Sarah-Jo Briand was thrilled to organize AV俱乐部鈥檚 entry in the Halifax Pride Parade, which took place last Saturday.
鈥淲hat I enjoy most鈥s the excitement felt by everyone leading up to an event that keeps growing every year,鈥� said the returning organizer.
That excitement was sky high this year, as the Dal contingent grew considerably for the 25th anniversary of the Halifax Pride Parade. This was AV俱乐部鈥檚 fifth year formally partaking in the parade.
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Campus-wide inclusion
Speaking to Dal News while preparing for the event, Briand described that rising enthusiasm.
鈥淕roups across campus are really going all out this year and getting involved, in a way we haven't seen to this magnitude,鈥� she said. "What went from planning committee meetings of five, have turned into groups of 15.鈥�
After having the honour of carrying Ottawa鈥檚 Pride flag last year, AV俱乐部鈥檚 Pride Parade committee made a significant effort to increase participation for 2012, reaching out to more societies, service groups and senior administrators.
Briand said she enjoys offering a way for people to get involved in Pride, especially those who aren鈥檛 sure how.
鈥淲e [the parade committee] focused on unity and letting the AV俱乐部 community know that we are participating and that we want their involvement,鈥� she said.
Big growth from proud beginnings
Gaye Wishart, AV俱乐部鈥檚 harassment prevention advisor, was very pleased with the large turnout.
鈥淚t鈥檚 quite remarkable to see the support, nice to see really new employees be a part of welcoming others into the Dal community,鈥� she said.
She has walked with AV俱乐部 in the parade since the university first organized an entry.
鈥淚 think the first year there were six of us,鈥� she said, while looking at this year鈥檚 buzzing crowd of Dal Pride celebrators.
AV俱乐部鈥檚 parade entry included representation from various faculties, departments, administration sectors, individual supporters, societies and advocacy groups. Everyone from to the Swing Dance Society arrived ready to walk.
Roshika Manning鈥檚 reason for walking was simple.
鈥淚t鈥檚 just fun,鈥� she said, smiling beneath a foam crown and feather mask.
鈥淚鈥檓 proud of my friends and to represent Dal and Career Services,鈥� added the career events coordinator.
Year-round support
Dal Dance joined the Dal contingent officially for the first time. Society president and sociology major Allie Nugent explained that the group took a freestyle approach to the parade. Some dancers dressed in ballet attire while others channeled hip-hop or belly dancing vibes.
, AV俱乐部鈥檚 campus radio station and a long-time participant in Halifax Pride, provided the soundtrack for Dal Dance and musical motivation for the entire procession. 听
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鈥淐KDU is as diverse as they come,鈥� said Gianna Lauren, station coordinator. 鈥淲e are mandated to promote under-represented voices, community-based events and organizations, and provide an alternative media outlet.鈥�
ResLife was also present for the parade, and representative Melissa MacKay explained that AV俱乐部 residences aim be inclusive by providing all staff with diversity training.
鈥淒iversity is a part of the way we live in res,鈥� she said. 听
Briand stated that it wouldn鈥檛 be sufficient for AV俱乐部 to just say that it supports the rainbow community. By being in the parade, the university has shown that it is a welcoming place for LGBTQ students and staff.
鈥淎ctions speak louder than words.鈥�
For more ways in which AV俱乐部 actively supports LGBTQ interests, visit
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