Marching for Pride – 2024

The EKC Canterbury College Students’ Union marched in the annual Pride Canterbury parade on Saturday 8 June 2024 to celebrate inclusivity. 

We were proud to take part in Pride Canterbury again this year, which is an annual celebration of equality, diversity and the LGBTQ+ community, held in Dane John Gardens.  

Covered in glitter, colourful outfits and waving rainbow flags, students and staff from across the College marched through the city. They also held placards created by our talented Art and Design students. This year, they were even joined by some of Students’ Union from EKC Folkestone College, who had travelled up to join in on the day’s activities. 

For many of our students, this event is a great opportunity for them to show the world who they are, and to represent the College as a safe inclusive environment.  

Student Alex said of the day: “Pride makes me feel quite privileged and quite proud of how far trans rights and LGBTQIA+ rights have come in the past few decades.  Alongside expressing myself and who I truly am, I’ve been able to gain press coverage for this event so I can enjoy the day and work on my own skills.” 

Luca Fasulo, Students’ Union President at Canterbury College said: “It’s such a powerful event to be at as a student leader. It’s so important that we amplify these voices. Pride is a protest and we need to be here, out and supportive. It’s one of my favourite events of the year.” 

Helping to organise our students’ involvement was Student Experience Officer, Shannon Casey, who said: “It’s really good that the Students’ Union are here to represent the College, to mix with the community and to be part of something massive to represent the LGBTQIA+ community of Canterbury.” 

“The students here today have loved being part of this and for some of them it means so much that they’re able to be proud and out. Pride means a lot to me as a Lesbian Irish Traveller, its great to see all the different identities in the city. ” 

The event was a huge success, with thousands of attendees enjoying headliners including popular drag artists from the local area and worldwide.  

EKC Canterbury College celebrates individuality and diversity and provides an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. 

The Students’ Union encourages all students to be their true selves, regardless of social norms or stereotypes. They have an Equalities Officer in place to help represent LGBTQ+ voices.