Niagara College’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies celebrated inclusivity and acceptance on November 22, when students and employees participated in the inaugural NCSAC Pride event at the Welland Campus.
Hosted in collaboration between the NC Rainbow Knights student club and NCSAC, the full-day event featured a range of activities including a Pride parade and drag show, a vendor fair, and a workshop on gender-based and sexual violence. The Pride flag was also raised at both NC campuses for the day.
The event provided a platform for the college community to learn from and support 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and “significantly contributed to fostering empowerment and a profound sense of acceptance among numerous students,” said Bruin Pol, President of the Rainbow Knights.
Members of the Rainbow Knights student club at the vendor fair, hosted at the Welland Campus on Nov. 22. L-R: Miles Metcalf, Steve Mackett, Bruin Pol (back row) and Christy Engemann.
“Congratulations to NCSAC and the Rainbow Knights on the successful launch of NCSAC Pride, which reinforces NC’s commitment to solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ students,” said Samah Sabra, Associate Director, Workplace Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “Progressive initiatives like this help make our college a welcoming and inclusive place, a continued priority that is embedded within our EDI Blueprint.”
Last year, NCSAC and the Rainbow Knights partnered on a drag show, which received positive feedback from students. Inspired by its success, the club wanted to expand the event to a full day dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
“It was huge to be a part of something so important,” said Kris Houter, Vice President of the Rainbow Knights. “Watching this event grow from a drag show last year to a whole day has been such an amazing experience, and having NCSAC and the college on board for making this something that happens annually is a legacy that the NC Rainbow Knights will leave on campus.”
President Sean Kennedy participates in the Pride parade
Employees also participated in the event, showing their support by walking in the Pride parade indoors and representing their departments at the vendor fair. Participating departments included Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services, Libraries and Learning Commons, Centre for Organizational Excellence, NCSAC, International and Sustainability.
“The NCSAC Pride Day events received an exceptional amount of support from our students and the college community. All the activities scheduled on Pride Day were a testament to the continuous efforts of the Rainbow Knights Club,” said NCSAC President Dipal Patel. “The whole day was just an electric vibe, and the best part was seeing all the smiles on students’ faces and an overwhelming amount of support from the NC Community.”
Pol applauded the College for supporting the event and 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
“I think queer students felt a lot of love and support during NCSAC Pride,” he said. “However, the biggest noticeable impact, was Sean Kennedy, President of Niagara College, amongst other Niagara College employees, who participated in the parade – this meant a lot to so many including myself, because it validated that Niagara College is a place where love and support are embraced.”
Now an annual event, the Rainbow Knights hope that NCSAC Pride will help bring continued visibility to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community on campus.
“The saying that actions speak louder than words is so true,” said Houter. “I think this event will let 2SLGBTQIA+ students know that they are supported, they are not alone in this school, and this brings visibility to our community.”
Rainbow Knights membership
Students interested in joining the NC Rainbow Knights are invited to fill out the online form and to follow the club on Instagram @ncrainbowknights.
Related:
NCSAC’s first Pride Day coming to the Welland Campus on Nov. 22
