Though policy 713 was introduced in New Brunswick, the debates it has sparked around gender identity and parental rights has implications for all Canadians
Policy 713 was introduced in New Brunswick in 2020 to serve as a legislative basis regarding the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ students in the province. This policy has undergone revisions twice in 2023.
First, in June 2023, the province's government amended a portion of the Self-identification Section 6.3. The section now prefaced that students under the age of 16 would require the consent of parents to be addressed with their preferred pronouns in educational settings. This change in June 2023 sparked much debate about whether or not the policy was in violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
These debates prompted another revision in August 2023 which while still maintaing the requirement of parental consent, introduced intervention steps if there were complications in obtaining it.
This change meant that students under 16 would first be referred to a guidance counsellor or school psychologist to determine how to gain consent from their parents. The Government of New Brunswick believes that this change encourages students' exploration of gender identity and ensures support from adults.
Hamilton Community Legal Clinic is a not-for-profit that serves as a legal service for Hamilton residents. HCLC released a statement regarding Policy 713 that acknowledged their stance against the proposed policy and its implementation.
Michael Blashko, staff housing lawyer and the lead on the Queer Justice Project at HCLC, expressed that the primary concern is around the impacts on children under 16. He pointed out that many educators, social workers and psychologists have expressed deep concern.
“The potential impacts [on children under 16] are quite well known and not only professional educators and different associations of educators have come through with comments against this policy change. . .but also just health professionals,” said Blashko.
The potential impacts [on children under 16] are quite well known and not only professional educators and different associations of educators have come through with comments against this policy change. . .but also just health professionals.
Michael Blashko, Queer Justice Project lead, Hamilton Community Legal Clinic
He shared one of the most concerning parts of the policy was the actual lack of consultation that went behind the changes.
“I believe it was first implemented by the party that actually has made the changes now, which raised a lot of eyebrows. My understanding is that there were little to no consultations that occurred with any experts, any interest groups, [or] any students who would be impacted. Nothing like that,” said Blashko.
Moreover, the changes in New Brunswick have guided other provinces to take the same actions. Saskatchewan has followed suit, implementing an almost identical policy. Manitoba's Premier has expressed that the desire to have their province want to follow suit as well.
“I think my general position is just discomfort and disappointment that that's the approach that they– not just New Brunswick– but several different premiers and government seems to be taking,” said Blashko.
Despite the province's changes to 2SLGBTQIA+ student rights, there are many who are challenging the legality of the policies.
Blashko shares that in New Brunswick a lawsuit is being issued by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association in opposition to the policy. In Saskatchewan, the same is being done by the UR Pride Centre for Sexuality and Gender Diversity.
He shared that Saskatchewan could lose the case due to the potentially unconstitutional nature of their policy. However, he also shared that in the face of such a case, the province could refer to the notwithstanding clause.
The clause allows them to override the violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Blashko feared this will create a precedence for this type of lawmaking.
“If Saskatchewan becomes the first province to invoke the notwithstanding clause as essentially a direct attack on Trans[gender] and Queer human rights. That's certainly a concerning precedent. And if that happens, there's not a lot that can that, you know, people can do to defend against that. It's literally a mechanism to violate rights,” said Blashko.
If Saskatchewan becomes the first province to invoke the notwithstanding clause as essentially a direct attack on Trans[gender] and Queer human rights. That's certainly a concerning precedent. And if that happens, there's not a lot that can that, you know, people can do to defend against that. It's literally a mechanism to violate rights
Michael Blashko, Queer Justice Project lead, Hamilton Community Legal Clinic
Overall, Blashko shared that in the midst of these legal battles, he’s hopeful people all over Canada will show their disapproval of these policies. He hoped that governments and educational entities will step away from these policies and protect the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
The Student Wellness Centre hosted four events throughout June, providing opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ students to connect with each other
At McMaster University, different student services and clubs have been celebrating Pride in a number of different ways. The EngiQueers took students to march in the Toronto Pride parade. The Faculty of Health Sciences hosted a talk with nurse and equity advocate Ellie Reyes about providing thoughtful, respectful care for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
This year, the Student Wellness Centre also hosted four events to celebrate and recognize all 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
They kicked off the series with their “Embracing Gender Diversity” in-person drop-in group. They also hosted a “Food for Thought: 2SLGBTQIA+ Friendly Student Cooking Session” where they made veg stroganoff. The SWC’s “Queer Movie Night” took place on June 15 with the movie being “Saving Face”. They finished off the month with a Pride social which included guided painting, snacks and games. This last event was exclusively for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
Taylor Mertens and Zeinab Khawaja, health promoters at the SWC, worked diligently to bring students these events. They both expressed that the hope with this programming was to have a space exclusively for members of the queer community to meet and expand their own network of classmates.
