"Of course, we at the student organization are participating in the Pride parade to show that UiA and higher education should be for everyone, no matter who they are or who they love. At a time when freedom to study, speak openly and be oneself is under threat worldwide, it's important for us to march on behalf of those who cannot," says Magnus Ellefsen Moen, leader of the Student Organization of Agder (STA).
STA, staff and the UiA leadership unite under the slogan "Diversity in Academia" in the parade.
"Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental principles at UiA. Interactions between people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to a better understanding of individuals, organisations and society," says UiA Rector Sunniva Whittaker and University Director Seunn Smith-Tønnessen.
The parade begins with a gathering at Torvet, the main square in Kristiansand, at 14:30, and sets off at 15:00. The parade will make its way through town and end at Kilden Performing Arts Centre.
Full programme for Skeive Sørlandsdager (in Norwegian)
Diversity all week
UiA’s Centre for Gender and Equality is involved in several events throughout the week. On Tuesday afternoon, 19 August, a report on queer issues in public services in Agder will be presented. The report is produced in collaboration with NORCE.
On Friday 22 August, there will be a live podcast titled "Skeive mønstre i litteraturen" (Queer Patterns in Literature).
The Centre for Gender and Equality regularly produces the podcast "Skeiv Dagsorden" (Queer Agenda).
Note: The report and podcasts are in Norwegian.