Every month is Pride month!

Every summer, IGNITE awards five students a $1,000 IGNITE Pride Scholarship. With this incentive, we aim to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and mitigate the disproportional challenges that this group faces.

We are proud to present our special 2023 IGNITE Pride Scholarship winners:

  • Amit Khemani (They/Them)
  • Annie Tieu (They/Them)
  • Khaezel Espiritu (He/Him)
  • Philemon Weldu (He/Him)
  • Zee Seon (She/They)

Being part of the queer community is like being part of a family, and our students find that support on campus. Khemani said the community has been supportive and was always there when they needed help.

“The diverse individuals I met on campus and the 2SLGBTQ+ centre helped me find my true identity and allowed my authentic self to shine through,” they said.

Amit Khemani. Photo credits: Amit Khemani.

Our Pride Scholarship not only helps the community to relieve their financial challenges, but it’s also a way to remind students to be proud of who they are.

“It means coming out can be less stressful and scary. I feel very welcomed, safe and confident to make my self-discovery journey,” Tieu told IGNITE.

Annie Tieu. Photo credits: Annie Tieu.

“To me, it means encouragement. I often have doubts that I am not on the right path, or that there are other things I could be doing and putting my energy towards but, being a recipient of this award solidifies that I am actually doing what is right for me. I now feel even more fire under me to keep working towards inclusivity in the Black and queer communities and having more conversations about intersectionality,” Seon said.

Zee Seon. Photo credits: Zee Seon.

Espiritu shared how the 2SLGBTQ+ community has been so welcoming and accepting.

“It’s nice to see other members of the community and also allies support each other and celebrate you for who you are. I love the sense of family that the community has,” he said.

Khaezel Espiritu. Photo credits: Khaezel Espiritu.

We at IGNITE do our best to support you, and we understand the work is not done. We’re always open to hearing suggestions on future initiatives.

“It is our responsibility as students and staff to educate ourselves, challenge our assumptions and work toward dismantling the barriers that prevent individuals from fully participating in campus life. So, let’s break down barriers and work together to make Guelph-Humber and Humber College a space that celebrates the unique contributions and perspectives of each individual,” Weldu said.

Philemon Weldu. Photo credits: Philemon Weldu.

IGNITE is proud to be supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community and we’re committed to keep doing so.

If you’re looking for community, the LGBTQ+ Resource Centre is open during the summer and dedicated to supporting you. You can also follow them on Instagram to keep up with their updates.

Congratulations to the 2023 recipients!

Learn all about 2SLGBTQ+ resources on campus.

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