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

Yves McKay
Coordinator
pride-coord@seuo-uosu.com

Dakota Salva
Events Supervisor
Pride-Outreach@seuo-uosu.com

Elita Uch
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 study or 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. This space can also be used as a gender-neutral changing space for our “The Closet” program, a study area, a private breastfeeding/lactation room, and for specialized medical needs. 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 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 visit the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/vaxycCsmTy

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!

“The Closet”

We offer a variety of free, sustainable, second-hand, gender-diverse clothing for all members of the uOttawa community. Check our regularly rotating rack outside of the drop-in centre or come inside and look at all our options.

See something you like and want to try it on? We offer a private gender-neutral space to try on clothing at your leisure. Service is supported by The University of Ottawa Free Store along with student donations.

Have clothing you’d like to donate? Drop it off at any time during our regular hours of operation!

Need a safe space to store your clothing? We are able to store any items of your choice in a private and secure space to be returned at your leisure. Clothing items stored within our centre will be individually tagged and staff are able to provide cleaning services for these items. For more information, please speak with our staff at our drop-in centre or email us pride@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.

Peer Listening

We offer all students private and confidential peer listening sessions in many topics. Peer advice at the Pride Centre offers a Safe Space to talk with a peer privately about relationships, academics, transitioning, and more. Our staff are available for scheduled session of up to 1 hour. To schedule a meeting, email pride@seuo-uosu.com with your availability, and a brief overview of what you want to talk about.

Pride Centre staff may redirect you to other services or resources better suited to help you.

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