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Pride Lounge unveiled at Lethbridge College

Sep 10, 2018 | 11:59 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Two years ago, an LGBTQ+ club was restarted as part of the Lethbridge College Students Association. And they made it a priority to create a safe, supportive space.

That work was realized Monday, Sept. 10 with the opening of the Pride Lounge. The drop-in facility, open to all students and staff, can also be used as an event space. A large crowd gathered for the ribbon-cutting, which included Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt who said he was “blown away” by the turnout.

“It really shows the level of support that exists among students, faculty and staff for making the Lethbridge College campus a safe place for all of its students,” he said. “We believe that education is a right for every Albertan regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This sends a strong message that every Alberta student is welcome here on campus at Lethbridge College.

LGBTQ+ club vice-president Zachary Wigand also said it meant a lot to see the turnout.

“We’ve heard from countless students, faculty, and staff about feeling isolated, feeling that they didn’t belong,” he said, explaining that the lounge will help build a sense of community. Student volunteers will also help connect students to resources.

“Even in just my time here, I’ve met tons of students that we’ve helped a little bit, even just connecting them to resources. It makes them feel empowered to come out on their own terms, and to really understand themselves and their mental health.”

A $365,000 provincial grant for mental health resources in 2017 helped support the creation of the lounge, which is centrally located on the main floor of the Andrews Building.