“It’s an opportunity to connect, do something creative and just meet other students with similar identities. Which can be really hard for a lot of students. There’s a lot of loneliness and not knowing where to meet other 2SLGBTQIA+ students,” said Khawaja.
It’s an opportunity to connect, do something creative and just meet other students with similar identities. Which can be really hard for a lot of students. There’s a lot of loneliness and not knowing where to meet other 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
Zeinab Khawaja, health promoter, Student Wellness Centre
The earlier inclusion of events open to 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, questioning folks and straight allies and then later events exclusively for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community was purposeful.
By creating events that are open for questioning students, they hoped students would also have a space where they could comfortably explore their identity and then feel more confident to attend 2SLGBTQIA+ community exclusive events in the future.
Mertens and Khawaja explained that this progression was also meant to be supportive for individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ but may not feel comfortable entering an exclusive space yet.
“Entering a closed space can be a little difficult for people and feelings of not being gay enough, not being queer enough, “not being “x” enough” essentially. The idea is that we’re kind of building up for that. So hopefully, we will have people attend multiple events and feel a little bit more secure and supported to be able then to go to the Pride Social and stuff like that,” said Mertens.
Both Mertens and Khawaja shared that in recent years they have noticed the large influx of McMaster students that find themselves in Hamilton over the summer. Knowing this, they hope to have pride events and other programs like these to support students in the summer months.
“This year there’s a lot of international students who are around during the summer and then [graduate] students [have] to be around in the summer as well as undergrad students who are taking summer courses or just wanting to live independently. We’re trying to be more intentional about having summer programming [for] all students,” said Khawaja.
This year there’s a lot of international students who are around during the summer and then [graduate] students [have] to be around in the summer as well as undergrad students who are taking summer courses or just wanting to live independently. We’re trying to be more intentional about having summer programming [for] all students.
Zeinab Khawaja, health promoter, Student Wellness Centre
Although Pride month has come to an end, the focus on celebrating and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals doesn't. Khawaja and Mertens shared their goals for the upcoming years with the Silhouete.
Khawaja explained their focus on the intersectionality of identity. By integrating intersectional language into the currently offered programs, she hopes that people who are often overlooked will feel included in programs hosted by the SWC.
Mertens hopes to share knowledge about active living spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ members. He has found that these spaces are often dominated by cisgender heter onormative communities, sometimes deterring 2SLGBTQIA+ members from partaking. They have more programs in the works for the school year, including drag shows and potlucks.
This year, Pride Hamilton’s outdoor event will include vendors, performances and a beer garden
Pride Hamilton is hosting their annual pride event on Sunday, Aug. 27 at Pier 4 Park between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The outdoor event will include vendors, food, a beer garden, performances as well as family and youth activities
In Dec. 2022, Pride Hamilton reached out to the community via Instagram to ask for suggestions for an accessible and inclusive location for this year’s festivities. Some of the considerations factored into their selection include safety for 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals, accessibility transit and mobility devices and accessibility to shaded areas.
The location for this year’s event was shared on Instagram in May 2023. Pride Hamilton detailed in their caption that Pier 4 Park is accessible by HSR, accessible to mobility devices and offers parking.
Shortly after they announced their location, Pride Hamilton announced this year’s vendors, which include local businesses such as OWL & Crafty Beaver, Sugar Daddies Bakery and Coco Blossoms.
In addition to their large event in Au- gust, Pride Hamilton has hosted and promoted several events throughout June 2023, including yard sign fundraiser and a pride comedy festival.
For more information on Pride Hamilton and this year’s pride events, visit the Pride Hamilton website.
