This March, UW is celebrating two important initiatives centred on advancing equality: Glow’s 50th Anniversary (Mar. 5, 2021) and International Women’s Day (Mar. 8, 2021).
The Glow Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity is the oldest continuously-run queer student organization in Canada. Founded in 1971, Glow promotes a healthy attitude towards all sexual orientations and gender identities on campus and throughout the community.
The organization, which is run entirely by student volunteers, is responsible for numerous initiatives, including confidential peer support, social events, advocacy work, and more. These efforts continued through the pandemic, with events like a recent panel featuring Queer and Trans People of Colour (QTPOC) KW that explored colonization, gender, and sexuality.
To celebrate their accomplishments over the last half-century, Glow held an anniversary event on Monday, Mar. 8 (three days after the official anniversary date). The event included a speech about Glow’s history and impact from Spectrum director Jim Parrott, as well as messages from community leaders like UW President and vice-chancellor Feridun Hamdullahpur, and Mayor of Waterloo Dave Jaworsky. Glow’s event also featured a drag club performance DJ’d by DJ DELFINE.
Glow’s importance cannot be overstated, and the organization is always seeking new volunteers. To get involved, see their Instagram @UWGlow, their Facebook glowuw, or the positions available on LEADS.
March is also home to International Women’s Day (IWD), an annual celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, as well as a chance to advocate for increased gender equality.
This year, UW hosted a virtual breakfast on Monday, Mar. 8. The event provided a space to uplift women’s voices, discuss how diversity and equity play a critical role in advancing women’s rights, and help contribute to a power shift in fields where women are still vastly underrepresented.
Opening remarks came from President and vice-chancellor Hamdullaphur and the keynote speaker was Angela Saini, Science journalist, author, and broadcaster. The panel, which was moderated by Author Ziya Tong, featured Dr. Janét Aizenstros and Trishala Pillai.
