the Hart House quad, the celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. and runs until 1 a.m., transforming from a community fair to a dance party under the stars.</p> <h3>June 8</h3> <p>Catch <a href="https://munkschool.utoronto.ca/event/27866/">Tong Lam’s Moving Parts, Moving People</a>, a photography exhibition that spotlights China’s outdoor film movement and exposes a culture of propaganda. The event is hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs &amp; Public Policy in conjunction with the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival and the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival.</p> <h3>June 10 &nbsp;</h3> <p>Update your urban innovation skills through the <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/mui/urban-leadership-exchange">Urban Leadership eXchange</a>. Attend the Թϱ Mississauga event June 10-11 to hear talks by keynote speakers including Mississauga Mayor <strong>Bonnie Crombie</strong> and Acting Principal of Թϱ Mississauga <strong>Amrita Daniere</strong>, and walk away with a completion certificate.<sub>&nbsp;</sub></p> <h3>June 11</h3> <p>Celebrate National Indigenous History Month at Թϱ Mississauga <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/utm-engage/indigenous-initiatives/film-series#indian%20horse">with a screening of <em>Indian Horse</em></a>, a powerful film that exposes the abuse and trauma inflicted by the Canadian residential school system. You can also catch <em><a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/utm-engage/indigenous-initiatives/film-series#indian%20horse" id="LPlnk513588" previewremoved="true">Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance </a></em><a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/utm-engage/indigenous-initiatives/film-series#indian%20horse" previewremoved="true">on June 19</a> as part of the film series. Each film starts at 5 p.m., but viewers can arrive early to participate in a smudging ceremony and stay afterwards for a discussion moderated by Թϱ Mississauga’s Indigenous advisor, followed by a group reflection.</p> <p>Join CBC Radio’s <em>Quirks and Quarks</em> host Bob McDonald for a moderated discussion on the topic <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/quirks-quarks-public-debate-should-we-have-humans-in-space-1.5138512">“Should we have humans in space?”</a>&nbsp; Astronaut Chris Hadfield and Թϱ’s&nbsp;<strong>Renée Hložek​ </strong>of the own Dunlap Institute for Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics will take part in the talk. Register for free online.</p> <h3>June 12</h3> <p>The <a href="http://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/u-of-t-sustainability-innovation-prize/">Թϱ Sustainability Innovation Prize</a> is awarding $15,000 in prizes&nbsp;to those with the most innovative ideas. Watch the finalists’ pitch competition and see who will go home with the accolades.</p> <p>Support the Թϱ Mississauga Indigenous community by attending <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/utm-engage/indigenous-initiatives/giizhiitaa-indigenous-spirit-journey-celebration" id="LPlnk9140" previewremoved="true">Giizhiitaa – Coming Full Circle</a>. This event showcases and celebrates the accomplishments of students and Peele youth through their involvement in the Indigenous Spirit Journey Program – an experiential learning initiative centred on Indigenous philosophical and cultural teachings. &nbsp;</p> <h3>June 13</h3> <p>There are no limits on your creativity today. Decorate your office, wear rainbow clothing&nbsp;and exhibit your colourful artwork in a tri-campus effort to <a href="https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/event/display-your-pride-3/">#DisplayYourPride</a>. The downtown Toronto campus is hosting a #DisplayYourPride group photo at Hart House.&nbsp;Թϱ Mississauga encourages you to share <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2279101092307433/">photos of your creativity</a> online.&nbsp;&nbsp;And Թϱ Scarborough will spread awareness of the day along with <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/display-your-pride-tickets-62025067647">free ice cream</a>.&nbsp;</p> <h3>June 14</h3> <p>Hosted by the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, U.K.-based Professor Daniel Bausch explores the implications of, and possible responses to, infectious disease outbreaks in his lecture <a href="https://ihpme.utoronto.ca/events/outbreak-response-challenges-and-opportunities-in-a-rapidly-changing-landscape/">“Outbreak Response: Challenges and Opportunities in a Rapidly Changing Landscape.”</a></p> <h3>June 18</h3> <p>Enjoy the gorgeous June weather with a <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/utm-engage/indigenous-initiatives/nature-walk" id="LPlnk834905" previewremoved="true">Nature Walk and Talk</a> hosted by Թϱ Mississauga in partnership with the campus’s Indigenous Centre. Led by Թϱ Mississauga Indigenous Advisor <strong>Cat Criger</strong>, this event is a perfect opportunity to visit the scenic trails while learning how to approach the changing season with Indigenous philosophies of growth and introspection.