PRIDE: 'It is getting better for the LGBTQ+ community but many still face harassment’ – stained-glass window designed by student Lilia Malkonen, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, has been unveiled at Inverness College UHI
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AN important stained glass inspired art work has been put in place at Inverness College UHI.
The piece of art, designed by Lilia Malkonen, a final year BA (Hons) Drama and Production student, was selected as part of a Highlands and Islands Students' Association (HISA) run competition during Pride Month.
Ms Malkonen took the rainbow colours of the Pride flag and focussed on their meanings, alongside the six pillars of character, to create her stained-glass design, which takes pride of place at the bottom of the main stairs in the atrium.
In the design colours were used to portray the attributes of the flag, and the people it represents: purple represents spirit and citizenship, blue represents serenity and trustworthiness, green represents nature and responsibility, yellow represents sunlight and respect, orange represents healing and fairness while red is to portray life and caring.
Ms Malkonen said: “Not a lot of people realise the flag colours have meaning, so I wanted to incorporate those into the design.
"It is getting better for the LGBTQ+ community but many still face harassment. An important part of celebrating the LGBTQ+ is treating everyone equally and respecting our wonderful differences. To have a piece of art like this in a prominent space in the college is really important and signifies this is a safe space.”
Sophie MacGregor, HISA Inverness, said: "Embracing inclusivity and diversity has always been, and will continue to be, a strong focus within our organisation; ensuring that people feel welcome and safe from judgement. We feel like this beautiful piece of artwork portrays this and we hope that it will continue to be a pillar of hope and happiness.”
A college spokeswoman said: "Inverness College UHI recognises the diversity of its staff and students, and we embrace and value diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming community, free from harassment, where everyone feels safe and supported."
