June is the kick-off month for Pride Season, a time to honour the celebration of love and acceptance dedicated to celebration and commemoration of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or sometimes questioning), intersexual, asexual (2SLGBTQI+) pride.
At Saint Mary’s, we strive to create a welcoming, respectful and supportive environment for our entire community. For many, SMU has become a home away from home, and we endeavour to ensure there is safe space for self-discovery and to experience joy in community.
Liv Brennan
Liv Brennan (she/her) is a third-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Geology, who is currently working as the Student Life Coordinator for the Student Success Centre (SSC). SMU’s initiatives in allyship and creating safe space were an important factor in Brennan’s decision to work in the SSC.
“Previously I worked in Residence Life and have been involved in the RainBEAU Committee as well as the Pride Society, so I knew there would be support for me as an LGBTQI+ person,” says Brennan. “My experience at SMU has always been positive and my colleagues have always been supportive—it makes me proud to work here.”
Being involved with 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives on campus has been an empowering part of Brennan’s experience at Saint Mary’s University. “It means a lot to me to see SMU acknowledging Pride Month,” explains Brennan. “It’s a great opportunity for our community to feel a sense of belonging and it enhances our sense of pride in who we are.”
Within her role as Student Life Coordinator, Brennan is supporting initiatives to celebrate Pride Season. Alongside her team, Brennan is excited to host a SAAS pride event on June 20, called Paint Your Pride, inviting the entire SMU community to create a large chalk mural in the Quad. She is also helping to develop a 2SLGBTQ+ community resource hub for SMU.ca.
“For me, it’s about community and making the world a better place for 2SLGBTQIA+ people.”
“There are all kinds of resources available at SMU for our community,” notes Brennan. “In addition to the RainBeau Committee and the Pride Society, we have the SMUSA Pride Centre and the SMUSA Women’s Centre, both on the 5th floor of the Student Centre. There are also health and wellness resources through the Student Health Clinic, Counselling Centre and the Sexual Violence Support Centre.”
When asked what World Pride Month means to Brennan, she highlighted how her journey as a bisexual woman has strengthened her passion for helping create a sense of belonging. “For me, it’s about community and making the world a better place for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Pride Season gives us a chance to amplify our messages of love and tolerance and acknowledge those who helped pave the way for us and those who carry on the important work for our community.”
Brennan is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Pride initiatives at SMU. “It’s so important to give our voices a platform,” she notes. “Hearing from people at SMU who are going about their lives, whether they’re working or studying here, really enhances that sense of community on campus. Knowing that SMU wants to share our stories reinforces that we belong here and that we don’t stand alone.”
Visit Celebrating Pride at Saint Mary’s to learn more about initiatives and resources at SMU.