In this blog, Chayan and Ruth share their reflections on U of T Pride events. iHub staff participated in a #DisplayYourPride craft event and attended KPE & SDGO’s Progress Flag Raising to celebrate Pride and show support.
Written by Chayan Anand, Project Assistant, Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering and Ruth Rodrigues, Research Lead, Master of Education in Social Justice Education
June is Pride Month here at U of T. It’s a time to pause, to celebrate, and to speak up. Across the university, Pride is marked in many ways—through events, education, and acts of visibility that remind us of who we stand with and why it matters. At the Innovation Hub, we’re joining this collective celebration in ways that feel local and intentional. From crafting our own Pride display to attending the university’s Pride Flag Raising, we’re finding ways to show up—blossoming with creativity, care, and community.
Staff Voices – Why is Pride important to you?
Innovation Hub staff used Post-it notes to answer the prompt , “Why is Pride important right now?”. Answers included “Feeling safe”, “Representation”, “Visibility” and “Maintaining progress”. With the goal of improving campus experience for all students, we know LGBTQ+ students have unique experiences to take into consideration. We hope to continue our advocacy by intentionally including LGBTQ+ students in our work.
When asked “What comes to mind when you think of Pride month?”, Innovation Hub staff wrote “Community”, “Identity”, and “Acceptance”. Over the years, we learned that students want a place of refuge on campus where they can be their authentic selves. Despite trying to remain apolitical whenever possible, fostering a safe place for LGBTQ+ staff and students is an equity priority. For these reasons, we prioritize Pride events at U of T that increase visibility and demonstrate vocal support for LGBTQ+ rights.
Pride at U of T – KPE and SDGO Flag Raising
The iHub team attended the 10th Progress Pride Flag Raising this year and felt the strong solidarity emulated by the U of T community.
The event took place on June 4th and was hosted by the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE) and the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office (SDGO). The event speakers included outgoing President Meric Gertler and the Dean of KPE Gretchen Kerr. Gertler highlighted that the SDGO’s Positive Space campaign was turning 30 next year, a major achievement in welcoming U of T students. Gertler also reminded the crowd that U of T was the first Canadian university to have an LGBTQ+ student group (LGBTOUT). With many iHub staff reflections centered on maintaining the progress we’ve made, reminiscing on past successes was a welcome change of pace.
Pride at iHub – Display Your Pride
To celebrate Pride Month, the iHub team gathered in a space filled with creativity, community and visibility. As a part of the university-wide #DisplayYourPride initiative, we came together to create a collaborative art piece that felt distinctly us—a vibrant iHub Pride sign, decorated with a garden of hand-crafted blossoming flowers made from colorful pipe cleaners.
What began as a Friday social grew into something more meaningful. Students and staff sat side by side, getting crafty, laughing, and choosing colors that reflected not just aesthetics—but care, joy, and identity. The space was filled with warmth, and the process of creating something together reminded us how deeply Pride is rooted in presence, participation, and shared intention. It wasn’t just about flowers or signs—it was about claiming space, showing up, and creating something that reflects who we are.
Beyond Pride
For many, the Innovation Hub is a place where they feel seen, respected, and free to show up as they are. These events were not just about pride, but about the everyday acts of inclusion and belonging that define our space. Whether it’s the Positive Space campaign or #DisplayYourPride, our participation is more than decorative—it’s a reflection on how people feel when they’re here. This is iHub Pride: blossom as you are.
After participating in activities and events for Pride, staff and students alike were inspired to build allyship and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. To look for sources of inspiration and encourage your own community to reflect, see these educational resources:
- SDGO Pride events (https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/events/pride/)
- The Institutional Equity Office (https://people.utoronto.ca/inclusion/)
- LGBTOUT student group (https://lgbtout.sa.utoronto.ca/)
- LGBTQ Alumni Resources (https://alumni.utoronto.ca/events/LGBTQ-Alumni)
- Queer U of T Employee Connect (https://sgdo.utoronto.ca/resource/qute/)
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