</p> <p>Stumped about what to wear for the upcoming Pride Parade? The Sexual &amp; Gender Diversity Office can help solve your sartorial problems with its upcoming <a href="https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/event/sgdo-pride-t-shirt-painting-party/">Pride T-shirt Painting Party</a> at 21 Sussex Ave.</p> <h3>June 21</h3> <p>Kick off Pride weekend right by attending the first of the major festivities. Meet at 642 Church Street at 7:50 p.m. to march with the Թϱ contingent in the <a href="https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/event/u-of-t-marches-in-the-trans-march-2/">Trans March</a>.</p> <p>There will also be a <a href="https://utsc.utoronto.ca/news-events/events/pride-flag-celebration-u-t-scarborough">pride flag celebration</a> taking place at Թϱ Scarborough.</p> <h3>June 22</h3> <p>Continue showing your support for Pride by marching with Թϱ in the <a href="https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/event/u-of-t-marches-in-the-dyke-march-2/">Dyke March</a>. Meet at 642 Church St. at 1:50 p.m. to participate.</p> <h3>June 23</h3> <p>Be part of the biggest event of Pride Month by joining Թϱ for the <a href="https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/event/u-of-t-marches-in-the-pride-parade-2/">2019 Pride Parade</a>. Show your support for the school’s – and the city’s – LGBTQ community.</p> <h3>June 25</h3> <p>Visit the Justina M. Barnicke&nbsp;Gallery at&nbsp;Hart House for a tour of <a href="http://harthouse.ca/events/carrie-mae-weems-heave-2019-06-25/">Carrie Mae Weems’ exhibition Heave</a>. Running until July 27 with tours available on Tuesdays, this installation intersects sensationalist depictions of modern violence with histories of conflict.</p> <h3>June 26</h3> <p>Experts are asking important ethical, political and cultural questions about emerging technology and the ways in which we communicate at <a href="http://mediaethics.ca/">Media Ethics: Human Ecology in a Connected World</a>,&nbsp;the 20th annual convention of the Media Ecology Association.&nbsp;</p> <h3>June 27</h3> <p>Hear Mariana Mazzucato speak about her book <a href="http://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/ProfessionalDevelopment/Events/UpcomingEvents/20190627MarianaMazzucato"><em>The Value of Everything: Making and Taking in the Global Economy</em></a>, which outlines the problems with&nbsp;contemporary capitalism. Held at the Rotman School of Management, admission to this event includes a copy of the book.</p> <h3>June 28</h3> <p>Թϱ recognizes and awards the achievements of Black students at the third annual <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/u-of-t-black-graduation-2019-tickets-60645088091">Թϱ Black Graduation</a>, located at Թϱ Mississauga. Friends and family are welcome.</p> <p>Take a break from convocation with this year’s Grad Escape – an <a href="https://bookit.studentlife.utoronto.ca/Activity.aspx?ID=9bce491a-d9c2-406c-ac2d-e5d4c2fea3c0">improv class at Second City</a>. Sign up to learn new skills that you didn’t receive in lectures.&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 03 Jun 2019 16:03:16 +0000 Romi Levine 156800 at Behind the scenes: New Heritage Minute puts spotlight on LGBTQ activist Jim Egan /news/behind-scenes-new-heritage-minute-puts-spotlight-lgbtq-activist-jim-egan <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Behind the scenes: New Heritage Minute puts spotlight on LGBTQ activist Jim Egan </span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/1996-063.jpg?h=46cc886e&amp;itok=GAbmKLKe 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/1996-063.jpg?h=46cc886e&amp;itok=wLx1NDde 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/1996-063.jpg?h=46cc886e&amp;itok=mWeDWAYJ 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/1996-063.jpg?h=46cc886e&amp;itok=GAbmKLKe" alt="Photo of Jack Nesbit and Jim Egan"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Romi Levine</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2018-06-13T00:00:00-04:00" title="Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - 00:00" class="datetime">Wed, 06/13/2018 - 00:00</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item">Jack Nesbit (left) and Jim Egan are the subject of the latest Heritage Minute (photo by Ali Kazimi, David Adkin Productions courtesy of the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives)</div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/romi-levine" hreflang="en">Romi Levine</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City &amp; Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/archives" hreflang="en">Archives</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/pride" hreflang="en">Pride</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-libraries" hreflang="en">Թϱ Libraries</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">Թϱ Libraries holds the Heritage Minutes archive at its Downsview facility</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Pride Month is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the decades of activism and advocacy that brought about monumental change for the LGBTQ community in Canada.</p> <p>The latest Heritage Minute, which premieres today, puts a spotlight on one of those activists – <strong>James “Jim” Egan</strong>. It will be the first Heritage Minute to address LGBTQ issues.