It was a special morning at the University of Lethbridge on Tuesday.
Students, staff and faculty came together for a ceremony honouring the 2SLGBTQ+ community and the raising of the Progress Pride flag.
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“It’s a demonstration of our commitment to community, to care, to belonging [and] to really think about how we challenge ourselves to continue to move these conversations forward so that every person in our campus knows that they belong,” says Michelle Helstein, the provost and vice-president of academic at the U of L.
She added that at the Lethbridge post-secondary, they are committed to recognizing events like Tuesday’s that celebrate Pride.
“It’s really important for everybody, whether on our campus or in our communities and the communities we serve, to know that they have a place here,” Helstein remarks, adding the turnout for the ceremony was quite the sight.
“I think it’s important that we show up for each other and I think that’s what we’re seeing here, is people really showing up for each other to create a space of belonging.”
President of the U of L Students’ Union, Alejandro Figueroa spoke at the event and adds the turnout was “beautiful”.
“I think a lot of times we have barriers that just shouldn’t be there for anyone. We’re all a big community and a big environment here that should just support every person to thrive,” Figueroa says.
“We’re all just humans and should all just come together to support each other.”
The ULSU president says the group listens to students and works in support of every student at the post-secondary.
“I do find that there is quite a bit of support here we have on campus, and I think over time, it’s been growing,” Figueroa states.
“It’s a lot more welcoming now, our space [and] I just hope to keep amplifying that. It’s never a finished road – it’s always [continuing to be built].”
AWARD WINNER
Tuesday’s activities also included recognition of the 2025 VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Award winner, Lexia Piccolo.
The award was announced in 2023 and started by U of L alums Dr. Kurt Schlachter and Jason VandenHoek. It celebrates academic achievement, and aims to reduce financial strain faced by students and recognize contributions to advancing equity and inclusion for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
READ MORE: New endowment fund to support 2SLGBTQ+ students at the University of Lethbridge
Piccolo was unable to attend Tuesday’s event in-person but recorded a video message in response to her $2,000 award. Speaking about the award, she says, “It’s a symbol of what’s possible when we centre equity, community and care.”
“It shows me that creating safer and more inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ youth matters and that this work is seen and valued. For me, Pride is about visibility and resilience. It’s a reminder of the strength it takes to live authentically and stand in your truth,” she adds.
“You’re valid, you’re worthy and you deserve to take up space exactly as you are.”
Multiple events are planned in Lethbridge as part of Pride Month, including the Pride Parade on Saturday, June 28.
READ MORE: Visibility is important, especially during Pride Month
READ MORE: Lethbridge Polytechnic marks 10 years of raising the Pride flag