Forge partners with Volkswagen to support speqtrum Hamilton through proceeds from Pride match featuring the Pacific Football Club
The Forge Football Club hosted a Pride soccer match sponsored by Volkswagen with proceeds going to support speqtrum, a 2SLGBTQIA+ program through the Young Women’s Christian Association of Canada’s Hamilton chapter.
Focusing on community building and development, speqtrum provides services, events and skill workshops to assist queer and trans young people in Hamilton. speqtrum also offers programs such as weekly check-ins, peer support with staff to chat and provide services over online platforms.
On June 1, the team announced on Instagram post that their June 10 home game at Tim Hortons Field would be held in celebration of Pride month.
"I think it’s important for us to host [the Pride match] for a number of reasons, but the least of all just visibility and going the extra mile to prove that Tim Hortons Field is an inclusive space,” said Shannon Connolly, manager of community partnerships for Forge FC.
I think it’s important for us to host [the Pride match] for a number of reasons, but the least of all just visibility and going the extra mile to prove that Tim Hortons Field is an inclusive space.
Shannon Connolly, manager of community partnerships, Forge Football Club
The team also announced multiple promotional and merchandise opportunities through which fans could donate to the program. These include a “#BeTheChange Pride Package’’ which contained a ticket to the game, a commemorative pride Forge FC shirt, a charitable $10 donation to speqtrum and a $10 matching donation made by Volkswagen.
In addition to the package, $5 proceeds from the team’s Pride collection sales will also be donated to speqtrum for the remainder of the merchandise’s supply.
"Our mandate in our community department is always to focus on healthy, active and empowered youth . . . We immediately thought of speqtrum when we were looking for a partner for this match because they work really closely with youth and families,” said Connolly.
Our mandate in our community department is always to focus on healthy, active and empowered youth . . . We immediately thought of speqtrum when we were looking for a partner for this match because they work really closely with youth and families.
Shannon Connolly, manager of community partnerships, Forge Football Club.
The first 3,000 fans who attended the game were given a Pride Forge FC bandana as part of the team’s giveaway. Unique visual elements were present at the match, including custom corner flags as well as a rainbow-coloured armband for Kyle Bekker, the team captain for the Forge.
Per Connolly, approximately 200 tickets were donated to speqtrum on behalf of Forge and Volkswagen and given to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth from across Hamilton to attend the match.
Per Connolly, approximately 200 tickets were donated to speqtrum on behalf of Forge and Volkswagen and given to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth from across Hamilton to attend the match.
Playing against the Pacific Football Club, the Forge lost 0-1 after a late game goal by forward Djenairo Daniels. Both teams played a tightly contested game all throughout the match. After a scoreless first half, a misplay by Forge players Dom Samuel and Triston Henry allowed Pacific FC forward Daniels to notch a wide-open goal in the 85th minute of play.
Despite a 56.4 per cent possession rate for the Forge, the Pacific’s 16 shots and relentless offense managed to overpower the hometown Hammers and bring the visitors to victory. After the game, the Forge sit in third place in the Canadian Premier League standings with four wins, four draws and two losses.
The Forge continue to make donations to speqtrum with merchandise purchases from their 2023 Pride Collection along with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Gender Remix, a new workbook by Mela Swayze, approaches the topic of gender in an inquisitive and supportive manner
Gender is a complex aspect of one’s identity, leading people to great lengths of self-discovery. The complexity of such an identity can be daunting and often hard to navigate. The work of Mela Swayze, a consultant, educator and writer of Gender Remix, aims to help people better understand and connect with their gender identity.
Swayze released Gender Remix as a workbook for those who identify as trans, non-binary or gender diverse. The goal of the workbook was to help guide those who are looking into their own identity, whether that be with a coach or a therapist or alone. In December all of the proceeds from the book went to Speqtrum Hamilton, an organization that supports queer youth in Hamilton.
“Gender remix is a workbook that [is] designed for people who are trans, non-binary, gender diverse or otherwise exploring their gender. . . It has resources exercises [and] writing prompts, so it's definitely designed for those who like self-reflection [and] those who like a good journal prompt,”
Mela Swayze, Consultant, educator and writer of Gender Remix
The workbook has a journal-like design to encourage self-reflection. It goes chapter by chapter to communicate the idea of gender as something that isn’t so binary. The book is also accessible and compatible with assistive devices.
