EKC Dover College staff and students came together for this year’s College Pride, and embraced a day filled with colour, creativity and community spirit.
Organised by the Students’ Union and our Student Experience Officer, Summer Smith, the event encouraged everyone to dress in colourful outfits and celebrate equality, diversity and the LGBTQ+ community.
The celebrations began with a powerful spoken word performance from drag artist Poppy Love. Sharing his personal story, Poppy spoke about how he first started performing in drag as a way of supporting his child, Owen, after they came out.
Speaking at the event, he said: “I’m proud to be here today at EKC Dover College’s Pride as Owen’s dad, and I am filled with pride myself. We must march next to our children, stand right by their side and support them anyway we can.”
The event also featured performances from three other fabulous drag artists Betty Late ‘N Never, Crunchy Noodle and Cigarette Salad, who brought energy, humour and plenty of entertainment to the celebrations.
Throughout the event, learners also had the opportunity to connect with local organisations and get involved in creative activities.
In attendance were representatives from Kent Police and NHS services, who were on hand to provide information and advice on safeguarding and health topics.
Creative activities were also available, with Early Years students showcasing arts and crafts including pebble painting, while Hairdressing students offered colourful hair chalking.
Art and Design also joined in the fun, with students providing face painting, Pride-themed badges, pronoun pins and custom artwork.
For many learners, Pride provides not only an opportunity to express themselves and celebrate their identities, but to also show support for others within the College community.
Students’ Union President Jack spoke on the importance of the day and said: “This year’s event is especially important as for a lot of the students, this is their only opportunity to really express themselves and get involved. I believe it’s one of the most important events we do here at EKC Dover College and I’m proud to play a part.”
Sienna, LGBTQ+ Officer for the Students’ Union, added: “Pride has always been important to make people know that they are loved and that they can be whoever they want to be. Events like these are needed as we need to learn and to know that we are loved, and we are accepted no matter who we are.”
Student Experience Officer Summer Smith was delighted to see students engaging with the event and embracing the atmosphere.
She said: “I really put a push this year on getting everyone involved. Our local community Pride couldn’t go ahead, so I wanted that space for our students to feel safe and be able to express who they are.
“Our College community here in Dover is a real mix. It’s a lot of fun to celebrate that and that’s what events like today’s are all about.”
With another successful Pride event complete, our College community is already looking ahead to future opportunities to come together and continue building a culture of belonging for all.
EKC Dover College celebrates individuality and diversity and provides an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. As part of our Students’ Union, we have an LGBTQ+ Officer and an Equalities Officer in place to help represent LGBTQ+ voices.
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