Celebrating Pride Month: Creating a Safe Community

As a queer parent who manages mental health issues, Mike Reynolds is on a personal journey of growth and learning. They believe strongly in sharing that life experience, so others can learn as Reynolds does, through Everyday Girl Dad.

“It’s really just become a community where I and others discuss everything from masculinity and mental health to gender identity and sexual orientation,” they say.

“I like to have these conversations publicly, because it’s helpful to my own learning and unlearning journey, and I have found there’s a good opportunity to bring others along with me on that same journey.”

Reynolds is constantly thinking of how to help future generations gain full control of their identities in their professional and personal lives. In their role as MacOdrum Library’s Communications Officer, Reynolds informs the university community of its services and aims make the library feel like a safe and welcome space to everyone.

For them, Pride Month is important.

“I can learn about the historical context of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as about myself,” they say. “It’s absolutely about recognizing the ongoing struggles people have faced and continue to face today. But it’s also an opportunity to celebrate queer joy in all its forms.”

Twenty years ago, when they were pursuing an English degree at Carleton, Reynolds was incredibly introverted and quiet.

“I stayed in my room all the time and didn’t do very much.”

Today, as a content creator and communications officer, they are active, open and public in their explorations of masculinity and queerness.

Reynolds also holds a diploma in Public Relations from Algonquin College and is currently studying in the Women’s and Gender Studies program. They think that even though universities play an important role in producing papers on topics for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, it’s important to remember that research and academic thought isn’t what makes them queer.

“We’re all valid already even if there was never another paper written again,” they say.

“I think it’s important that we continue to value and celebrate the unique lived experiences of everyone in our university community.”

Creating a safe community for young 2SLGBTQ+ members is a responsibility Reynolds takes very seriously. They think Carleton can make 2SLGBTQ+ members of the university feel more included and celebrated by continuing to publicly recognize all of their unique experiences.

“We should be able to share the stories of people who are doing work in their communities that isn’t just research-based, but who are creating community through love and support.”

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During Pride Month, Carleton University is celebrating some of the many achievements and contributions of our 2SLGBTQ+ community members. Visit our Pride Month page through the month of June to read new stories about them.