From Oct 19-24, the Barry University School of Social Work hosted Barry’s first-ever Pride Week in support of the LGBTQ community. The goals of the week were to create awareness about LGBTQ Issues and demonstrate an atmosphere of inclusivity towards the LGBTQ Community in alignment with Barry’s Core Commitments.
“LGBTQ PRIDE week aims to live out our university's commitment to inclusive community,” said Ashley Austin, PhD, associate professor of social work and one of the event’s organizers. “Inclusivity means creating a campus climate in which LGBTQ students feel a sense of belonging, respect, safety, support, affirmation and value for who they are and what they contribute to the Barry community.”
The event was headlined a Lavender Reception on October 20 and a Happy Hour Celebration on October 23. The Lavendar Reception provided participants with an opportunity for the LGBTQ faculty, staff and students to build meaningful relationships and learn about the resources available on and off campus. The Happy Hour Reception, which was co-hosted by the Department of International and Multicultural Programs, gave students and supporters an opportunity to celebrate with the LGBTQ community.
Other events included a dialogue series focused on topics of social justice, social inequality, social diversity, and self-discovery for the LGBTQ community, tabling session by Barry’s PRIDE student organization, and a movie night featuring the film Pariah.
For more information about how you can get involved in LGBTQ awareness, please contact the School of Social Work at 305-899-3900 or email yalonso@barry.edu.