Swayze believes initiatives like Gender Remix are a way to give structure at a time when someone may be overwhelmed. Though it may not be for everyone, they found that many of their own clients discovered solace in quite a few of the included information within the workbook. Additionally, they hope that with workbooks like this, more people will see that they aren’t alone in this realm of self-discovery.
“For some people who might be at the beginning of exploring their gender identity, it can be a lot to digest and a lot to process. . . Having a bit of structure to guide you in bite sized pieces helps people to digest and process a little more easily,” said Swayze.
The process of creating the workbook was based heavily on the work Swayze has done with their own clients and through workshops. To them, it was important to have the workbook be from lived experiences of many people rather than having their own set of rules dictate the journey.
They found that over the course of their work, folks exploring their gender had similar overarching topics. These topics became focuses in the workbook, with an emphasis on self-reflecting rather simply being told how one should feel.
“The work with trans and gender diverse clients definitely informed the creation of the workbook rather than vice versa,” said Swayze.
The response from the community has been very encouraging. They’ve had coaches, therapists and organizations all commend the workbook and actively use it in their own practice. Swayze also noted someone in Colorado Springs purchased the workbook, following the shooting that occurred in a 2SLGBTQI+ club in the area. They found it to be very meaningful that the workbook could support people in moments of crisis.
Every person is entitled to their own story. Swayze believes understandings one’s gender identity is an important aspect to receiving and being open to experiencing love. Ultimately, by having one’s own support system through self-exploration, it can encourage self-acceptance and love. It isn’t telling others that makes the difference, but feeling as though they have the option if they feel comfortable doing so.
“It's a lot easier to receive love when we are being our true selves in the world, whatever that is and whatever that means to you. It doesn't mean necessarily that you're the type of person who wants to shout your identity from a rooftop, but even small disclosures to a partner or a close friend or a queer chosen family can be really meaningful,”
Mela Swayze, Consultant, educator and writer of Gender Remix
Gender identity is something that varies for every single person, sometimes without support the journey to find oneself can become daunting. Though everyone occupies gender differently, Swayze introduces a stepping stone that can support someone who is learning more about themselves. The hope is that by understanding and accepting the nuances of gender identity, people can feel safer in their own bodies.
The MSU Pride Community Centre’s first Queer Prom promises music, donuts and a surprise celeb performance
This year, the McMaster Students Union Pride Community Centre is hosting their first Queer Prom at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on Mar. 3. The event is in collaboration with EngiQueers and Queer and Trans Colour Club.
Although this is the PCC’s first time hosting this event, 2SLGBTQIA+ social advocacy group Fruit Salad: Hamilton Edition held Hamilton’s first Queer Prom in June 2022. The event was also held at the Art Gallery of Hamilton and brought in attendees from all over the province.
The tradition of 2SLGBTQIA+ safe dances have been important in queer spaces all over the world for several years. In 1995, one of the very first recorded queer proms in America was organized in Hayward, California.
In a 2014 documentary covering the Hayward Gay Prom, participants detail how this tradition allows 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to safely experience one of the most romanticized milestones of American youth.
Avery Kemble, assistant director of the PCC, shared that these ideas rang true to McMaster’s 2023 Queer Prom. Kemble explained that this event aims to provide the queer community an opportunity to experience an inclusive, safe and fun prom. Kemble explained that some students may not have had this opportunity previously, due to pandemic restrictions or homophobic school requirements.
“So many high school proms are so cis [normative and] heteronormative and it's so hard for queer people to be able to go and feel welcome at an event like that. There are stories of people not even being allowed to bring same-sex partners or having dress codes that say girls must wear dresses and guys must wear suits. It's all very limiting for queer people,” said Kemble.
So many high school proms are so cis [normative and] heteronormative and it's so hard for queer people to be able to go and feel welcome at an event like that. There are stories of people not even being allowed to bring same-sex partners or having dress codes that say girls must wear dresses and guys must wear suits. It's all very limiting for queer people
Avery Kemble, Assistant Director, Pride Community Centre
PCC Training and Development Coordinator Ava Shah-Beigi discussed with the Silhouette that the PCC’s Queer Prom is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate queer culture in a unique and accessible way.
