Pride volunteers hand out swag to childrenVolunteers with UWindsor Pride shared swag and treats with attendees at the Windsor-Essex Pride Fest last weekend in Lanspeary Park.

Representation a point of pride for festival volunteers

It was nice to see the University of Windsor represented at Pride Fest, says Amy McMillan.

A student of social work and women’s and gender studies, she and her children stopped by the booth in Lanspeary Park staffed by volunteers from UWindsor Pride and the women’s and gender studies program.

As the youngsters picked up some candy and watched the button maker in action, McMillan noted it was her first time at the event, which celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

“There are a lot of positive experiences for the kids,” McMillan said.

That was music to the ears of volunteer Mack Park, a co-chair of the University’s Pride committee.

“By showing up at Pride, we show students there are people who are going to speak up for them, so they know where to go if they need an advocate,” Park said.

They added that the presence by women’s and gender studies gave it a chance to showcase its courses designed to be queer-inclusive.

Besides staffing the booth to distribute pencils, highlighters, wrist bands, stickers, and information about University programs, volunteers also marched in Sunday’s parade, which drew a crowd of thousands lining Ottawa Street.