UBC Okanagan soon to unveil rainbow stairs

UBC Okanagan about to become a little more multicolored.

As part of an 18-month awareness-raising project, the stairs outside the entrance to the university will be painted with the colours of the rainbow.

“UBC believes that all people, regardless of race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, should be able to work and study in an inclusive environment,” said educator at UBC Okanagan’s Equity and Inclusion Office, Jenica Frisque.

“These stairs will act as a symbol of UBC Okanagan’s continued commitment of support to all students and staff and its opposition to discrimination in any form.”

The UBC Okanagan Student Union put forth the $3,000 needed to colour the stairs. The installation follows the beginning of the Pride Alliance, which was started on campus earlier this year.

“Canada is becoming a place where a large number of people are proud to say they support issues such as gay rights and gay marriage, but that hasn’t spread everywhere,” said coordinator at UBC Okanagan’s Pride Resource Centre, Ben Moody.

The UBCO Pride Resource Centre was founded in 2003 and provides a space on campus where students can come and talk about the issues and challenges they faced on and off campus.

Downtown Kelowna currently has four rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Lawrence Avenue and Pandosy Street, revealed on Aug. 6, 2015. The Pride Resource Centre on campus is looking forward to joining the city with their own display of colour.

Despite Canada having large numbers of people who support equality, we are not there yet, said Moody.

“Kelowna itself has experienced many issues, but with things such as crosswalks downtown and our mayor participating in the pride march, we are making progress,” said Moody.

The official unveiling of the new stairs will happen on April 18 at 11 a.m., at the entrance to the campus’ University Centre.