On May 17, Durham College (DC) formally recognized International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (IDAHOT) by raising the pride flag at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses for the first time. 

Students and employees were encouraged to gather in front of the flag poles at the Student Services building, where they were joined by representatives from multiple community partners including PFLAG Durham and the AIDS Committee of Durham Region.

Meri Kim Oliver, vice-president of Student Affairs, DC, spoke about why acknowledging the day was important to the DC community. “The symbolism of raising a flag marks a point when we acknowledge the past and grieve for the ways in which we have interacted,” said Oliver. “It marks the present and optimism based on the changes that have allowed for today’s activities to take place and signals a future in which we will persevere to end discrimination based on homophobia, transphobia and biphopia.”  

DC strives to foster and sustain an environment of inclusiveness that empowers everyone to achieve their highest potential without fear of prejudice or bias. The Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions, which organized the event on campus, is dedicated to ensuring that students feel welcome and supported during their post-secondary education.

 “The Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions is focused on celebrating diversity,” said Allison Hector-Alexander, manager, DC Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions. “We’re not here to encourage tolerance – we tolerate something we dislike. We’re here to generate awareness and encourage acceptance, ensuring every individual feels like they have a voice.”

Since 2004, May 17 has been recognized as IDAHOT, marking the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders. First recognized in Montreal, IDAHOT is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, uniting millions of people in support for the upholding of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.