“It's so nice that there is so many aspects of queer culture that are celebrated within the confines of nightlife, such as bars or drag shows. But we also think that it's important to have events that don't necessarily center around nightlife, but rather something more like a formal, which offers options for queer students.” said Shah-Beigi.
Kemble shared that the PCC has been hard at work planning Queer Prom since September 2022.
She explained that it was important to them to ensure that the event is as accessible as possible. This includes cheaper ticket options to reduce financial barriers for some students. Kemble shared that, because queer people are already more likely to be of lower income or require financial aid, it was important for the PCC to make tickets as affordable as possible, which they were able to achieve through external funding.
Shah-Beigi shared with the Silhouette that in an effort to make Queer Prom as accessible as possible, the PCC has organized a raffle to provide free tickets and outfits for the event.
We will be providing a free ticket to three to five students with financial needs and there's like a person we're collaborating with that will provide them a free outfit as well. We don't want people to face any barriers when it comes to finances. We want to be able to have everyone celebrated whether or not they come from a wealthy background,” said Shah-Beigi.
We will be providing a free ticket to three to five students with financial needs and there's like a person we're collaborating with that will provide them a free outfit as well. We don't want people to face any barriers when it comes to finances. We want to be able to have everyone celebrated whether or not they come from a wealthy background.”
Ava Shah-Beigi, Training and Development Coordinator, Pride Community Centre
The Queer Prom will be chock-full of music, games and entertainment. There will be a professional DJ, a donut bar, a caricature artist, drag queen performances and a surprise celebrity performer.
Shah-Beigi also shared that the event is Renaissance themed, and attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their most extravagant themed attire.
Whether it be for the entertainment, the dessert bar or just to celebrate queerness in a safe and uplifting space, McMaster’s first Queer Prom is an event to not be missed.
“Growing up, prom is such a milestone event that you look forward to and we want the queer community at McMaster to have that opportunity to be brought together and foster a sense of belonging and inclusion, to show queer people that they matter,” said Kemble.
“Growing up, prom is such a milestone event that you look forward to and we want the queer community at McMaster to have that opportunity to be brought together and foster a sense of belonging and inclusion, to show queer people that they matter.”
Avery Kemble, Assistant Director, Pride Community Centre
For more information about Queer Prom, visit the McMaster PCC Instagram.
For the first time 2019, McMaster EngiQueers marched in this year’s Toronto Pride Parade
The Toronto Pride parade returned to the city’s streets for the first year since 2019. Among the official marchers was the McMaster EngiQueers, a student group focused on advocating and providing a safe community space for 2SLGBTQIA+ engineering students.
The club was founded in 2013 when five McMaster University engineering students attended the Toronto Pride parade and saw engineering student groups from three other universities representing their school and community. Inspired by what they saw, they started McMaster EngiQueers.
Today EngiQueers has expanded across the nation with over 25 participating universities. EngiQueers Canada collectively represents all the member groups and is now a nationwide non-profit organization. The organization aims to celebrate, promote and advocate for diversity and inclusivity in engineering.
"Our main purpose as a club is to create a safe and welcoming space for any queer identifying engineering student but, of course, also any queer student on campus. We are a very small and niche community, so it is important to show other students that they aren’t alone in their engineering, under-grad or grad school journey and that they have a community to support them,” said Nasim Paknejad, co-president of McMaster EngiQueers along with Mymoon Bhuiyan.
"Our main purpose as a club is to create a safe and welcoming space for any queer identifying engineering student but, of course, also any queer student on campus. We are a very small and niche community, so it is important to show other students that they aren’t alone in their engineering, under-grad or grad school journey and that they have a community to support them."
Nasim Paknejad, co-president of McMaster EngiQueers
Marching at the Pride Toronto is one of the club’s major events and members were excited to participate again in this annual tradition. This year McMaster EngiQueers marched alongside University of Waterloo’s Engineering Society and UWaterloo EngiQueers.
The clubs organized the march together as they had done in previous years, prior to the pandemic. They also provided marchers with t-shirts sporting the combined logo of the McMaster Engineering Society and the Waterloo Engineering Society, flags, other merchandise, food and transport.
Tickets to walk the parade with the group were open to engineering and non-engineering students at both McMaster and Waterloo.
