Surrey Schools celebrates Pride Month through June
The district's sixth annual Pride Poster Contest saw more than 100 entries from elementary and secondary students, celebrating pride through the theme of You Are Your Super Power and recognizing the resilience in 2SLGBTQ+ identities.
June is Pride Month, and students and staff across Surrey and White Rock continue to promote inclusivity and welcoming environments for people of all backgrounds, identities and orientations in our schools.
Pride is an opportunity to highlight the diversity of students and staff in the district and emphasize the importance of acceptance through SOGI-inclusive education and safe spaces for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in schools.
While Pride is centred on the month of June, students and staff make efforts throughout the year to support 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity. The district’s Racial Equity department’s Equity, Diversity & Belonging Calendar highlights observances such as LGBTQIA+ History Month (October), the Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20), Two-Spirit Celebration & Awareness Day (March 20), the Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31) and the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (May 17).
Earlier this month, the district once again co-hosted its Youth Pride Dance, in partnership with the City of Surrey and Youth for a Change. Held at the Newton Seniors Centre, the dance provided an opportunity for youth aged 13 to 18 to have fun and express themselves freely.
The district’s sixth annual Pride Poster Contest was also held this spring, with more than 100 elementary and secondary students submitting their colourful creations on the theme You Are Your Super Power. The theme celebrates the strength, resilience and pride within 2SLGBTQ+ identities, and highlights the many ways queer, transgender and Two‑Spirit people draw power from knowing themselves, honouring their cultures and embracing the fullness of who they are.
Schools across Surrey and White Rock continue to support inclusivity during June and throughout the year, with symbols of Pride such as the rainbow flag serving to promote unity, equality and a commitment to diversity and respect.
The district’s Protecting Surrey Schools Together (PSST) and Surrey Schools One websites continue to have numerous SOGI resources for students, parents and staff.
Surrey Schools is also participating in this year’s Surrey Pride Festival on Saturday, June 20th, and will take part in the Vancouver Pride Parade on Sunday, Aug. 2, with staff invited to sign up to walk in the parade. For more information on both events, visit surreypride.ca and vancouverpride.ca
