Inclusion and acceptance are top of mind for AC’s first year students

Posted on Monday, August 29th, 2022

Megan and Orion, Algonquin College students both heading into their first semester, were overjoyed to have the opportunity to march with the Algonquin Students’ Association at Sunday’s Capital Pride Parade.

After two long years, Ottawa’s Capital Pride was back in full swing with three days packed full of prideful festivities — the parade serving as the capstone on a wonderful weekend of celebrations. More than 50 Algonquin College students and faculty showed up this year to flank AC’s pride float, with many others showing their AC spirit and merging from the sidelines to join the crew along the way.

But for new students like Megan and Orion, the parade wasn’t just about celebrating pride but feeling supported by their AC community as they head into their first semester.

Megan, who will be taking the Professional Writing program in the fall, shares what this inclusive experience has meant for them.

“I’ve never been in a pride parade before, and I’ve recently come out as non-binary, so this is the safest place I feel,” says Megan. “Algonquin College having such a presence at Capital Pride really makes me feel more included heading into the school year. I feel like I can be myself and there’s no judgement, just support.”

Orion, who will be starting the Applied Museum Studies program in the fall, also experienced many firsts at Sunday’s parade, an event that they’ve been long looking forward to.

“In 2019 I went to see the Algonquin College firetruck at the Capital Pride Parade,” says Orion. “One of the people walking with the AC float said that maybe when I’m a first year I could march in the parade with Algonquin College as well and look at me now!

“I was ecstatic to find out that I was able to sign up to support the community that supports me. I came out as non-binary in 2020 so this is the first Pride that I am out as a trans non-binary panromantic asexual person, so this is a big thing for me,” shares Orion. “It means so much to me to be at the Capital Pride Parade with Algonquin College and to feel comfortable and safe being who I am on campus.”

Algonquin College and the Algonquin Students’ Association are committed to creating a safe and inclusive campus community for all students, staff and faculty.

Couldn’t make it Sunday but interested in seeing the festivities that were had? Experience the day with us by checking out our social channels listed below.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlgonquinColleg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/algonquincollege

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@algonquincolleg