Greenwood Celebrates Diversity with Week-Long Pride Celebration

The Diversity Committee also screened a documentary called The Out List highlighting stories shared by celebrities and icons from the LGTBQ+ community.  The week ended with a fun Pride dress-down event held in the Lodge.

The goal of the event was to celebrate diversity and remind students that, no matter what they’re feeling, there is support.

Jessie Brar spoke to Grade 9-12 students on April 11 about the importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Jessie’s visit was organized in concert with Greenwood’s Jack Chapter, a group of students also focused on breaking down this stigma. Jack.org outreach programs bring awareness to the effects of serious mental health concerns such as thoughts of suicide, depression and other matters surrounding youths’ emotional and mental health. As someone who has felt stigmatized as the result of her mental health issues, Jessie joined Jack.org to help eliminate this stigma so young people won’t feel they have to suffer in silence.

Being aware of, and sensitive to, others’ experiences can make our society a more peaceful place. Greenwood grad Callie Bowman spoke to Grade 8 students on April 11 about how labelling our differences in a negative way can be hurtful. For example, derogatory phrases that use the term “gay” can offend someone in the LGBTQ+ community. Callie shared ways to eliminate the wrongful usage of this language, helping to bring awareness to the issue and emphasizing the important of respecting people, no matter their differences, in conversation.  

The documentary The Out List, an American film featuring celebrities and icons from the LGBTQ+ community, took centre stage at lunch on April 13. These celebrities shared their personal stories in the film with the hope of changing America’s perception what it means to be LGBTQ+ and bringing about an end to discrimination against this community.

The week ended with a bang with a dress-down Pride celebration in the Lodge.  Students and staff supported the affair by wearing pink, the colour representing taking a stand against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, and transmisogyny.  Students also wore Pride flags to celebrate the LGTBQ+ community.

Congratulations to the Diversity Committee on a very successful week!