STUDENTS AND staff at the University of York assembled together to raise the LGBTQ Rainbow flag outside Central Hall on Friday the 2nd of June to support York Pride.
University of York Staff and Students Discuss what Pride means to them:
YUSU LGBTQ Officer, Henry Fairnington, told Vision: “The raising of the York Pride Flag on campus is quite important for visibility. As the name suggests it’s something to be proud of, and brings support.”
Currently, LGBTQ Network are trying to get sanitary bins in the men’s toilets for the and working on introducing Pronoun cards in seminars to improve inclusivity.
University of York Vice-Chancellor, Koen Lamberts, told Vision: “We’re here today to celebrate the fact that we’re a very inclusive and very diverse group of people. We’re very proud of that.”
“The flag represents our commitment to celebrating that diversity. I mean that in a very general sense – whenever there’s a time when diversity, tolerance, and openness are being questioned by so many members of society, I think we have to stand up for the values that mean a lot to us.”
Lamberts added that the flag raising “makes an unambiguous statement about the University of York being open, diverse and inclusive.”
Lamberts made a short speech then rose the flag outside Central Hall:
York Pride is on June 10th, meeting at York Minster at 11:30 in a Parade leading to The Knavesmeare.