(April 4, 2023) - Sam Bénard-Barry, is a student leader and fearless advocate for their peers.
Bénard-Barry is a queer, Francophone and Anishinaabe-Algonquin fourth year Service Social student at Laurentian University. Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, Bénard-Barry is also a local graduate of École Secondaire Catholique l'Horizon (2019). As the President of the Indigenous Students Circle, a member of Laurentian's Consent is Simple Action Team, and a founding member of the Students for Social Action Coalition, it is evident that Bénard-Barry is an active member in the university community.
As Laurentian Pride’s Work Study student, Bénard-Barry has the opportunity to follow their passion for involvement by representing the queer community on campus and in Greater Sudbury. Before taking on this paid position, Bénard-Barry was a student volunteer for two years.
Laurentian Pride is a resource center for the queer community and just one of many student services offered on campus. Resources, education and advocacy that support Laurentian Pride are contributed by partners such as LU’s Health and Wellness Services, Sudbury Pride, Réseau Access Network and Black Lives Matter Sudbury. In affiliation with the Equity, Diversity, and Human Rights office, Laurentian Pride student volunteers host many exciting events while also providing a safe space for all. Coming together recently as a team, an entire week of events on campus was dedicated to goals of equity, diversity and inclusion. For example, hosted in the Student Centre on March 24th, many students enjoyed themselves and met new friends at Pride Prom.
“A lot of the work I do for Laurentian Pride is intersectional as I am a queer, Francophone, and Indigenous student. I am trying to find a way to integrate those communities together so everyone can coexist. Laurentian Pride compelled me because as a queer person and a gender non-conforming person, I have lived experience that I think is essential to bring positive change.”
Laurentian Pride is currently looking for volunteers. “I think that volunteering with Laurentian Pride is a great opportunity for any student to get involved and experience personal growth. The volunteer experience and connections you make within the group really creates a sense of friendship and network,” said Bénard-Barry.
Those interested in volunteering with Laurentian Pride are encouraged to reach out through Instagram or email at pride@laurentian.ca.
“Having a community feel on campus has been important to me,” said Bénard-Barry. “I am passionate about advocating and educating others on a wide variety of topics that involve inclusivity. I am proud to be a part of this.”