LONDON, Ont. — Fanshawe College marked the beginning of Pride Month by raising the Progress Pride flag in a ceremony attended by students, faculty and staff, celebrating inclusivity and LGBTQ2S+ rights.
“The flag that we raise today is a powerful symbol,” said Tanya Kaza, vice-president of people and culture. “It is a reflection of our values and our ongoing efforts to build a college environment that is inclusive, respectful and welcoming to all.”
Kaza said the Progress Pride flag honours the diversity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, representing love, identity and the intersections of race, gender and history.
Joseph Pazzano (Credit Theodore Ramharack)
“It reminds us that progress is not the goal,” she said. “It’s actually a responsibility.”
Joseph Pizzano, director of the Centre for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, spoke about the importance of forgiveness as a radical act of hope and self-care.
“Not because we’re ready to forget. Not because we seek excuses. Not because accountability is unimportant,” Pizzano said. “Because forgiveness is
for us. Forgiveness is a radical act of self-care, of compassion, of hope. Forgiveness seeds no ground in the fight for equality for queer and trans folks.”
He said the spirit of pride continues through the enduring message passed down from queer and trans elders — that love conquers hate.
“Hope wins over despair,” he said. “Forgiveness is recognition that we are still here. This flag still flies, and we stand here one more year in the rebellious spirit of Pride.”
Maddie Stoner, president of the Spectrum Club, said the flag symbolizes solidarity between the college and its queer community.
“It is because of this symbol of solidarity between Fanshawe and its queer community that I continue to look to the future with an unshakable optimism,” Stoner said. “We must have courage when confronted with hate, for courageous actions are how we better our world — not only for us, but for generations to come.”
The ceremony concluded with Mauricio Osorio from SETI raising the flag.
“There’s a lot of hate this time around toward the trans community, toward the queer community,” Osorio said. “But Fanshawe is standing with all of us. And I think that’s what this represents.”
As the flag waved in the wind, its colours symbolized Fanshawe College’s ongoing commitment to representation and inclusion.
