The University of Utah participated in the Utah Pride Parade and Festival this past weekend, while the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) hosted its third annual Pride Week from May 13-17.

It was the second year that the U has had a float in the Salt Lake City parade, which was held Sunday, and the first time that the university hosted booths at the festival held at Washington Square on both Saturday and Sunday. Members from Admissions, Continuing Education, the School of Dentistry, Health Sciences and the LGBT Resource Center were all on hand to represent the U during the festival.

This year also marked the first time that groups and organizations across campus all marched as one entity in the parade. In all, more than 400 students, staff and faculty walked in the parade or volunteered at the festival.

“I think it’s especially important to have the U showing up as one whole force in the parade and the tabling efforts this year,” said Clare Lemke, director of the University of Utah LGBT Resource Center. “It communicates a university-wide commitment to supporting Utah Pride and it also highlights how supporting LGBTQIA+ students and community more broadly involves work across departments. We have been very excited to be part of this collaboration.”

And we’re rolling at #UtahPrideParade! ?️‍? https://t.co/bBMd2GNiTb

— University of Utah (@UUtah) June 2, 2019

In Songdo, South Korea, the UAC Pride Week was full of various activities and events aimed at bringing the LGBT+ and straight communities closer together, and to educate students, faculty and staff. The week was planned and carried out by the queer pride club(Q-Dong), comprised of a diverse group of LGBT+ students.

Students designed and displayed posters; participated in creating a colorful “Ally U” flag, enjoyed a discussion focused on gender binarism, allowing students an opportunity to talk about and expand their perspectives; listened to a special lecture by Dr. Kera Lovell on the history of the LGBT+ community and attended a drag show, including an open invitation to the students and faculty of all other schools at the Incheon Global Campus.

The week concluded with a pride march around the International Global Campus and an LGBT+ themed “Queer Prom.”

“Even though we still have a long way to go, the LGBT+ community in Korea is making lots of progress,” said Lean Agravante, vice president of Q-Dong, who believes that Pride Week was pivotal in spreading a message of equality regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and more. “It was eye-opening. I’m very happy and proud of our community at the UAC for being so supportive of Pride Week.”

The University of Utah Asia Campus stands a firm ally of the LGBT+ community in Korea, and all over the world. Through more events like Pride Week, the UAC hopes to further promote equality and positivity, and a higher level of awareness regarding LGBT+ pride.