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University of Victoria

Pride 2023

UVic celebrates the LGBTQ2SIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Questioning, Two-spirit, Intersex, Asexual and more) members of the UVic and broader community.

Pride is about celebrating visibility and joining together in a struggle for justice. The need for justice continues—LGBTQ2SIA+ people still face discrimination, violence, homelessness and marginalization. We are taking time to reflect on how we can make our campus more welcoming for everyone.
Colour composite of people, peacock, animals, totem, buildings

Celebrate Pride 2023

“Pride has always been about resisting the violences enacted on our community and envisioning a world in which our collective liberation can manifest. Every year, we celebrate the hard-won progress that has been made in advancing socio-political rights for gender and sexual minorities, while also understanding how far we still have to go." 

—Beau Houle (they/them), communications officer, Gender Empowerment Centre 

Wednesday, June 21 & Thursday, June 22

Cinecenta Pride Month Series

Watch Soft, an open-hearted love letter to childhood friendships and a powerful testament to the queer community’s perseverance and adaptability.
Thursday, June 29 - Sunday, July 9

2023 Pride Festival

The 2023 Victoria Pride Festival runs from June 29 to July 9. Celebrate Pride through community-wide events including the Memorial Drag Ball Game, the Big Gay Dog Walk and more! 

Sunday, July 9

Pride Parade

Join the Chair in Transgender Studies, UVic Pride, the Gender Empowerment Centre, and CUPE 917 at the 2023 Victoria Pride Parade.
President Kevin Hall with a rainbow UVic logo t-shirt.

Statement from President Kevin Hall

"We know that the work of creating a gender and sexuality-inclusive community continues on our campus and in our wider communities. The recent hate-motivated attack at the University of Waterloo and closer to home, the destruction of a new Pride crosswalk in Saanich, have brought this clearly into focus. We must stand together against hate, lift each other up in the face of intolerance and hold each other accountable to the commitments we have made."

Read the full statement here

Campus groups

UVic Pride
A large group of people gather outside in Victoria's inner harbour.
UVic Pride is an organization for all people who are queer, queer-positive, gender-variant and/or intersex. Panels, hangouts, games, Q&A sessions and more events focused on the needs of LGBTQ2SIA+ are listed on the UVic Pride Facebook page.
Chair in Transgender Studies
Person in front of a large group with a rainbow fan at a Pride parade.
The UVic Chair in Transgender Studies works to drive social change and improve the well-being of Trans+ people. They facilitate activities, get-togethers and more for Trans+ people and their allies.
Gender Empowerment Centre
Black and white logo of the Gender Empowerment Centre.
The Gender Empowerment Centre is an inclusive space, focused on the needs of self-identified women, non-binary, trans and gender non-conforming folks to organize, network, access resources, attend workshops and events, study and relax. The GEM space is open to both UVic students and community members.
Books displayed on a counter.

Transgender archives

UVic is home to the largest collection of original documents recording the history of pioneering activists, community leaders and researchers who have contributed to the betterment of Trans+ people. They are available to the public for free. 

Learn more

Resources

QVic
QVic is a drop-in social space for LGBTQ2SIA+ students in residence. Follow the QVic Facebook page to see what's being planned, from hosting games nights, fashion shows and more.
Peer Support Centre
The UVSS Peer Support Centre offers peer-to-peer support on campus and online whether you have questions about mental health, are concerned for a friend or need help accessing additional resources.
Anti-Violence Project
The Anti-Violence Project aims to prevent violence and support survivors. They offer workshops and support services, both on and off campus.
Equity and Human Rights Office
The Equity and Human Rights Office is a resource for all UVic community members, providing education, information, assistance and advice to help build and support an inclusive campus.
UVic Libraries
Explore a curated selection of LGBTQ2SIA+ stories, novels and learning resources from the UVic libraries. While highlighted during Pride, these resources are available year-round.
Vancouver Island Trans Resources
The Chair in Transgender Studies hosts a wide variety of resources, including the Vancouver Island Trans Resources.

UVic initiatives

Expanded gender declaration options

Expanded gender declaration options for UVic applicants, students and employees are now available. Gender identities can be updated through banner, the main UVic record system. 

Update your gender identity now

The Better Data Project

Launched in late 2022, the Better Data Project aims to address equity barriers across the UVic community by collecting personal information in an ethical way. The more we know about our campus community, the better we can support their success. 

Trans+ scholarship

Scholarships for Trans+ students or students studying Trans+ topics are available through the Chair in Transgender Studies.