Students celebrate Pride Week

Students at College had the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities last week to support Pride Week, a College-wide initiative coordinated by staff and students to raise awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community during LGBTQIA+ History Month.

Lucy Pennington, Learner Voice Officer, and Tommy Mansell, Student Experience Officer, ran colourful tie-dye workshops for students to participate in. The workshops allowed students to understand LGBTQIA+ history, the significance of the Pride Flag and what each colour represents.

“We want to ensure students know that equality and diversity is a priority at College, and no one should face discrimination because of their sexuality or gender identity.”

The main Pride Week event took place at the Old Mill Lane campus, where students visited rainbow themed stalls to support and celebrate Pride Week. Students received rainbow lanyards and pronoun badges to encourage the non-assumption of pronouns within the College. Students were also encouraged to engage with the Wall of Support by leaving a painted handprint or adding a supportive message.

Lucy Pennington said: “It’s important to raise awareness of the obstacles people have overcome throughout history which allows our students to be themselves. We want to ensure students know that equality and diversity is a priority at College, and no one should face discrimination because of their sexuality or gender identity. Our aim for Pride Week was to not only educate but to show LGBTQIA+ students the support that is available within the College and Barnsley.”

Spectrum and TransBarnsley both attended the main event to provide information to students about the services they offer for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Barnsley.

Michaela Kenworthy, Lead for TransBarnsley, said: “It’s important for us to come to Barnsley College to reach a wide range of people and become more accessible to young adults. TransBarnsley supports the transgender and non-binary community and their families in Barnsley, the first of its kind in the area. College is perfect, full of amazing young people that will be interested in the services.”

Students also had the chance to participate in the Pride Week Colour Smash. Around 400 students journeyed through the circuit whilst having bright and colourful cornflour powder thrown on them in celebration of Pride. Staff attended with collection buckets, raising money to support students who may need help funding personal products.

Lee Perks, Enterprise Team Leader, who coordinated the Colour Smash, added: “For the grand finale of Pride Week, we organised a fun, engaging and colourful activity for students to join whilst raising money for the Student Union (SU). The SU will provide our LGBTQIA+ Society with vital support for those students who need it the most. It is essential that every individual can express themselves and feel accepted in College and the Colour Smash was a fantastic way to break down barriers, get active and have a great time.”