Co-ordinator Kenny Starling is ready to welcome students to the Pride Centre.

Although the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union Pride Centre remains in the same space as previous years — even as other USSU Centres have moved — students can look forward to several new developments in the upcoming school year.

One change comes in the form of new Pride Centre co-ordinator Kenny Starling. A third-year student who has recently applied to the social work program at the University of Regina, Starling came to the co-ordinator position after spending two years as a volunteer.

The USSU Pride Centre aims to provide a positive and welcoming environment for a diverse group of students at the U of S. Although all are welcome, the Pride Centre is particularly dedicated to the celebration, advocacy and safety of LGBTQ students.

For Starling, the Pride Centre’s acceptance of LGBTQ students is an important factor, both personally and professionally.

“It’s a safe space for queer identified people. For me personally, it made me feel like I belonged somewhere because I did feel like an outsider for so long. It’s just kind of to affirm you are a person and [help] build your self-esteem and confidence,” Starling said.

In addition to regular weekly activities, the Pride Centre also holds various larger events throughout the academic year. These include weeklong awareness campaigns about asexuality and transgender issues, workshops on creating safe spaces and one-time events such as Sexhibition and Queer Poetry Night.

While Pride Centre events provide enjoyment for U of S students, they serve the greater purpose of creating awareness about some difficult issues important to the LGBTQ community.

For example, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, queer-identified young people face higher rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, addiction and other mental health issues than non-queer young people. They also face higher rates of physical and verbal harassment. According to Starling, Saskatchewan shows no exception to these trends.

“Surprisingly, even though we have equal rights in say, marriage, a lot of the attitudes and behaviours of people aren’t fully accepting,” Starling said. “For example, even in the city, I have walked down the street and gotten really gross looks when I’ve been holding my partner’s hand and things like that.”

Starling hopes to create a safer and more inclusive environment at the U of S, particularly for transgender and two-spirit students. This work includes talks with administration and education of the greater university population on LGBTQ issues.

While reflecting on the changes still needed to improve the lives of LGBTQ people, Starling also believes that it is important to acknowledge the progress that has been made in Saskatoon.

“There’s always work to be done, but I feel like it has gotten a lot better throughout the years, even in the past three years I’ve been there,” Starling said. “The city has a small-town mentality, but it’s evolving and I’m proud of it for that.”

Starling encourages all students to stop by the Pride Centre and to consider volunteering for events. Getting involved is as easy as saying hello and filling out a volunteer application.

Of all the things that visitors can take away from the Pride Centre, Starling emphasizes that education is the most important.

“The best way to combat hate is to get rid of ignorance. So educate, because hatred usually stems from a lack of knowledge,” Starling said. “I hope for [greater awareness] with everyone — everyone who is queer, everyone who’s straight —  it doesn’t really matter. As long as you learn something, I feel like I’ve done my job.”

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Emily Klatt

Photo: Jeremy Britz / Photo Editor