York community members are invited to participate in a Pride quilt-making event in celebration of York’s 2SLGBTQIA community on Wednesday, May 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the 802 South Ross Building.
In November, 2018, the York community banner created in recognition of Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was vandalized while hanging in Vari Hall. In response, participants will decorate squares that will be used to create a large community quilt (reminiscent of the AIDS quilts) with the burnt section of the TDOR banner at the centre. The quilt will be taking the place of the Pride flag, in light of anti-colonial concerns about flag symbolism and, in particular, in response to two trans people being arrested when they raised these concerns at this past year’s TDOR ceremony at Queen’s Park.
The quilt will hang in York Lanes throughout June, and will be used throughout York’s Pride month celebrations. This is a unique community-building opportunity that will generate a conversation about harm, resilience and restoration.
Quilt square fabric, paint and other decorating items will be provided. Participants are also encouraged to bring decorating items that have symbolic meaning to them.
All members of the York community are encouraged to attend this free community-building event. Light refreshments will be provided.
Additional opportunities to participate in quilt-making are available throughout the month of May. If you would like to arrange to have the quilt-making exercise brought to your class or group, please contact magfish@yorku.ca.
This is a restorative community-building event that celebrates 2SLGBTQIA community members and their unique contributions to York University. It is presented by SexGen York and York’s Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion.
Drop-ins are welcome, but registration is appreciated.