In honour of Pride 2024, Yorkville University is shining a spotlight on some of the members of our 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisory Council.
Steven Noble, a professor in the Master of Education program, recently sat down to share a little about himself, what Pride means to him, and how he’ll be celebrating this year.
Here’s what he had to say:
Tell us a little about yourself.
I joined the 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisory Council to effect organizational change. I have taught in several colleges and universities acr oss Canada, as well as studied in them, and continue to find these spaces some of the most challenging and unsafe spaces to study and work within because of the implicit heterosexism and homophobia that continues to reside in them.
Why did you choose to join the 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisory Council?
Hopefully, my time on this advisory council will allow me an opportunity to play a part in increasing awareness and growth on a systems level with the university.
The theme for 2024 Pride is about unity, resilience and acceptance encapsulated in the phrase “Be__________”. What are you choosing to be?
I want to: BE ACTIVELY CURIOUSLY ENGAGED IN DIALOGUE.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
Pride Month has changed over the decades for me as I have marched in the opening Pride Celebrations in the 1980s where people were marching for their lives and to be seen as human. Today Pride still holds those painful and rich roots for me with the perennial growth of hope that continues to make our collective path forward by walking
How will you be celebrating Pride this year?
I will be celebrating Pride this year, here in Halifax, attending some of the local festival events.
How can individuals work towards allyship?
People of all genders and sexualities can work toward being advocates for sexuality and gender rights and freedoms by first being a supporter through engaging in educating themselves, being reflexive on their own biases and assumptions and then connecting to the various rich communities of gender and sexuality. The best teacher for awareness is ongoing, direct experience where one is put amid community realities to best understand the struggles, the vibrant humanity, and the strengths of the people within them.
