(originally published in the Weal - March 2019, print edition)

SAIT Pride Week is set to be the biggest one yet, according to organizers.

“Because we have a bit of a budget to work with, it’s allowed us to do a lot of the things we always wanted to do,” said John Partington, in an interview on Jan. 26.

From Feb. 4 to 7, events will be held all over to campus to celebrate SAIT’s LGBTQ+ community and how much that community has grown.

When John Partington started as the transfer options coordinator at SAIT four years ago, he noticed a lack of LGBTQ+ events and community on campus.

“I was curious as to the reasons why, of course, but also what could I do to get involved,” said Partington.

Shortly after that, SAIT’s presence in the LGBTQ+ community started to grow. 22 people from the staff and student body at SAIT participated in Calgary Pride three years ago. This last summer, SAIT’s LGBTQ+ community sent 96 people to Calgary Pride.

SAIT Pride is showcasing the community with events all week, starting with the flag raising at 9:00, Monday morning. 

This is the fifth annual flag raising that SAITSA has put on, though it may be a little non-traditional this year.

“Currently the flag poles are under construction, so we don’t really have any,” Jessica Beddow, VP student life with SAITSA, said in an interview on Jan. 25. 

There will be rainbow hot chocolate at the event regardless of whether the flag poles cooperate or not. 

The visibility of a flag raising is important for more than just a signal that the party has started. 

“It shows that you aren’t alone in who you are,” said Carling Brezinski in an interview on Jan. 20. Brezinski is a first year journalism student who is bisexual and non-binary.

“It’s a positive example, especially for those who aren’t out yet.”

The week continues with a Drag 101 workshop on Tuesday, which is a drag history lesson wrapped up with a tutorial on make-up techniques, binding, tucking and drag culture.

“We’ll have kings and queens here to show you how to get into drag,” said Partington. 

“We’ll have a section in the Rainbow Reception to let everyone who wants to strut their stuff.”

There is also a clothing swap on Wednesday in the Johnson Cobbe Energy Centre. 

All items are on sale for $4.00 a piece. 

The money is going toward a new scholarship program.

“We want it to be LGBTQ+ specific, but it will depend on how much money we raise,” said Partington.

“We’ll have the sale and a mix and mingle, so we’ll have coffee and Timbits and rainbow Jenga and board games too,” said Beddow.

The Rainbow Reception is from 5-7:30 on Thursday and it’s a celebration to show that there is space for everyone.
There will be performances from the Calgary Men’s Choir, drag shows and performances from staff. “It’s lots of camp and lots of fun.”

The organizers are asking that people RSVP for the Rainbow Reception. “It’s a chance to celebrate that SAIT is becoming a more welcoming and inclusive place,” said Partington.

“There’s lots of us here,” said Beddow. “We’re here, we’re queer, we’re loud.”

The schedule for Pride Week is available online and is tied into the First8 Community Week.