With over 75 per cent of the tickets sold, many students, including non-engineering students, joined the parade and represented McMaster. A few alumni also returned to celebrate pride, diversity and love with the rest of the team.
"We had a very good reaction and response from the people who joined us. A lot of people really liked the shirt design that we had and everybody who came to the parade said they had a lot of fun,” said Paknejad.
This year was Paknejad’s third time as an attendee but their first time as a marcher. Throughout her three years in the club, she says the parade was her most memorable experience.
When they first joined the club, it was small and the pandemic had taken a big toll on them. During the pandemic, they poured in great effort to make the club more visible on campus through hosting games and movie nights. However, nothing surmounted to the excitement they felt when finally connecting with club members in-person at the parade and having the engineering faculty recognize finally them as well.
"There were a lot of people watching the parade who saw us. A couple of people told me and Moon that they got accepted into Mac just by seeing us. Both of us were really touched by that,” said Paknejad.
"There were a lot of people watching the parade who saw us. A couple of people told me and Moon that they got accepted into Mac just by seeing us. Both of us were really touched by that."
Nasim Paknejad, co-president of McMaster EngiQueers
Outside of the parade, McMaster EngiQueers hosts a variety of community events and have an active Discord server with channels for checking-in with others students, sharing memes or music and seeking mental health support. Membership to the club is open to allies as well as queer students in or outside of the engineering program at Mac.
The success of the parade meant more than just great planning and organization — it was a day of forming new connections, reinforcing the community voice and celebrating love and living your truth.
For students interested in McMaster EngiQueers, applications for rep positions will be released in the first few weeks of Septem-ber and students can also look forward to fun Welcome Week events this year.
From the creator of Mixed in Hamilton, Fruit Salad Hamilton is creating space for queer folk all year round
Community forms a core part of many of our support systems. It’s the places and the people who make us feel seen and welcome. It’s the places and the people where we feel we can be our authentic selves.
However, often times these spaces can be difficult to find. Sarah Barnhart has made it her job to create such spaces and help people to find their community, first with her work on Mixed in Hamilton and now with Fruit Salad Hamilton.
Inspired by an event she attended in Montreal, Barnhart started Fruit Salad Hamilton in 2021 looking to create more spaces for the lesbian, femme and gender non-conforming folks in Hamilton.
"Hamilton has a massive queer community and also a lot of people, especially women and femmes found themselves coming out in the pandemic and then really having no idea how to make friends, meet community [or] where to go. And then this space was available so I’ve had lots of people come and sort of say this is my first queer event, I just came out in the pandemic . . . and now there’s this space where I can do that and people who are also kind of in the same situation and build community,” explained Barnhart.
Through Fruit Salad, Barnhart has largely been organizing dance parties, including the city’s first queer prom. So far, the reception has been overwhelming positive. The happiness and excitement from the community is apparent in all the photos from the events.
"It makes me really emotional to see people experiencing queer joy . . . There’s just a lot of happiness and kind of euphoria around being allowed and welcomed into community and I’m hoping to [continue to] create that space for other people,” Barnhart said.
It makes me really emotional to see people experiencing queer joy . . . There’s just a lot of happiness and kind of euphoria around being allowed and welcomed into community and I’m hoping to [continue to] create that space for other people.
Sarah Barnhart, Founder of Fruit Salad Hamilton
Fostering this feeling is at the heart of Barnhart’s work. It’s important to her everyone feels welcome and seen in the spaces she’s creating, from people who questioning or still figuring out their identy to those who’ve known who they are forever and everyone in between.
“I’m hoping that they can see themselves represented. There’s not only one way to identify as queer or gay or lesbian or whatever the way you identify. I’m hoping that people like walk away with a sense of community . . . that’s the thing I hope people find the most is like a sense of belonging, community [and] connection,” explained Barnhart.
Barnhart also encouraged students consider coming out to future events.
"Especially if you’re new to your post-secondary education, maybe you’re newly out, maybe you’ve left home and now you have this opportunity to explore your identity [and] I think that’s a perfect reason to come out to an event.”
Going forward, Barnhart is hoping to also expand into doing more low key events, such as poetry readings.
"[I want to] have more events that out-side of just the dance party vibe because that isn’t for everyone . . . I love that we keep being able to create spaces for people to be queer all year,” said Barnhart.
