EKC Dover College saw its’ Pride event return bigger and better for 2025, enabling students’ campus-wide to celebrate equality, diversity and the LGBTQ+ community.
Organised by Student Experience Officer, Summer, the event sprang into action with a march across the campus, where students and staff were covered in glitter and wore colourful outfits.
Leading the march on the day was also Students’ Union President, Rowven. As a passionate campaigner for inclusivity, he feels this event goes a long way to raising awareness in the local community of what Pride is all about. He said on the day:
“One of the major things I became SU President for was the whole idea of celebrating diversity, equality and inclusion. I feel today’s event is really important because it highlights visibility, acceptance and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
“As students, we all have our differences, but what matters to me is that we come together for celebrations like this. I’m pleased everyone’s getting lots out of it.”
In the lead-up to the College’s Pride celebrations, students came together to participate in a creative workshop designed to prepare decorations and materials for the big day. Learners crafted colourful bunting to adorn the campus, and placards and flags for the march, each piece celebrating inclusivity, vibrant colour and the LGBTQ+ community.
A tie-dye station also gave students the chance to get hands-on with rainbow colours, transforming plain bandanas into wearable garments for the march. The workshop was the perfect opportunity for students to get involved ahead of the event, and show their solidarity in this fantastic celebration.
On offer during the day was a face painting service by our Students’ Union/Hair and Beauty students, an interactive photo booth, the chance to shop for art and crafts made by students, free pride and pronoun badges, LGBTQ+ bandanas, a DJ playing live music and a stall ran by Progression Mentor, Emma.
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 welcoming inclusive environment.
Automotive student Cain said of the day:
“I enjoy that at the College I can be more comfortable, be myself and that it’s a great space to feel included. Pride means to me being whoever you want to be.
“Events like today mean a lot to me, so it’s nice to see this representation.”
Student Experience Officer, Summer Smith, was overjoyed to see the engagement from our learners and loved how this year’s event turned out. She said:
“A key part of our Pride is that it’s run by our students and it’s for our students. It’s really a time to celebrate everyone and it enhances the really nice community feel that our College has.
“It’s so important that students can get together, celebrate each other and have a great day, so I’m very proud of the work they’ve done.”
The event was a huge success, and we’d like to say thank you to Metro, and Be You – Porchlight, who came onsite to talk to our students and contribute to the day.
Summer and the rest of the College teams are looking forward to planning the next Pride event and to further create an enriching opportunity for learners.
EKC Dover College celebrates individuality and diversity and provides an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for all, with our Students’ Union having an Equalities Officer in place to help represent LGBTQ+ voices.
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