by Eleni Kanavas
For one night only, the Doris McCarthy Gallery at U of T Scarborough will be transformed into a colourful rainbow, with people of all sexual orientations invited to attend an event aimed at celebrating positive space on campus.
The Rainbow Tie Gala, titled Great Intentions, will be happening on Wednesday, February 24 at 5 p.m. It is part of a campaign to raise awareness about positive space and how it affects the campus community, while at the same time celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer people (LGBTQs) and their allies at U of T Scarborough.
The Positive Space Committee, made up of faculty, staff and students at U of T Scarborough, has organized the first annual gala. The event is free and open to all students, faculty and staff. The event will happen in collaboration with Good Intentions, an art exhibit by Jon Sasaki currently on display at the gallery. Posters promoting the gala can be seen around campus.
“This event is the first step in bringing together people of all sexualities, ages and occupations on campus,” said staff member Mike Plumton, a committee member and residence life coordinator. “It’s an opportunity to identify as a community, and I feel that we’re a leader with our new initiatives to bring campus awareness to students, faculty and staff.”
As part of their efforts to create awareness, organizers will also unveil a new positive space awareness campaign with several different people who represent allies on campus – friends who support LGBTQs.
“Our ally campaign aims to increase the visibility of the LGBTQ and create a positive environment that enables students to be aware of people whom they can turn to on campus,” said staff member Nadia Rosemond, the training and programming coordinator from student housing and residence life and a committee member.
No dress code is necessary for the gala, say organizers, since it’s all about celebrating who you are. They say go ahead and wear a “rainbow tie”, dress up or be casual – whatever works for you.
The event is sponsored by the UTSC Positive Space Committee, LGBTQ Resources and Programs, SC’OUT, (Scarborough Out), Student Housing & Residence Life, UTSC Athletics & Recreation and the Department of Student Life.
Please RSVP via the campus Intranet or contact residences-office@utsc.utoronto.ca with any questions.