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The rainbow flag is a visual symbol of diversity, said Noël Badiou, director of the Centre for Human Rights, at the kick-off to the 2011 Pride celebrations at 91��ɫ on Monday.

“Its very essence is to capture the notion that while each of us may be slightly different, we are still made of the same fabric,” said Badiou. “The stitching together of the colours also symbolizes unity, and this unity at 91��ɫ is expounded with the flying of the flag at both the Keele and Glendon campuses.”

The rainbow flag was raised on the flagpole at 91��ɫ’s Keele campus after a series of speakers were introduced by Aaron Doupe, Pride coordinator, in Vari Hall next to a rainbow cake and a splay of rainbow-coloured balloons.

Right: Aaron Doupe, Pride coordinator, speaks at the kick-off to Pride Week at 91��ɫ

Although much has been achieved, student Randy McLin, internal coordinator, told the gathering that the fight isn’t over. “There is a lot of work to be done,” he said.

That work will be continued at the Pride Parade in Toronto where the theme of this year's float is We Demand Redux, in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the We Demand march on Parliament Hill in Ottawa (see , Thursday, June 16). “Five original demands will be highlighted on the float,” said McLin. There will also be blank spots on T-shirts and placards for people to express their own demands.

Alison Kemper, who teaches in 91��ɫ’s School of Administrative Studies in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, said 91��ɫ should be proud. The Slut Walks, which started at the University, have spread around the globe. “91��ɫ is where student-led change which is global can happen.” Kemper also said 91��ɫ is great because here you are free to be “out”.

Left: Noël Badiou at the Pride Week kick-off

Vice-President Students Robert Tiffin said the University’s participation in Pride Week stems from its public commitment to the full inclusion of all sexual and gender groups on its campuses, which is evident in the courses and academic programs offered at the University.

“91��ɫ has long advocated the linkages between research, teaching and community. For example, the certificate and minor in sexuality studies has its foundations in the academic research and activism of 91��ɫ faculty, students and staff who are committed to the pursuit of critical, new and self-reflective studies in sexualities,” said Tiffin. “91��ɫ is the only university in Ontario to offer a certificate in sexuality studies, and is the only one in North America to embrace an intersectional approach throughout interdisciplinary courses.”

Right: Alison Kemper, a faculty member in the School of Administrative Studies

Badiou congratulated the United Nations Human Rights Council for passing a motion last Friday “supporting a joint statement calling on all states and countries to end violence, criminal sanctions and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and urged the Human Rights Council to address these important human rights issues.” He called it an unprecedented move by the council that “demonstrates a growing awareness and concern for the plight of LGBTTIQQ2SA persons in different parts of the world.”

Left: Robert Tiffin, vice-president students

“As a society and a community we need Pride Week and its spirit of hope, joy and inclusivity,” said Tiffin. “We should all be guided by the spirit of the rainbow flag.”

For more information about 91��ɫ’s Pride activities, visit the website.

By Sandra McLean, YFile writer

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