Lakehead University student groups held a peaceful rally Thursday afternoon in response to attacks on the campus’ Pride Central office.
For the second year in a row, the office has been the target of break-ins.
Last September, the office was vandalized and money was stolen from the cash box. On Sept. 21 this year, their donation box and more than 30 DVDs were stolen from the office’s resource library.
Gender Issues Centre director Emily Lauzon said she’s not sure if Pride Central was targeted because it is a LGBTQ safe space or because it’s located in an area of campus with minimal security.
“The break-ins and thefts could just be happening because it is an isolated area,” she said. “But for whatever reason, it is a safe space and we’d like to maintain it as a safe space.”
She added they would like the support of the university in adding more security to the area because students aren’t feeling secure.
Pride Central teamed up the LU’s student union to host an event in the Agora Thursday afternoon to promote solidarity between the LGBTQ community and their allies.
The rally was scheduled for Oct. 20 to coincide with Spirit Day, an initiative held the past few years to support awareness around queer youth suicide, said Lauzon.
People participating in Spirit Day usually wear purple to show their support and there was no shortage of the colour in the Agora Thursday.
“When they see people out today wearing purple and showing their support, it does create a feeling of safety, not just in a small centre, but on our campus and in the community of Thunder Bay,” Lauzon said.
Hammarskjold High School also hosted a Day of Purple Thursday to promote equality and diversity.
“The recent tragic suicide of a young Ottawa student serves as a reminder of the struggles that many students face on a daily basis and the desperate need to end homophobia,” said Hammarskjold teacher Jennifer Smith.
“Wearing purple sends a message that homophobic bullying is not to be tolerated and that those suffering are not alone.”
