Pride at the University

June 2024

Thank you to all of the community members who participated in the 2024 Positive Space Pride Kick-off and Mixer. This was our largest event yet, with over 170 attendees. A special thank you goes out to the OVPECI for sponsoring us and to the Urban Farm for hosting us again.  

Subsequent Pride programing starting in June and going through November included:

• Improving 2SLGBTQIA+ Health Using Community Based Research, hosted with the HOPE Centre
• Author Talk: Chrysalis with Anuja Varghese, hosted with Alumni Relations

Fall 2024

Thank you to all of the community members who participated in the 2024 Positive Space Pride Kick-off and Mixer. This was our largest event yet, with over 170 attendees. A special thank you goes out to the OVPECI for sponsoring us and to the Urban Farm for hosting us again.  

Subsequent Pride programing starting in June and going through November included

Improving 2SLGBTQIA+ Health Using Community-Based Research

TMU hosted a session on 2SLGBTQIA+ health in partnership with the HOPE Centre. Community-based research was highlighted to strengthen health outcomes. We are actively creating platforms for community-informed healthcare discussions. This work supports equitable healthcare access for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Author Talk: Chrysalis with Anuja Varghese

TMU and Alumni Relations welcomed Anuja Varghese to discuss Chrysalis. Varghese explored identity and storytelling with students, faculty and staff. Events like these foster dialogue on the intersections of identity and experience. We continue to support inclusive, reflective literary discussions at TMU.

Pride Activism and Student Sexual Health Panel

TMU hosted a student-led panel on sexual health and pride activism. Nursing student Claire Martin, Dr. Marty Fink and experts discussed health policy impacts. Rainbow Health Ontario joined to share resources on accessible health services. This event strengthens awareness of accessible health advocacy within TMU.

Virtual Spotlight with New Ho Queen

Positive Space and Asian Faculty and Staff Networks co-hosted a panel on queer Asian identities. New Ho Queen co-directors shared insights on intersectional community building. Attendees explored how identity and culture shape the queer Asian experience. Thanks to the Yellowhead Institute for supporting this meaningful dialogue.

Azad آزاد Gathering

Positive Space and the Muslim Employee Network hosted Azad آزاد for 2SLGBTQ+ Muslim faculty and staff. The gathering provided a supportive space for intersectional identities. TMU aims to cultivate inclusive spaces that respect all facets of identity. Azad reinforces our commitment to recognizing and celebrating diverse experiences.

Positive Skate

Positive Space hosted its semi-annual Positive Skate at Mattamy. This year’s event saw record attendance and engagement from the TMU community. Positive Skate fosters a supportive and active environment for 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff. We’re excited to see community participation grow each year.

Queerakoke

Positive Space held Queerakoke, an after-work karaoke for faculty and staff. Thirty attendees enjoyed a lively, welcoming environment to connect and unwind. Events like Queerakoke strengthen TMU’s commitment to creating safe, social spaces. We look forward to continuing to offer engaging community activities.

Photo Dip: Exploring Queer Photography

The Image Centre led a session on queer representation in photography. TMU faculty and students discussed historical and contemporary imagery in art. These sessions enrich understanding of visual representation in queer history. We’re committed to exploring diverse perspectives through art.

Pink Libraries Tours

TMU offered Pink Libraries Tours, showcasing 2SLGBTQ+ collections in our Archives. Participants learned about the unique archival resources available at TMU. This initiative connects the TMU community with valuable queer historical materials. We’re proud to highlight our 2SLGBTQ+ archival resources each year.

2SLGBTQ+ Scholarly, Research and Creative (SRC) Showcase

TMU held its second SRC Showcase, featuring 2SLGBTQ+ research from students and faculty. This PechaKucha event focused on groundbreaking scholarly and creative work. Showcasing 2SLGBTQ+ research fosters greater visibility for inclusive academic contributions. TMU supports and celebrates research that advances knowledge on diverse topics.

Film Matinee - Paris is Burning

Positive Space and Black Faculty/Staff Network screened Paris is Burning. Professor Art Blake provided remarks on the film’s historical and cultural significance. Film screenings like these support discussions on intersectional queer experiences. TMU is committed to offering spaces for critical cultural and identity exploration.

Queer and Trans in the Classroom

Positive Space hosted a session for faculty teaching 2SLGBTQ+ topics in the classroom. This event focused on the LGBTQ2S+ minor and best practices in inclusive education. TMU encourages meaningful discussions on representation in academia. We’re proud to provide resources for educators addressing 2SLGBTQ+ issues.

Trans Day of Remembrance

Positive Space hosted its annual Trans Day of Remembrance to honor trans lives. Community members gathered for a keynote and shared reflections. This day reminds us of the importance of acknowledging and respecting trans experiences. TMU stands in solidarity with trans communities today and every day.

Out at the Constantine

Alumni Relations closed Fall Pride with Out at the Constantine, a flagship 2SLGBTQ+ event. TMU alumni, staff, and supporters celebrated community and identity. Out at the Constantine reflects our ongoing dedication to fostering connections. We look forward to future gatherings celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ alumni and allies.

Thank you to all the community members who participated in the 2023 Positive Space Pride Kick Off. Positive Space was delighted to collaborate with the Urban Farm, which graciously hosted us in their extraordinary rooftop garden. This garden serves as the home for the Indigenous Foodways and Black Food Sovereignty projects.

Subsequent Pride programming from June through November included:

• Our Pride Author Talk with Sita Balani
• An OVPECI sponsored social at Glad Day Bookshop
• The Fall Term kick-off with Alumni office’s Out at Constantine event. 
• The Queer and Trans in the Classroom event
• Out in Print: Queer Authors Night
• Movie night with the Black Faculty and Staff Community Network
• Pink Libraries Tours
• 2SLGBTQ+ SRC Showcase
• Positive Skate at the Mattamy
• Pride Mixer and Newcomer Panel
• Queeraoke
• A Night of Laughs with Elvira Kurt
• Trans and Non-binary inclusion in sport speaker and panel event
• Protecting Trans Youth: A Panel Discussion
• Pride Game puck drop with Athletics and Recreation
• Our Trans Day of Remembrance keynote event

In 2022, Positive Space was back in person with our Pride Month Kickoff launching a month of celebration and community events at the university, which included film nights, quad lunches, a book talk featuring alumni and author, Alon Ozery’s (HTM ‘96) memoir, Even the Sidewalk Could Tell: How I Came Out to My Wife, My Three Children, and the World, a private tour of the Image Centre's "From Here to Eternity. Sunil Gupta, A Retrospective" exhibition, and their "Mauvais Genre/Under Cover: A Secret History" exhibition. Positive Space closed the 2022 Pride season with our first in-person social event in two years, Together Again, at Glad Day.

In 2021, Positive Space kicked-off Pride with a virtual get together, and a welcome from senior leaders. Subsequent online events includes a webinar by University Advancement on the impact of 2SLGBTQ+ fundraising, Drag Story time, community-led self-reflection events, film screenings, podcasts clubs, a panel on 2SLGBTQ+ immigrants in the workplace, a writing workshop, a virtual games night, and a community check-in.