With community and diversity at the heart of Trent’s values, fostering an inclusive and safe environment for living and learning is essential. Trent offers a wide array of 2SLGBTQI+ supports and is committed to creating a climate in which all feel welcome. 

The Equity and Human Rights Office (ERHO) is at the forefront of maintaining an equitable and inclusive community by monitoring university policies, advising on matters of human rights and accessibility, and managing annual initiatives. 

Additionally, our renowned faculty include many academics who have dedicated their careers to furthering 2SLGBTQI+ research and advocacy. Their contributions, along with so many others at Trent, are helping educate new generations of scholars on the importance of inclusivity.  

Research

Trent proudly boasts the work of students, staff and faculty who continue to make strides in 2SLGBTQI+ research: 

• The Toronto PREACH Conference brought together over 110 delegates from more than 15 countries and featured intellectual discussions on 2SLGBTQI+ Psychology and Humanities research. Trent's research was prominently showcased, along with the launch of projects that Trent students and faculty helped develop. 
• Hella Watkins, a Psychology alum (Lady Eaton College ‘18), has spotlighted discrimination issues through her academic research on public displays of affection (PDA) in mixed-sex versus same-sex and gender-diverse relationships.  

Representation

As an advocate for diverse representation, Trent highlights the important contributions of its community members in ensuring diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices are included and valued:  

• Degrassi co-creator and honorary alumni, Linda Schuyler discussed the importance of diversity and representation of 2SLGBTQI+ storylines in media. 
• Trent athlete and trans advocate Chloe Yorg explained how through Trent’s inclusivity and acceptance, she was able to rediscover her love of rugby.  
• Program coordinator for the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL), Angeni Lovelady explained what two-spirit is and how they work to create an inclusive environment for two-spirit and 2SLGBTQI+ Indigenous students.  
• Trent Durham’s associate dean, Karleen Pendleton Jimenez discussed representation in the media, specifically the importance of having queer and trans voices behind queer and trans stories. 

Community & Support

Trent remains dedicated to providing support and resources for community members, ensuring they thrive and feel welcomed and valued: 

• 2SLGBTQI+ supports include peer outreach, counseling services, gender-affirming care grant, clubs, career resources, and community initiatives. 
• Hosted on Trent’s Campus during the summer, Camp fYrefly works to foster leadership, resilience, and self-assurance in 2SLGBTQI+ youth.