Informative workshops and panels, hangouts and drag shows—participate in a variety of events during Pride Week.

In March each year, the MacEwan Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity hosts Pride Week, celebrating the diversity of 2SLGBTQ+ communities and allies. This awareness-raising and celebratory week aims to create and support a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in the university community, and build bridges to the broader Edmonton community.

Check out how we celebrated Pride Week in 2024.

We partnered again with the NorthSide Pride Collaborative Group, including NAIT, NorQuest, The King’s University and Concordia University of Edmonton, from March 11 to 15. Event highlights included a collaborative art project generating a vision for the future, a panel discussion on “Debunking Gender Conspiracy Theories and Anxieties,” a Bob Ross Gay Paint Night, poetry night, coffeehouse, tea time in the SAMU Student Lounge, and a Queer Futures Prom wrap-up event at the Art Gallery of Alberta.

The 2024 theme was: Queering the Future.

Missed the 2024 events? No problem!

Pride March and Opening Ceremonies
We marched across campus in an act of celebration and solidarity with the 2SLGBTQ+ community—the perfect blend of protest and celebration. The Pets Assisting with Student Success (PAWSS) animals and Griff were in their finest rainbow outfits!

Pride Community Resource Fair
The Allard Hall Atrium was the place to learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ supports and resources available on campus and in the broader community.

Rainbow Market
People picked up some great Pride gear and supported local 2SLGBTQ+ makers and businesses.

SAMU’s LGBTea Time
Pride Week kicked off with free tea in the SAMU Student Lounge.

Spinsanity
Participants were encouraged to gear up in their tight and bright and ride to the rhythm of inclusivity with a vibrant pride playlist and party lights!

Queer Research Connections
We discussed why research is an important part of healthy communities. Student research was highlighted, and participants learned how to engage in research of their own. Attendees built connections with faculty who drive research at MacEwan.

Raising Queer Futures
This family-friendly event explored how identity shapes the queer futures of children. There were structured and unstructured conversations in small groups making visual art. Caregivers, MacEwan students, and youth from the community shared their experiences.

Queering My Future: Staying Authentic from the Classroom to the Staffroom
We explored of the realities facing young queers entering the modern workforce. We discussed how to maintain identity when entering the professional sphere, finding a workplace that is affirming and encouraging, and how to "queer" work. A mix of MacEwan alumni, instructors, and community members attended.

SAMU’s Pride Lounge
SAMU transformed the Student Lounge into a Pride Lounge! This free drop-in celebration featured a DJ and (non-alcoholic) margaritas.

Queer Poetry Coffeehouse
Historic and contemporary poetry were shared, featuring pieces unearthed from the Edmonton Queer History Project's archives and those written by MacEwan students. People were encouraged to bring their own poem.

Debunking Gender Conspiracy Theories and Anxieties
This discussion reviewed the origins of "trans panic," the paradigm of "parental rights," and community pathways for a response.

Sensory Studio Rainbow Room
The Sport and Wellness studio was decorated in beautiful colours. People beat rainbow paint drums, threw colour-filled balloons, and got creative with markers for carefree, destressing activities.

Crafting Queer Futures
This craft-acular extravaganza welcomed people to participate in as many crafts as they liked throughout the day, including bringing their own "works in progress" or joining a table to make a broad selection of Pride crafts.

Queer Joy! Art + Accountability on Alberta Post-secondary Campuses
MacEwan University, Mount Royal University, Norquest College, and Olds College came together to generate a vision for the future, which was created through a collaborative art project and run by social artist, Melanie Schambach.

Bob Ross Gay Paint Night
Participants channeled their inner Bob Ross and created a rainbow-inspired landscape with artist, Kaz Haskins.

Indigenous Queer Futures – Community Dialogue
This community dialogue explored the different lived experiences of panelists and their hopes and dreams for younger Indigiqueer people. They talked about what it means to have intersecting identities of being Indigenous and queer, and the different ways to reckon with queerness.

School Picture Retake Day
Picture Retake Day was a chance to reclaim that memory by getting pics retaken, presenting exactly as intended, creating a queer and joyous past, and moving boldly into the future!

Past, Present and Future: The Evolution of Trans and Gender Diverse People’s Rights in Canada
Part of the Queer Horizons Speaker Series, attendees learned about trans and gender-diverse people in a historical context, with a focus on the evolution of discussions and debates about human rights.

NorthSide Pride Staff and Faculty Social
Staff and faculty from the five schools in the NorthSide Pride Collaborative Group were invited to attend a fun and relaxing social event, making new connections and reveling in the joy that community brings.

Waltzing into the Future
InQueeries introduced basic ballroom dancing to use at Queer Prom. The session was run by students for students to encourage confidence and community.

Love Letters to Our Futures
This edition of the InQueeries Campfire included an open mic, bracelet making, and refreshments.

Queering Futures Prom
A futuristic NorthSide Pride GAY-la at the Art Gallery of Alberta took place, celebrating dreams of a queer future with sequins, joy, DJs, drag and burlesque performers, and new friends aplenty! Entertainment was provided by Fruit Loop.

 

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We were proudly supported by TD Bank Group and The Stollery Charitable Foundation.

Show your Pride

Purchase Pride Week merchandise like t-shirts, bags and hats at the MacEwan Bookstore while quantities last.

MACEWAN BOOKSTORE
How to pride: A faculty resource
Faculty can encourage students to participate in Pride Week in all kinds of ways! Share promotional materials, bring your students to Pride March, direct students to the Pride Week website for event details and to sign up to volunteer. Here is a sample lesson plan with a rubric as a great start on “how to pride” with students!
Pride Week at MacEwan image. Lesson plan and rubric

Volunteer

Get involved as a volunteer and enhance your understanding of the MacEwan community during Pride Week.

Contact us to volunteer

Past events

Pride Week 2023

bridge lite up with pride colors

WHAT WE DID IN 2023

Pride Week 2022

bridge lite up with pride colors

What we did in 2022

Pride Week 2021

Pride Week 2021

What we did in 2021

Pride Week 2020

Pride Week 2020

What we did in 2020

Pride Week 2019

Pride Week 2019

What we did in 2019

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This opportunity/event is eligible for your Student Experience Record (SER). Find out more and create your SER in the MacEwanLife portal.

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