Now open for students: StEAR Enhancement Fund

Beginning October 6, Pride banners will again be installed across UBC Okanagan (UBCO) to mark Queer History Month and signal the university’s ongoing commitment to inclusion of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer (or questioning), intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) communities.

Now in their fourth year, the banners feature the Progress Pride flag, including a familiar rainbow pattern, chevrons to recognize trans communities and people of colour, and an intersex-inclusive symbol.

Learn more about various Pride flags.

“We raise Pride banners as a symbol of our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all feel welcomed and safe to be their most authentic selves,” says Dale Mullings, Associate Vice-President, Students at UBCO.

“As a small but prominent gesture, the banners seek to visually amplify our values and serve as an invitation to the UBCO community to reflect, learn, and get involved in the important work of advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ communities,” says Dharshi Lacey, Director, Equity & Inclusion Office at UBCO.

This year also marks UBCO’s 20th anniversary, building on the rich history of engagement to support 2SLGTBQIA+ inclusion, including through the UBC Okanagan Positive Space Committee, Student Union of Okanagan (SUO) Pride Resource Centre, UBCO’s annual participation in Kelowna Pride, Queer Orientation programming, numerous community-led and university-funded projects, and the newly formed Queer Faculty and Staff Collective,” says Dharshi.

“In the context of UBCO’s history, we can interpret the banners as both an invitation to take pride in how far we’ve come and also a call to acknowledge there is still more work to be done,” says Dharshi.

The banners will remain in place until the end of October.

Equity and anti-racism are UBC’s ongoing priorities as part of UBC’s Strategic Directions 2025-2030 and specific efforts are guided by the Strategic Equity and Anti-racism (StEAR) Framework.

If you have concerns about discrimination or your experience on campus, please reach out to the Equity & Inclusion Office’s human rights advising team. Units seeking further support are encouraged to request a consultation with the Equity & Inclusion Office.

Ways to engage

• Get involved in the Queer Faculty and Staff Collective (QFSC) – online or every second Monday, 2-3 pm, in Lib 223
• Join Trans Friendly yoga at REC – October 15
• Learn about the meaning and history of various Pride flags
• Take Positive Space: Foundation online course on sex, sexuality and gender diversity available on the Workplace Learning

Additional resources

• Explore UBC’s commitments to equity and anti-racism as outlined in the Strategic Equity and Anti-racism Framework and Roadmap for Change
• Understand expectations and obligations under UBC’s Statement on Respectful Environment(revised 2014) and Discrimination Policy SC7

• Learn about resources, supports and involvement opportunities through the SUO Pride Resource Centre