UBC officially unveils Pride installation at heart of campus

UBC has taken the wraps off its first Pride installation, located at the centre of the Point Grey campus.

The new Pride installation symbolizes the university’s commitment to make UBC welcoming to all LGBT2SQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans – transgender, genderqueer, non-binary, two-spirit, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual) community members and allies.

The installation is a pride rainbow, trans pride flag colours with the addition of black and brown stripes, painted on a large concrete wall outside the AMS Nest, overlooking the University Commons plaza.

It will be formally unveiled at a celebration today, with remarks by UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Santa Ono, music, performances, resource booths and more.

“The UBC Pride Installation is a permanent symbol of the university’s commitment to building an inclusive campus community. By placing this mural in a public location, we hope to signal that UBC is a positive space for all,” said Sara-Jane Finlay, associate vice-president of equity and inclusion at UBC.

The project was funded by the graduating class of 2018 as a gift to the university community.

“The installation will animate public spaces outside of a very central location on campus. Visibility of safe spaces that not only acknowledge but also celebrate the LGBT2SQIA+ community is vital for us,” said Marium Hamid, president of the AMS Student Society of UBC Vancouver. ”We hope that this space is also a great way for us to start conversations about inclusivity and visibility in action on campus.“

The location and the design were informed by an online vote, and refined through community feedback including at UBC’s own Pride celebration event. An advisory committee composed of students, faculty, and staff also helped inform the overall project.

“By adding the black and brown stripes, we show our support for inclusion and recognize the diversity, intersectionality, and leadership of historically marginalized community members within, and beyond, the LGBT2SQIA+ movement,” said Finlay.

High-quality, durable paint materials were used for the installation, which will help it withstand weather elements over time, and considerations have been made for ongoing upkeep and maintenance.

To view social media photos of the installation, follow #UBCPride on social media.

Event: UBC Pride Installation Celebration

Date: Mon, Oct. 15, 2018

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Location: AMS Nest, 6133 University Blvd., Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6T 1Z1 http://www.maps.ubc.ca/?795

Media: please RSVP to peter.meiszner@ubc.ca

Photo gallery: https://goo.gl/zJQzex

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2239747122927722/