CENTRE for SEXUAL and GENDER DIVERSITY
Pride Week 2026
Check out how we celebrated Pride Week in 2026.
We had inspiring speakers, a market featuring local queer makers, casual hangouts, and a Friday the 13th Queer Prom to wrap up the week. The 2026 theme was Queer Realities, where we celebrated, energized and brought our community together from March 9 to 13. You may have been seeking joy, community and connection. You may have been feeling rage or frustration at the world around you. Probably both. This week made room for it all.
MacEwan’s Pride Week 2026 was brought to you by our Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity, which leads the YEG Campus Pride Network, a collaboration among the six major post-secondary institutions in Edmonton: Concordia University of Edmonton, The King’s University, NAIT, NorQuest College, MacEwan University, and the University of Alberta.
We were proudly supported by TD Bank Group.
Missed the 2026 events? No problem!
Faces of Exile: The Arrusi and the Policing of Gender and Sexuality in Fascist Italy Art Exhibition
These photographs offered a chilling glimpse into the social climate and frequently overlooked history of the persecution of homosexuals in Mussolini’s Italy. After touring internationally, Luana Rigolli’s work was on display at the MacEwan Library from March 1 until the beginning of April.
Make Your Pride Shine
The Makerspace was the spot to create a poster, button, or vinyl sticker in preparation for Pride Week.
A Special Day Movie Screening
The MacEwan Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity and Metro Cinema presented this exclusive screening of an Italian film about Hitler’s visit to Rome in 1938 and two outsiders who form a moving bond. The event was proudly sponsored by TD Bank Group.
Strategies for Resistance Through Queer and Trans Joy and Solidarity
Members of the trans community were invited to discuss how to resist, thrive, honour joy, and build meaningful community. Despite sociopolitical and environmental threats, trans, nonbinary, and gender diverse people continue to resist, organize, and mobilize efforts to fight injustice while preserving trans joy.
Pride March and Opening Ceremonies
We marched across campus in celebration and solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Students, staff and faculty gathered to represent their work areas, clubs, teams and groups.
SAMU’s Pride Lounge
SAMU celebrated Pride by transforming The Lookout into a Pride Lounge. This was a free drop-in space where students could hang out, listen to music, and grab a free (non-alcoholic) margarita.
Can I Touch It? Kink, Consent and Art Collections
This was an invitation to a hands-on event with Doll 4 by Inuvialuk artist Kablusiak, followed by a conversation about art, kink and mental health. The artwork was experienced in an unconventional way that challenged traditional “do not touch” museum protocols.
Rainbow Market
There were stickers, art, jewelry, stuffies...and more! This three-day pop-up market featured over 15 local makers and businesses, with something new each day.
Art Buffet: Craft-tacular!
All were welcome to bring their own work in progress or join a table to make a broad selection of Pride-themed crafts.
Gender 101: Steps to Solidarity with MAVEN
This was an initiative to encourage people of all backgrounds to learn the facts about transgender identity, expression and allyship practices. Myths were busted and facts shared with an interactive activity and a chance to win prizes.
Queer Research Connections
This annual event shared why research is an important part of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Student research was highlighted, and participants learned how to conduct their own research. There was also a chance to build connections with faculty who drive research at MacEwan.
Expressing Queer Realities
Volunteers were invited to Towers Pub to perform through music, writing and movement. The intention was to speak to the heart of human experience, connect the audience with artists, and build community through storytelling.
Navigating Uncertainty: Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ Students
Cai Paré (student, Communications Diploma, ‘27) and the Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity presented about ways staff and faculty can show support and allyship to 2SLGBTQ+ students and community members. The discussion was informed by research and covered topics such as the social impacts of policy, the effects of trauma on learning, and actionable allyship in times of strife.
SAMU’s The Dirtiest Sexiest Bingo
A new location this year called for a BIGGER PARTY! SAMU chose The Lookout for The Dirtiest, Sexiest Bingo hosted by Drag Queen, Vanity Fair, and featuring performances from local icons.
Staff and Faculty Global Pride Dance Party
The FFAC EDIA Committee invited MacEwan staff and faculty to this DJ-driven dance party to shake off the stress! They activated the Elder Jerry Wood Atrium’s innate “rave aesthetics” with a proper sound system, lighting, ample seating, and refreshments – all to boogie with Pride after work. DJ Doctor Deejay (aka FFAC’s own Maren Hancock, a professional DJ with 25+ years of experience) spun dance music from around the world.
Queer Realities: Zine Making with the Queer Leadership Team
MacEwan’s Queer Leadership Team facilitated a conversation and zine-making exploring the Queer Realities theme and connecting with others through creativity. There were reflections on how rage and joy, seemingly opposing emotions, can and do coexist within us.
Friday the 13th Queer Prom
Guests had a bewitching time celebrating the end of Pride Week at EVO! The event featured entertainers Orpheus, Raw Angus, Victory Van Helsing, and Tanner Steele, as well as DJs Otter Nonsense and Betti Forde.