As flag raised, Pride Week kicks off at Medicine Hat College

“It’s really wonderful because they’ve got new students that are maybe they’re even new to Canada, maybe they’re new to the college in general. I think it’s really good to have that diversity and inclusion available when they first walk in the door,” Barrientos said.

“Having the pride flag here is a good symbol that everyone’s welcome here and that everyone’s welcome in Medicine Hat,” she added.

“I think it’s really great that the college is doing this and showing that you know, everybody’s able to be themselves.”

The pride flag was raised at noon on Monday at the college, it will fly throughout the week.

Daily activities will be hosted in support of Pride Week at the college.

Jenni Barrientos, president of the Prairie Pride Guild of Medicine Hat and District. Jesse Gill/CHAT News

Barrientos said it is really important to see those pieces of visibility, not only for queer people, but also for allies.

She said it shows that this is a safe place.

The college also has a rainbow crosswalk on site.

She said in reality, a queer individual doesn’t just come out one time.

“”It’s really interesting because coming out is kind of like this process,” Barrientos said.

“Sometimes people think it’s this one time event where you kind of have a party and then you’re done. But like you come out as a queer person, you come out probably 10,000 times,” she added.

“I’m coming out right now as we’re talking in the media and it’s just one of an ongoing process.”

Barrientos said that things for those in the community are getting better as time goes on, but there is still lot of work to do.

With college out of session in June during Pride Month, the college hosts the event in September when the students are back.

by Jesse Gill

As flag raised, Pride Week kicks off at Medicine Hat College

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