Dr. Valerie Korinek (PhD), a professor in the College of Arts and Science’s Department of History, is the author of Prairie Fairies: A History of Queer Communities and People in Western Canada, 1930-1985. (Photo: Jake Straat)

Educating and working to eliminate discrimination

In celebration of the upcoming Saskatoon Pride Festival, Dr. Valerie J. Korinek (PhD), vice dean of Faculty Relations in the College of Arts and Science, says inclusion and diversity are major drivers of the work she does in the college.

By University Communications

Dr. Valerie Korinek (PhD), vice dean of Faculty Relations in the College of Arts and Science, and professor of history grew up in Toronto, graduated from the University of Toronto, and has worked at the University of Saskatchewan for more than twenty years.

Korinek is an expert in cultural, gender and sexualities history.  She is the author of  Prairie Fairies: A History of Queer Communities and People in Western Canada, 1930-1985 (University of Toronto Press, 2018).

In her own words, Korinek explained the importance of Pride and why it is important to be a part of a community that celebrates and supports those who are part of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Pride provides an opportunity for education, political discussions, recognition and celebration. This annual event makes us mindful of the lives and diverse experiences of our LGBTQ2S+ students, staff and faculty. 

I hope that the experience of Pride empowers role models and leaders, both from within our LGBTQ2S+ community and from our allies, to stand up and speak back to discrimination, homophobia and bullying in all of its overt and subtle manifestations. “It gets better” is a great phrase, but the only way it actually gets better is if we all work together to make it better.