SMUS's Pride Alliance transformed the campus this week with vibrant celebrations emphasizing community, visibility and acceptance through student-led activities, performances and fundraising events. The week showcased the school's commitment to creating spaces where students can express their authentic selves.
Co-heads Arlen So '25 and Sonja Ayala '25 spearheaded Pride Week festivities that included a merchandise sale, chapel speeches promoting this year's theme of "choosing love," and partnerships with multiple student clubs. All proceeds were donated to Foundry Victoria, supporting youth wellness in the community.
"One of the things we really push forward during Pride Week is visibility but also normalization. It is normal for queer people to be seen doing things," explained Arlen.
Thursday's festival in the quad featured pre-ordered Pride T-shirts designed by Haley Paetkau ’27, handmade items from the Crochet Club, treats from the Baking Business Club and live music from a student band. The celebration included trivia games and a photo booth during lunch hour.
The festivities continued Friday with an open Pride Alliance meeting welcoming curious students and staff, followed by a movie screening. Middle School Pride Club members were specially invited to participate in all activities, creating connections across grade levels.
Powerful voices: Student speeches
This week in Chapel, SMUS students stepped onto the stage, not to talk about diversity or inclusion in the abstract, but to share their personal experiences. Chapel services featured several powerful speeches centred around choosing love, openness and acceptance.
In a moving presentation, Arlen, Sonja and Maddie Cormie '28 introduced Queering the Map, an online platform where LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide can share their personal stories. The students emphasized that this initiative is particularly relevant given the rise of anti-queer legislation globally.
They shared submissions from three different locations to illustrate that queer people exist everywhere:
From Hong Kong, China, Arlen shared a personal connection to their grandparents, who embraced Arlen's transgender identity despite language barriers and cultural differences. They're grandparents gave them a new Chinese name meaning "new beginning."
From Moscow, Russia, Sonja reflected on the city where she first realized her queer identity, sharing a submission that emphasized resilience: "We are here. We won't go away. We won't disappear."
From Victoria, B.C., Maddie shared her experience finding acceptance through SMUS's Pride Club, which motivated her to take leadership roles to create safe spaces for others.
Jehiel McCoy '27 delivered a compelling speech describing bisexuality as "an entire identity within itself," not a stepping stone or phase. He addressed biphobia and the harm of bi-erasure, speaking openly about feeling "torn between two worlds."
"Being bisexual doesn't mean you're half gay or half straight. It just means you're embracing the best parts of two amazing worlds," Jehiel noted, adding that "love and acceptance are what make people feel comfortable and free to be themselves."
Sonja's individual speech highlighted how queerness "teaches you to find joy and pride in places other people might not even notice. It teaches you resilience, creativity and community." She spoke directly to students still figuring themselves out: "There is absolutely nothing wrong with who you are. There never has been. You deserve to take up space. You deserve community."
A year-round community
This year's Senior School spring musical, The Prom, aligned perfectly with the Pride Alliance's mission by telling the story of a small-town teen who wanted to take her girlfriend to prom. The production created another platform for LGBTQ+ representation, with many Pride Alliance members participating in the cast.
"I think it's so important for the SMUS community to engage with these themes through a production like The Prom because it promotes inclusivity," said Chris Chan '26, who played Coach in the musical.
"Respect is one of SMUS's core values, and I believe it's essential to show that respect to everyone. This musical reminds us that everyone deserves to feel welcome," Sienna Gill '27 added.
The Pride Alliance meets weekly on Fridays to provide ongoing support for LGBTQ+ students beyond special events.
"It's a space where people can gather, find a safe community, be themselves and feel like they can just relax," Sonja said, describing their regular meetings that include check-ins, discussions of current events and community building.
Faculty advisors Mr. Lynch and Mr. Dawson provided support in planning and coordinating events.
"They're always very hyped and excited for all that's happening," noted Arlen.
Looking toward a more inclusive future at SMUS, the co-heads advocated for smaller, meaningful initiatives like including menstrual products in gender-neutral and men's bathrooms.
"Small initiatives and really listening to student voices, even if there's not a lot of them, those students still want to feel like they belong here," Arlen emphasized.
For both co-heads, who joined the Pride Alliance in Grade 9, mentorship has been the most rewarding aspect of their involvement.
"Getting to see people who might see themselves in us and getting to support them in their development of who they are is really powerful," Sonja reflected.
Where creativity, acceptance and community take flight. This is why the Pride Alliance continues its important work throughout the year at SMUS.
