Vanier Vibrant! A campaign of inclusion

Vanier College is extremely proud to unveil an interactive mural that was put together as part of Vanier Vibrant!, a campaign centering and celebrating the College’s LGBTQIA2S+ communities. The LGBTQIA2S+ acronym refers to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, 2-Spirit identified individuals, ‘plus’ other identities of those whom are distinct from the dominant heterosexual and cisgender population.

The mural involved the participation of Vanier students and employees who have been working on the project since January. The Vanier Vibrant campaign was financed through a collaboration between Student Services, the Vanier College Students Association and the Minister of Education, which offered a grant for a project to prevent homophobia and transphobia on campus. The campaign kicked off with a fair in Jake’s Mall last March 6 and was followed by the interactive mural project.

Over the past few months, queer-identified and community-based artists, Sika Valmé and Felikinesis have facilitated a collaborative art project wherein members of the Vanier community were invited to help with a 3-piece large-scale artwork that will soon be permanently installed in the College. The artwork is designed to serve as a reminder that Vanier is vibrant and to spark ongoing conversations about inclusion and creating space for our Queer and Trans students and staff.

“I would like to congratulate the Vanier Vibrant! Team and their imaginative campaign. Over the years, many members of the Vanier community have worked to support gender and identity diversity and inclusion at Vanier. For example, three years ago the first gender neutral washrooms were inaugurated on campus thanks in good part to the efforts of members of the Open Door Network, U.M.B.R.E.L.L.A., Women’s and Gender Studies, Student Services, the Respectful Learning and Workplace Environment Office (formerly the Human Rights Office), as well as alumni. Vanier is committed to continue supporting diversity and inclusion on campus and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for everyone,” said Vanier’s Director General John McMahon.

On Thursday, April 25th a vernissage took place in the College’s Carrefour for the larger community to meet the artists, enjoy some performances from students and invited guests and view the mural project.