Sparsholt College Group (Incorporating Andover Campus and University Centre Sparsholt) have celebrated lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary and queer (LGBTQ+) culture and experiences with a series of activities and events concluding with the Pride event at Andover Campus.
Unity was felt campus wide as students at Andover Campus came together to celebrate another successful event in celebration of Pride Month.
Pride Month represents an opportunity for the Andover College community to reflect on all the ways they can contribute to creating a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for all LGBTQ+ students and employees.
The event was a remarkable success representing the different subject areas taught at Andover College all with a different creative theme and message.
After deliberations and extensive judging from a staff panel, the Performing Arts department were declared overall winners. They drew attention to the views and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in the performing arts industry, citing the 1969 Stonewall rebellion through to the more recent success of Angelic Ross in their performance of Roxie Hart in Broadway’s Chicago in 2022 highlighting the journey so far and the way it has to go. Performances from the students punctuated the event and brought great joy and light to the afternoon.
Second place was awarded to the Construction department who discussed the stereotypes present within the industry and their determination to move away from this archaic view and toward inclusivity. Students proudly presented a hand-crafted wooden rainbow arch, adorned with the word ‘PRIDE’; a word worth shouting about.
Third place was awarded to Early Years and Health and Social Care who came armed with cakes, quizzes and took the opportunity to share ideas and educate others encouraging adults to nurture children’s accepting nature, allowing young children to grow up in a world which is diverse, inclusive and with the freedom to be who they are.
The day also included face painting, crafting, temporary tattoos and stalls from both the library promoting interesting literature and the students from the LGBTQ+ Society which provided useful resources on LGBTQ+ History and how to be a good ally. The event also had representatives from Hampshire Police on behalf of LAGLO (Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers) and many more wonderful stands, stalls and opportunities to celebrate Pride in the sunshine.
The dedication, support and involvement of each department within the college was to be commended. The event was saturated with love, support and allies.
Liz Wilson, Assistant Principal Student Experience, said: “It was lovely to have so much support for the event from both staff and students. For some young people, further and higher education is often the first place they can be themselves and we are committed to promoting inclusion and equality among our students, staff and the wider SCG community.”