On Tuesday, November 5^th at 2:00pm McMaster's Queer Students Community Centre (QSCC) hosted the fourth annual McMaster Pride March, part of the week-long celebration in support of all members of our community regardless of gender-identity or sexual orientation.

Marauder Nation cultivated its largest group of Athletics & Recreation staff and varsity athletes yet as they came together to march, rally, celebrate and cheer in support of our mandate of inclusivity. Amongst this presence Marauder basketball, football, swim, track, and volleyball programs were well represented.
As members of the community gathered in front of the Maroon Shop to begin the walk, they reflected on the department of Athletics & Recreation's statement of Dignity & Inclusion (http://www.marauders.ca/sports/2013/7/29/welcome.aspx?tab=welcome) and the importance of continuing to increase awareness, visibility and support towards this movement.

The McMaster Athletics & Recreation partnership with the QSCC has helped to foster program growth including Trans* Friendly Swim Time, Positive Space training for staff members, as well as the CIS-CAAWS Pilot Project to Build Inclusive Sport.

The department's efforts can't go without thanks to Andrew Pettit, Sport Leagues & Camps Coordinator at McMaster, for his continued passion towards building a more inclusive community. This year Andrew was asked to speak at the pride rally where he drew attention to the issue in a global sense, acknowledging the realities that LGBTQ communities still face legally, professionally, and personally. In addition to these actualities, he presented the realization that when supporters remain voiceless, the discourse that is spread is one of homophobia and discrimination. Thus placing an emphasis on how important the commitment to inclusion is.

As the department of athletics and recreation continues to move forward with its participation in the CIS-CAAWS Pilot Project, assessing the current climate and progress, staff, athletes and constituents will be invited to participate in surveys and forums regarding these issues.

Tuesday's pride march was just one of many events that the MSU Queer Students Community Centre is hosting this week - for more events visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/537036206391009/

As Jeff Giles noted in his recent message to staff, "We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go."

Thank you to the MSU's Queer Students Community Centre for the organization of this event, and to all of the Marauders who came out to show their support!