U of M administration organizes queer alumni social
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/08/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
In what could be a first in Canada, the University of Manitoba has organized a UMqueer alumni event during Homecoming celebrations next month.
The Friday Sept. 23 social is dubbed Queers, Cheers and Homecoming years.
Student groups have organized similar events in the past, but the university is likely the first to be involved in organizing one.
“At the University of Manitoba, we’re committed to diversity and inclusion on all levels,” vice-president external John Kearsey said Monday in an email. “This year, the U of M formally participated in Pride Winnipeg. President (David) Barnard walked in the parade with a group of alumni, students, faculty and staff.”
LGBTTQ* grads organized this summer when the U of M was a sponsor of Winnipeg’s Pride parade.
“We said at the time, it can¹t be simply a one-off engagement. So we put together a group of community members and identified opportunities for the U of M to really engage in the conversation of LGBTTQI* issues. We are having several conversations and events in the year ahead and one of those is this new homecoming event for our queer alumni community,” Kearsey said.
“There will be a speaker or two during the events, and at the same time we really want this to be fun! A chance to connect and reconnect with our queer community and begin the deeper engagement around issues and perspectives. We will be asking the question of how can we as a university community — alumni being a central part of that community — add to the many varied discussions related to LGBTTQ* issues.
“We have put this out there for our entire alumni community. We don¹t know how most people gender identify. It¹s out there for everyone. If individuals want to be included in specific invitation lists for other events and activities, we will do that.”
Academic vice-president and provost Janice Ristock said that the historic event helps implement the university’s strategic plan.
“It confirms our commitment to diversity and inclusion as stated in our strategic plan…. We are proud of our LGBTTQ* alumni and now have an event to say so.”
Full details are available online.
nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
