Everything you need to know about Pride Week at SAIT

Join us in recognizing and celebrating our vibrant 2SLGBTQ+ campus community during Pride Week — Oct. 7 to 11. SAIT is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive space for students, faculty and staff to work and study.

“I look forward to our 2SLGBTQ+ campus community coming together to celebrate SAIT’s Pride Week,” says Marcia Buchholz, SAIT’s Vice President of People and Culture. “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion plays a significant role in creating a positive workplace with a culture that reflects an engaged community of people who feel safe being who they are.”

Why celebrate in October?

October is internationally recognized as LGBT History Month and October 11 is National Coming Out Day. By celebrating Pride in October, we align with global celebrations while ensuring our community can participate during regular class schedules.

“As Pride Week at SAIT approaches, I find myself reflecting on Canada’s history and the steps we’ve taken towards basic human rights for the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” says John Partington, SAIT’s Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “Evertt Klippert — the last Canadian incarcerated for being gay — was arrested in 1965. This should serve as a simultaneous reminder of the progress we’ve made and how close we are to that history. As we come together as a community to celebrate Pride, let’s consider the generations before us and the work we still have ahead.”

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Event schedule

You can find tips on attending your first pride event or how to be a good ally at sait.ca/pride

🌈 Pride Flag Raising | Monday, Oct. 7, 9:00 am

Location: West of Heritage Hall at the flag poles

Kick off Pride Week with the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony! This event is more than just raising a flag — it's about celebrating visibility, unity and support for our amazing 2SLGBTQ+ community. Join the celebration, grab some rainbow candy and say hi to the Pride at SAIT committee at the entrances of Johnson Cobbe Energy Centre, Stan Grad Centre and Heritage Hall.

✨ Inclusion Talks | Faithfully Queer: Embracing 2SLGBTQ+ Identities and Christian Belief | Tuesday, Oct. 8, noon – 1 pm

Location: Online

Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation with the staff from SAIT's Interfaith Centre as we explore the intersection of sexuality, Pride and Christianity. This is your chance to explore an open discussion on how faith and identity can beautifully co-exist.

🌈 Pop Up Pride Booth | Wednesday, Oct. 9, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Senator Burns building, across from Tim Horton’s

Swing by our Pop-Up Pride Booth in the Senator Burns building and meet some of the awesome Pride Committee members! Whether you're looking to learn more about the 2SLGBTQ+ community, or just want to grab some great resources and support info, we've got you covered. Plus, it's the perfect chance to connect with fellow students.

🍳 4Nines Breakfast Buffet | Thursday, Oct. 10, 7:30 – 9:30 am

Location: 4Nines, John Ware building

Fill your plate and make a difference for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. $1 from every buffet purchase will be donated to the SAIT Pride Award. It’s a win-win!

SAIT’s Pride Award is available to full-time students who demonstrate activism for 2SLGBTQ+ community on and off campus. It celebrates allies or members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community who take action to create inclusivity and belonging.

🎤 Drag Bingo | Friday, Oct. 11, noon – 1:00 pm

Location: MacDonald Hall, Heritage Hall

Get ready for a fabulous finish to Pride Week with Drag Bingo featuring the performers from The Fake Moustache Troupe! Expect fierce entertainment, fun prizes, tasty popcorn and an unforgettable lunch hour.

Other ways to celebrate Pride at SAIT

📖 Familiarize yourself with 2SLGBTQ+ history, acronyms and flag symbolism with  Pride 101.

💵 Donate to SAIT’s Pride Award! Full-time students who demonstrate activism for 2SLGBTQ+ community on and off campus can apply before Feb. 28, 2025. This award celebrates allies or members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community who take action to create inclusivity and belonging.

🖱 Register for PERS 143: Queer Inclusion and Belonging at SAIT. This 60-minute asynchronous course introduces you to equity, diversity and inclusion through the lens of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. You can register for the course by completing an online form for students, while employees can access the course through PeopleNOW.

🌈 Consider using a Pride-themed Zoom or Teams background, or adding this message to your e-signature for the week: SAIT Pride Week is Oct. 7 to 11. Learn about Pride at SAIT and find upcoming events on sait.ca.