Events include a Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil, followed by a social gathering on campus November 20.
In the past, uOttawa students have attended the vigil at the Human Rights Monument on Elgin but this will be the first time there will be a follow-up social event organized by the Pride Centre.
“I felt overwhelmed with a lot of emotion last year,” says Dakota, a third-year student in political science. “That’s why I was pushing for a social event where people can grab refreshments and feel ok about opening up to someone else. I contacted the University events team to have something on campus. The social event is for those who may be nervous speaking at the vigil, to give them a smaller space with known faces where they can share their experiences and de-compress.”
The vigil will include speeches and is attended by a variety of 2SLGBTQIA+ groups and organizations.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance was first observed on November 20, 1999 in memory of two people who were murdered: Rita Hester and Chenelle Pickett. Vigils take place every year to remember transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals who have faced violence and discrimination. An estimated 70% of trans youth in Canada experience some form of sexual harassment or violence and transgender and non-binary youth are more than twice as likely to have thought of self-harm.
Other Pride events this week include a Pride-themed game night, Makeup 101 workshop, a Drag show, drag bingo with Adrianna Exposée and a Queer Ottawa Services Market, which aimed to raise awareness of 2SLGBTQIA+ services and organizations on campus and across Ottawa.
“My main goal is to create these safe spaces and to improve the visibility of the Pride Centre on campus,” says Dakota. “We’d like to get more people involved with advocacy. The more of us who’re willing to help the stronger our voices are.”
“We have our drop-in centre for students to come in and find community. We want to make it clear that we have a space you can come to, we have resources, you’re not alone. It’s not just us. There are other services such as the Feminist Resource Centre or the RISE (Racialized and Indigenous Students Experience Centre) or even the Centre for Students with Disabilities. We’re all here to provide help. That is our role. Also, as part of the community we’re all here to support each other. The Pride Centre has a Monday-to-Friday open drop in space where students can come in and really get to know people.”
To participate in the vigil, students can either meet at the Pride Centre (UCU 215C) at 6 p.m. or at the Human Rights Monument (220 Elgin Street) at 6:30 p.m.
Afterward, a social event featuring snacks, fresh fruit, veggie platters and juices will be held at the Social Sciences Building (FSS), Room 4007, from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.