Students, staff and community members gather at the Red Deer Polytechnic front entrance flagpole for the Progressive Pride Flag raising for Pride Month. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

2SLGBTIA+

Red Deer Polytechnic raises Progressive Pride Flag for Pride Month

Jun 5, 2023 | 3:32 PM

In recognition of Pride Month, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) raised a Progressive Pride Flag on Monday in support of the 2SLGBTIA+ community.

On the flagpole by the school’s front entrance, the Progressive Pride Flag is different than the original multi-colored rainbow flag as it includes the white, pink and light blue colours of the Transgender Pride Flag, according to Northwestern University. It also includes the brown and black stripes to represent marginalized LGBT communities of colours and those who have lost their lives or are currently living with AIDS.

Erin Bast, RDP Student Association President, said there are various student groups and mental health supports to support the 2SLGBTIA+ community at the school.

In particular, she says the students enjoy the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere of the Pride on Campus group.

“They are just a place that students can go and identify with one another. They’re always having tables out in the hallway and encouraging other students to come in and feel free to be themselves. I think that’s really important,” she said.

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RDP President Stuart Cullum said the institution is also repainting their Pride sidewalk on Wednesday.

“We recognize those are symbols and we need to do more than just create symbols and fly flags but I think we can confidently say that Red Deer Polytechnic is an inclusive community and we demonstrate that throughout the year and a lot of that is a big credit to the Student Association and our leadership,” he said.

He added that RDP is constantly evolving on how to best support the 2SLGBTIA+ community with their Equity, Diversity and Inclusive (EDI) Strategy and Committee, guiding their actions and policies.