About

The Pride Centre is an independent, student-run service that strives to promote and represent a culture of affirmation through the celebration of individual diversity and choice in all areas of life. We address various equity sectors (anti-ableism, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, etc.) with a core focus on the intersections of gender and sexuality topics at the University of Ottawa. By hosting events, programming, offering resources and advocating for students, we look to create an environment of respect and acceptance with our communities and allies.

Weekly Events – at our Student Lounge (UCU 215C)

• Game Night
• Movie Night

If you would like to schedule an appointment to meet one of our staff at the Pride Centre, please email pride@seuo-uosu.com.

Team

Shana Ann Barno (she/they)
Coordinator
pride-coord@seuo-uosu.com

Rajan Singh (he/they)
Events Supervisor
pride-outreach@seuo-uosu.com

Terra Hyde (they/them)
Volunteer Supervisor
pride-volunteer@seuo-uosu.com

Programs and Services

Drop-In Lounge

Our Drop-in Lounge at UCU 215C is open to all to relax, find resources, and build community. Our Centre is open to everyone, regardless of identity.

The Quiet Room (UCU-215B)

Need somewhere to decompress? We offer a low stimulation, low noise, quiet room attached to the drop-in centre that can be used at any time during our regular hours of operation. For private use, please email staff at pride@seuo-uosu.com or let staff know on location.

Gender-Affirming Product Program

We recognize the physical, mental and emotional impact and importance gender affirming products can have, especially for those recently exploring their gender identities.

In order to provide ease of access, The Pride Centre has launched their Gender Affirming Product Program to provide a one-time per semester assistance to a gender-affirming product of choice for University of Ottawa students in need.

Applicants must:

• be registered as a student at the University of Ottawa;
• be registered in a program at the University of Ottawa;
• be unable to purchase the item on their own.

All applicants who meet the above criteria will be eligible for the Gender Affirming Product Program. In the case of high traffic applications, priority will be given to students who are first year, racialized and/or POC, trans and/or non-binary, Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) and/or have international student status.

All information submitted for the Gender Affirming Product Program will remain confidential within The Pride Centre employees and staff. This program is supported and made possible by the University of Ottawa Students’ Union.

To submit an application, please email pride-coord@seuo-uosu.com.

Queer Library

We offer a wide variety of over 600 2SLGBTQ+ books and videos for all uOttawa students and staff.

How to request a book:

Visit https://uopridecentre.librarika.com/ to view our full catalog, and request by emailing pride@seuo-uosu.com, or dropping by UCU 215C. For online orders, wait for e-mail confirmation that your request is ready for pick-up at UCU-215C.  

Have books you’d like to donate? Drop them off during our regular hours of operation or through our book slot at the entrance of our drop-in centre during non-regular business hours. We accept all books on 2SLGBTQ+ interests and topics.

Are you a professor looking to stock a book for your course or a student looking for a particular series? Send us an email at pride-coord@seuo-uosu.com!

Safer Sex and Sanitary Supplies

We offer a variety of free safer sex supplies such as latex and non-latex condoms of various sizes, internal condoms, lube, dental dams, and more. Pick them up inside the drop-in centre or outside our door in our Safer Sex Supplies Box. We also offer a variety of sanitary supplies such as pads, tampons, Diva Cups, and more. Looking for a specific product? Let staff know and we will do our best to assist.

Pro Bono Therapy

The Pride Centre at the University of Ottawa is partnering with Blossom Counselling Centre to offer pro bono therapy sessions for students on a first-come, first-served basis. Loren (he/him), a student therapist, provides a safe and queer-collaborative space specializing in LGBTQIA+ identity, life transitions, and navigating emotional isolation through a trauma-informed, kink-affirming, and anti-oppressive lens. With only five free slots available for this initiative, students are encouraged to book a free virtual discovery call through the Blossom JaneApp or visit the Blossom Counselling website for more information on accessing this community-rooted support.

Safe Storage Lockers (UCU-215)

If you are a closeted student, or otherwise need to store something away from home, contact a staff member and we can assign you a lock and locker!

Preferred Name ID Program

If you wish to change your student card and/or U-Pass to reflect your preferred name, we can fully cover the cost! For this program, feel free to contact a staff member to schedule a time for us to go with you to uOttawa Card Services.

24/7 Discord Chat

Want to connect with the community? We have an active Discord Server open to everyone! Talk with fellow 2SLGBTQ+ students at uOttawa and keep up to date on events both with The Pride Centre and in the greater Ottawa community.

Join us here: https://discord.com/invite/m8QudfE