</p> <p>“He was a dynamo,” says <strong>Don McLeod</strong>, Egan’s biographer and the head of book and serials acquisitions at University of Toronto Libraries.</p> <p>Egan, born in 1921, spent much of his life advocating for gay rights in Canada. As an openly gay man, he wrote regular letters to newspapers and tabloids from 1949 onward denouncing the way LGBTQ people were portrayed in the media and by the public.</p> <p>At the time, “this was unheard of,” says McLeod, who is also the liaison librarian for sexual diversity studies. “He was a very brave man.”</p> <p>In 1948, Egan met John “Jack” Nesbit, beginning their 52-year relationship.</p> <p>In the 1980s, Egan and Nesbit were denied spousal support under the Old Age Security Act – a move that Egan challenged all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada. The&nbsp;Supreme Court dismissed the appeal in 1995,&nbsp;but made a paramount ruling to include sexual orientation as grounds for discrimination in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.</p> <p>“They had to change the laws in many different ways. I think it had quite a significant impact on the road to gay marriage, for example,” says McLeod.</p> <p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rac4WiTDQHg" width="560"></iframe></p> <p>While McLeod was working as a volunteer at the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives in the 1990s, he came across Egan’s archives, finding them so fascinating that he contacted Egan about writing a book.</p> <p>Egan agreed – periodically sending McLeod tapes, which McLeod transcribed. In 1998, they published <a href="https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/handle/1807/17679"><em>Challenging the Conspiracy of Silence: My Life as a Canadian Gay Activist</em></a>.</p> <p>During the making of the book, McLeod got to know Egan.</p> <p>“He was quite an interesting character – he was pretty feisty and opinionated,” says McLeod of Egan, who was then in his 70s. “He was a no nonsense person – he didn't put up with fools.”</p> <p>McLeod’s encyclopedic knowledge of Egan (in fact, McLeod <a href="http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/jim-egan/">just wrote the <em>Canadian Encyclopedia</em>’s entry on Egan</a>) made him the perfect person to consult with on the creation of the Heritage Minute, says <strong>Davida Aronovitch</strong>, Heritage Minutes' manager for Historica Canada.</p> <p>“Don was an amazing collaborator for this project,” she says. “It's so important to hear from someone who has that connection to be able to really bring us a greater intimacy with the subject matter.”</p> <p>McLeod was able to confirm details from Egan’s life – from the crucial to the minute. Aronovitch recalls, for example, calling him up to ask about the rings Egan and Nesbit wore.</p> <p>“We just wanted to confirm they did in fact wear them on their ring fingers and that they were gold bands because we were looking to get bands for the actors and we need to have them placed correctly,” she says.</p> <p><img alt="Don McLeod" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__8557 img__view_mode__media_original attr__format__media_original" src="/sites/default/files/Mcleod-embed-750-x-500.jpg" style="width: 750px; height: 500px; margin: 10px;" typeof="foaf:Image"><br> <em>Don McLeod holding Challenging the Conspiracy of Silence: My Life as a Canadian Gay Activist (photo by Romi Levine)</em></p> <p>In 2014, Historica donated the Heritage Minutes archives to Թϱ Libraries' Media Commons – almost 300 banker boxes full of tapes, scripts and other items from its 26 years of broadcasting one-minute, dramatized moments of Canadian history – stored at Թϱ Libraries’ Downsview facility.</p> <p>“We don't have the resources, nor the expertise, to store and archive them the way the Media Commons does at Թϱ,” says Aronovitch. “This was an arrangement whereby we hope these materials could be of interest to students and even to members of the public, but they would also be conserved.”</p> <p>Beyond his work with McLeod, Egan has some strong Թϱ connections.</p> <p>During the Second World War, Egan worked at Թϱ’s department of zoology as a departmental technician, says McLeod. He was then seconded to Connaught Laboratories where he worked in the insulin production factory until 1943.</p> <p>“Jim was always interested in natural science – he had a lot of experience working on farms when he was a teenager in Ontario and he was keen on the natural world,” says McLeod.</p> <p>Egan’s long life full of varied experiences was part of the appeal for Historica Canada when it was looking for a subject for its next Heritage Minute, says Aronovitch.</p> <p>“This is a really unique story in that it spans a very many years,” she says. “What that means is we were able to show different aspects of the fight for equal rights within the LGBTQ movement just by sharing Jim's story.</p> <p>"We certainly hope it will inspire people and that especially for any young people who are watching this and are looking to know they belong to a community that has a very important history and tradition of activism.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 13 Jun 2018 04:00:00 +0000 Romi Levine 136931 at