UBC prides itself on our diverse and vibrant learner, scholar, and professional communities – our local and global excellence and relevance is strengthened by this diversity, including the presence and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff.
The increasing backlash against efforts to enhance the human rights, accessibility, inclusion and wellness of sexual orientation and gender identity minoritized peoples is extremely concerning. The waves of anti-SOGI protests planned across Canada do not align with UBC’s values. UBC is committed to universal human rights and fundamental freedoms – which are extended to all citizens. The Human Rights Commission has reinforced this sentiment in their own recent statement.
The question is not one of choosing between competing rights and freedoms but rather of reconciling and balancing these rights and freedoms to promote accessibility, equity, inclusion, and justice for all.
Whatever one’s ethno-racial background, religious belief, or political affiliation, human rights and freedoms (justice) for any group cannot be attained without ensuring the human rights and freedoms of all humanity.
The validation and empowerment of individuals and communities is key to human and just institutions and societies.
To the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at UBC, know that you are valued and that we stand behind you.
For support, please consider the following options available to you:
- For safety and security planning or to report an incident of hate, please contact 911 in case of emergency or contact UBC Campus Security at UBC Vancouver (604-822-2222) and UBC Okanagan (250-807-8111).
- For confidential advising on experience of harassment and discrimination, please contact the human rights team (604-827-1773) at the UBC Equity & Inclusion Office.
- Students can also access:
- Student Health Services at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan;
- UBC Student Assistance Program (SAP), a 24/7 wellness resource for UBC students: UBC Vancouver (1-833-590-1328) and UBC Okanagan (1-833-590-1328);
- counselling support through the Student Counselling Services at UBC Vancouver (604-822-3811) or UBC Okanagan (250-807-9270).
- Employees can access counselling support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program (1-866-424-0770).
- Download the UBC Safe App for UBC Vancouver and/or UBC Okanagan.
Should you have concerns reaching out to or have had negative experiences with any of the services listed here, please get in touch with us at the Equity & Inclusion Office. We will help facilitate a connection and ensure you are provided with an appropriate and trauma-informed response.
Dr. Arig al Shaibah
Associate Vice-President Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Gage Averill
Provost & Vice-President, Academic (Vancouver)
Dr. Rehan Sadiq
Provost & Vice-President, Academic (Okanagan)