In June, Canadians from coast to coast to coast recognize Pride Month – a month-long celebration of the diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, while acknowledging their history and the hardships they have endured and the progress that has been made.
In honour of Pride Month, NC Libraries and Learning Commons will host its seventh Living Library event on June 7 from 1 to 3 p.m. titled, “A Journey Taken Together,” featuring NC Outreach and Education Coordinator Alison Ryder and her mom, Ellen Schmidt.
“I was extremely honoured when asked to speak with my mom at the Living Library series, as I am a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and even prouder member of the Niagara College family,” said Ryder. “I am hoping that people enjoy our story, share in some laughs along the way, and are inspired to spread love and acceptance for all diversities. I believe it is important to provide a safe space where people have an opportunity to learn, and through storytelling, my hope is that my mom and I may be a source of hope in understanding that diversity can be leveraged into personal and professional successes.”
A strong advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion at Niagara College, Ryder has a reputation of going above and beyond for NC students and has worked tirelessly to promote a safe and inclusive school environment for all students. In 2022, she wrote an article for a local newspaper which chronicled her own experience of coming out and the unwavering support she received from her mother – a story that mother and daughter will share during the Living Library event.
“When I first submitted my article to a local paper last year, my goal was to pay homage to my mom’s journey, as a parent of an identified 2SLGBTQIA+ individual, growing up in a small town. The level of learning, growth, and acceptance which my mom experienced over the years highlights the importance of having supportive allies, but also depicts one story of overcoming stereotypes and opening one’s mind to the struggles and challenges often associated with the 2SLBGTQIA+ community,” said Ryder.
The event will be moderated by NC student and President of the Rainbow Knights, Bruin Pol, a passionate advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and youth mental health.
NC employees, students, alumni and community members are invited to register for the event, which will be held virtually.
NC’s Alison Ryder (right) and her mom, Ellen Schmidt.
NC Libraries and Learning Commons Living Library series seeks to provide a forum for guest speakers to share their experiences firsthand. The living library concept, where books are people and reading consists of a conversation, has been adopted by organizations across the globe to challenge stereotypes, stigma, prejudice and discrimination. The NC Libraries and Learning Commons team hosted educational events for Treaties Recognition Week in Fall 2020, Black History Month in February 2021, Pride Month in June 2021, National Indigenous Education Month in November 2021, Asian Heritage Month in May 2022, and environmental awareness in May 2022. Recordings are available on the NC Libraries and Learning Commons website.
