TORONTO, June 21, 2001 -- For the second year running, York University is participating in the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 24 at 2 p.m. The parade caps off Toronto's week-long lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgender Pride celebrations which run June 18 - 24. York students, faculty, staff and administration officially acknowledged Pride Week with a rainbow flag-raising at its Keele campus earlier this week.
In addition to revelling it up along the parade route, which runs south down Yonge Street, York University will have an information booth (located on Wellesley Street between Church and Yonge) with giveaways, and information on admissions, gay and lesbian studies course offerings, the Transgendered, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Gay Alliance at York (TBLGAY) and York's Positive Space program.
York's participation in Pride Week stems from its public commitment to the full inclusion of all sexual and gender groups on its campuses. York has established a Positive Space program and a Sexual & Gender Diversity Advisory Committee to encourage examination of sexual orientation and gender issues, increase awareness of sexual and gender diversity, ensure an open and welcoming atmosphere, and provide access to resources and services available within and outside of the University.
"York University is known as one of the most diverse campuses in the country," said OmiSoore Dryden, one of York's Pride Week organizers and an advisor with York's Centre for Race & Ethnic Relations. "Through our Positive Space program, York University has shown a commitment to providing a work and study environment that is free from harassment and discrimination by demonstrating that sexual and gender diversity is an essential component of the University structure."
*Please Note: York's parade organizers and participants will gather at 1 p.m. in front of Canadian Tire located at Yonge Street and Davenport Road.
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For further information, please contact:
| OmiSoore H. Dryden York University Centre for Race & Ethnic Relations 416-736-5682 hdryden@yorku.ca |
Ken Turriff Media Relations York University 416-736-2100, ext. 22086 kturriff@yorku.ca |
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