As we celebrate Pride Month this June, I am excited to share some reflections and upcoming events that highlight our ongoing commitment to inclusion and belonging at Humber College. This special month is not just a time for celebration; it's a time for reflection, solidarity, and a reaffirmation that regardless of who you love, how you identify, or where you come from, you have a place in Humber, in our community, and in our hearts. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us today at our Pride Flag Raising event, organized by the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, the LGBTQ+ Resource Centre, and the 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG). This event was a significant moment to celebrate our diverse community and recognize the incredible work done every day with 2SLGBTQIA+ people at Humber. 

You Belong Here

This year's Pride Month theme at Humber is "You Belong Here." For me, belonging at Humber is about love and acceptance. It means making sure that everyone is cared about, respected, celebrated, and loved for who they are. It's about ensuring that people have the services and support they need. It's about understanding that our differences are a source of strength. When we choose to embrace and draw strength from our differences, we build a true sense of belonging. It is also about understanding Mino Nawendiwen-Good relationships and the interconnectedness we all have with everything around us.  

To achieve this, we need to be intentional in our efforts. This is why we created the division of Inclusion & Belonging to drive our collective efforts forward and why we are taking an intersectional approach to advancing inclusion and belonging across Humber. 

As we raise the pride flag, let it serve as a symbol of strength, unity, and community; and let it remind us that until our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members feel they can live their lives fully and authentically, our work is incomplete. 

Honouring Resilience and Courage 

For far too long, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals have faced discrimination, persecution, and exclusion simply for being who they are. Despite these obstacles, they have persisted with resilience and courage. This Pride month, we honour their struggles, their victories, and their contributions to our collective journey towards equality and acceptance. This month, we unite against bigotry, discrimination, and injustice. 

Pride Month is also significant as it coincides with National Indigenous History Month. The two share a deep connection, particularly as it relates to reclaiming Indigenous two-spirit identities and traditions, which is central to advancing reconciliation. 

Our Ongoing Commitment

While we have made important progress, we recognize there is much more work to do. Together, I am confident that we can continue to build a future at Humber where belonging is not just a word, but a true reality.

To our students, staff, and community, know this: You belong here—not just this month, but always. 

Thank you for being part of our Humber family and for supporting our commitment to inclusion and belonging. 

With pride and solidarity, 

Jason Seright
Vice-President, Inclusion & Belonging