Pride Month, June 2024
I would like to start by reflecting upon valuable words written by Devni, your previous LGBTQ+ Officer 2022-23.
"Pride Month is a time for the LGBTQ+ community to come together to commemorate the progress we've made, honour the struggles we've faced along the way, and reaffirm our commitment to cultivating a more inclusive and accepting society. While the concept of Pride month, to some, may conjure images of parades, flags, and rainbow logos, it's important to remember it is so much more.
The first Pride was a riot: an uprising against systematic oppression and violence against LGBTQ+ people. Trans women of colour were at the forefront of it all, valiantly initiating and leading the resistance against the police. So, while it's beautiful to revel in how far we've come, by acknowledging our history, we can make sure Pride Month remains a celebration grounded in resilience, resistance, and a collective pursuit of equality for all."
For Pride Month 2024, we have lots to look forward to and celebrate at Imperial College Union (ICU).
Since August 2023, I have been working with the College’s Digital Media Lab to produce a mini-docu series. I hope the series raises vital awareness around the diverse experiences of Imperial’s LGBTQ+ students. The videos will be launched for Pride Month and celebrated at a screening event open to staff and students on Monday 10th June. We will also be hosting a panel discussion and Q&A with the videos’ student stars and production team. I hope to see you there!
Following a successful application, we have secured 75 wristbands for Imperial’s students to march the Pride in London parade together on Saturday 29th June! More details and sign-up information will be coming soon via ICU LGBTQ+ Network’s Instagram.
IQ, ICU’s LGBTQ+ student society, will also host various events throughout Pride Month! More details can be found on IQ’s Instagram or join their mailing list to find out more. Rainbow Bridge, the Engineering LGBTQ+ Network, also have their final event of the year during Pride Month (details here).
Alongside the celebrations, I am continuing to work on vital projects, particularly initiatives to better support Imperial’s trans+ community. As Martha P. Johnson once said while leading the revolutionary civil rights movement during the Stonewall riots:
“No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us”
I hope you have a safe and happy Pride Month!
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further:
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Please reach out to Avi (she/her), (LGBTQ+ Officer 2023-24) at icu-lgbt@imperial.ac.uk
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Andreea (she/they), your Deputy President (Welfare), at dpw@imperial.ac.uk.
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Further resources and support can be found here.
Lots of queer love, Avi x