For the sixth year in a row the Equity & Inclusion Office is proud to host Queer Orientation, a series of events and activities to build connections and celebrate UBC Okanagan’s diverse 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
This collection of events is hosted by the Equity & Inclusion Office in partnership with the UBC Okanagan Library, Human Resources, SVPRO and is organised by members of the Positive Space Committee. Queer Orientation is brought to you with generous support from the AVP Students, UBCSUO, Deputy Vice Chancellor and the Provost and VP Academic.
Events
September 7th, 5:00pm with Michael V Smith and Ivan Coyote
Soundtrack is a weekly live broadcast which uses albums as a spark to ignite a conversation between queer artists about ‘where were you when.’ It’s effectively a queer oral history project, with music as a mnemonic touchstone. On September 7th host, Michael V. Smith and a special guest Ivan Coyote will share their thoughts on Colour by Numbers. Join here for the live event: https://www.facebook.com/events/3709650189135595 or watch later at: www.youtube.com/c/michaelvsmith71
September 14th, 7:00-8:00pm (virtual)
Embrace the omnipotence of spontaneity and soul fuelling in an creative workshop facilitated by local artist, Cameron Gelderland. The workshop aims to create and share art that fosters connection and builds community. Register in advance and receive basic art supplies to participate at home.
September 21st, 3:00-4:00pm (virtual)
This keynote presentation hosted by disability activist Andrew Gurza will delve into topics of sex, queerness and disability, and help participants to deconstruct their own ableism around sex and disability.
September 23rd, 5:00-8:00pm, outdoor in the EME Amphitheatre
Come out to enjoy live music, story telling, cotton candy, popcorn, balloon animals and more at the annual Pride Picnic! This is the largest event during Queer Orientation and aims to be a magical celebration of UBC Okanagan's vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Starting right at 5:00pm artists will include Madeline Terbasket, Soul Pool, Post Modern Connection and DJ Meemz. COVID plans will be in place to ensure a safe event for all in attendance.
From September 24 to October 22, UBC Artivism engages through the theme Queering the Self, which provides space for underrepresented voices from our community and beyond to explore the intersections of their identity through the lens of the digital.
Presented by UBC Arts and Culture District, this annual festival highlights stories of resilience and student activist art that challenges dominant narratives through live performances, poetry, music and more. There’s something for everyone; the events include a wide range of in-person and online activities.
September 27th, 5:00-6:30pm (virtual)
More details and registration link coming soon.
Wednesday, October 6th (virtual)
Join Positive Space Committee members (staff and faculty) for a virtual event of story telling and hilarity. 2SLGBTQIA+ staff, faculty and allies are invited to attend and enjoy and create community by kicking off the new academic year by getting to know other folks on campus who support sexual and gender diversity.
October 7th, 10:00am-12:00pm, UBCO Library
National Coming Out Day celebrates the many people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ who “come out” (a term stemming from the phrase “come out of the closet”) to friends or family about their sexuality, which is a very big moment! This will also close the week of Queer Orientation as it signifies the open, norm-breaking, prideful spirits of the Queer community. Stop by our booth outside the UBCO Library between 10:00am-12:00pm for a free coffee & treat to say "Thanks for Coming Out!".
October 14th, 7:00-8:30pm (virtual)
This workshop will be led by Queer cis woman and mom of two, Azaria Menezes, who is a sex and intimacy and relationship coach. The workshop is dedicated to the empowerment of IBPOC women and making them feel empowered in love, re-discovering their exquisite pleasure and exploration into true intimacy.
October 22 - 31
Kelowna Pride Festival is a celebration of the strength, equality, dignity, and self-determination of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan. This festival is an open positive space for all 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.
Visit Kelowna Pride to see all events or sign up to volunteer.
The Trans Peer Mentorship Program was formedas a result of the Trans, 2 Spirit, and Gender Nonconforming Task Force's work. The program matches trans students in their upper level and grad students with first and second year trans and non-binary students. The program was launched on the Vancouver campus in September 2020, and it is now coming to the Okanagan for 2021/22! To become a mentor or a mentee you can sign up at transmentorship.ok@gmail.com.
Are there any 2SLGBTQIA+ books, movies, shows, or other resources that you wish were available through the UBC Library? During Queer Orientation, the library is asking UBCO students, staff, and faculty to recommend their favorite 2SLGBTQIA+ literature, films, and more through their social media channels to help develop their collection.
Follow them on Instagram: @UBCOlibrary.