May 31st, 2024
June is Pride Month. It’s a chance to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ community to our community and the world.
Representation
Pride Month 2024
Building on our commitment to honouring student identity and supporting well-being, the theme for this year’s Pride Month is representation. For equity deserving groups, representation is a crucial component of progress. It’s evidence that it gets better.
Advocacy and action are what break down the legislated and societal barriers that prevent 2SLGBTQIA+ people from living their full and authentic lives. WRDSB is committed to supporting positive and welcoming environments where students, staff, families and caregivers are supported in stepping forward to represent themselves and their community.
Throughout history, 2SLGBTQIA+ community leaders have laid the foundation for current and future generations to bravely walk in their identities, claiming space and affirming rights. We are committed to maintaining brave spaces for all to feel a sense of belonging and to see themselves represented and reflected in our schools, workplaces and in the curriculum, in alignment with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Community Events
tri-Pride Summerfest 2024
Pride in the Park, also known as Summerfest, has been a long-standing tri-Pride tradition, marked on the first Saturday of June. They’re ready for another year of entertainment and fun!
- When: Saturday, June 1, 2024 starting at 12:00 p.m.
- Where: Victoria Park (Willow River Park) in Kitchener
Learn more: @tripridekwc on Instagram.
Pride 2024 Events | Spectrum
For Pride month, SPECTRUM is working with many great community partners to present a series of events and activities that both celebrate members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and promote equal rights and visibility.
We want to share our gratitude for the support of Spectrum for WRDSB Pride Month.
Learn more about the Spectrum Pride 2024 Events.
Resources for Students and Families
2SLGBTQIA+ Supports and Resources
Visit the 2SLGBTQIA+ Supports and Resources page to find a selection of resources for students and families from clinical and community organisations.
About the Progress Pride Flag
The Progress Pride Flag honours the contributions, lives and histories of Black, Brown and Transgender people who live a multi-marginalized reality. Designed in 2018 by Non-binary American Artist Daniel Quasar, the Progress Pride Flag includes the addition of a five-coloured chevron to emphasise inclusion and ongoing advocacy. The Progress Pride Flag with the six-coloured stripes is grounded in the liberatory meaning and activism of the Gilbert Baker Flag. The Black and Brown stripes represent marginalised 2SLGBTQIA+ communities of colour. The pink, light blue and white are from the transgender flag. It now includes a visible reminder of those communities disproportionately impacted by:
- Homophobia
- Transphobia
- Queerphobia
- Racism
The Progress Pride Flag is a symbol of our commitment to ensure every student sees themselves reflected in their learning environment, and those who teach them so that they can reach their full potential.
2SLGBTQIA+ and living in Waterloo Region
Profiling 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Leaders
In 2022, we recognised 2SLGBTQIA+ community leaders in Waterloo Region. These 2SLGBTQIA+ community members shared about their identities, passions, and lived experiences. These profiles offer advice to students, hope for the future of education and what it means to belong.
You can revisit those profiles here: