The Pride staircase outside the University Centre has a fresh new look. The staircase was recently painted and updated with the addition of black and brown stripes along with the colours of the trans flag to reflect the diversity of the university’s LGBTQ2SIA+ community
Changes were advocated by and supported by members of the university’s LGBT2SQIA+ community.
“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to support the new UBC Okanagan Pride staircase, which represents the importance of continued advocacy for and with trans and queer people of color,” says Devin Gaine, the UBCSUO Pride Resource Centre Coordinator for 2019-2020.
The permanent installation of the rainbow staircase symbolizes the university’s commitment to make UBC Okanagan more welcoming to all LGBT2SQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans – transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, two-spirit, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual) community members and allies. The added black and brown represent the diversity, intersectionality, and leadership of historically marginalized community members within, and beyond, the LGBT2SQIA+ movement.
“As a community we must continue to evolve and respond to the needs of all members of our diverse trans and queer community,” says Gaine. “These steps are a starting point – a gesture – towards representation and inclusion.”
The staircase will be formally unveiled on September 4 with a light breakfast, resource booths and more.
Questions? Please email equity.ubco@ubc.ca