Shawnigan has a thriving SOGI group that celebrates and supports a diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities. Students learn best when they feel supported and that they belong, so SOGI provides opportunities for LGBTQ students and their allies to connect, share experiences and build community.

“We are so grateful to be part of a community that values diversity,” share SOGI facilitators Advancement staff Gemma Atkinson and science teacher Erica Hamilton. “We celebrate because pride brings comfort and safety to everyone; it provides visibility and creates a sense of belonging for those who might feel excluded; it normalizes families and people who are part of the LGBTQ community, it’s proof that people who are part of the LGBTQ community are loved just as they are and are not alone; it recognizes the victories won by those campaigning for equal rights and social justice; and we celebrate because we care about creating a community of kind, caring and loving people, no matter your sexual orientation or gender identity.”

As part of Saturday’s SOGI Chapel, Grade 12 student Anna K. hosted the first virtual LBGTQ Alumni Panel, where three alumni, Martin MacLachlan ’74 (Lake’s), Katelyn Ward ’09 (Renfrew), and Miles Justice ’16 (Kaye’s), shared their experiences about LGBTQ communities outside of Shawnigan and highlighted why SOGI is so important in current student life. The discussion covered the changing face of public discourse, open representation, and resources and understanding about LGBTQ communities, and the panelists reflected on the impact of their Shawnigan experiences on who they are today.

The celebrations continued on Saturday evening with a lively float parade on Lake Omar. For this voluntary event, each House had selected a floating object, such as a kayak or a paddle-board, to decorate in the spirit of pride and inclusivity. Under a beautiful, natural rainbow, each House gathered in their cohort to carry their decorated floats down to water, accompanied by a song of their choice. Once at the lake, each House float was launched individually, with the community gathered on the surrounding path cheering the paddlers on. The whole event was a colourful celebration of acceptance, love, equality, open-mindedness and belonging and was very much in line with our school values. 

Thank you to the SOGI group and all the other students and staff who led pride initiatives and activities over the course of the week.