King's Statement on LGBTQ2S+

King’s University College honours the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. In upholding our mission, values and strategic directions, we commit to creating a welcoming, respectful, inclusive community for all equity-deserving groups, including LGBTQ2S+ students, staff, faculty, alumni and visitors. The Catholic tradition affirms that the encounter with Jesus Christ reveals the infinite love and mercy of God and transforms us, giving life “a new horizon and a decisive direction" (Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, 1). Grounded in the person and mission of Jesus, and enacting the principles of Catholic social teaching, we stand with all those who are positioned at the margins who suffer discrimination. We support and advocate for initiatives that create and foster inclusivity.


The guiding principles of respect, human dignity, solidarity and hospitality align with Catholic social teaching and our values and actions at King’s. We will raise the Progress Pride flag in June and July during national and local Pride events as a symbol of our efforts to be a place that welcomes all people. We pledge to become a more welcoming and caring space for all.

“This is an important step in welcoming and fostering an inclusive, caring and affirming community at King’s for LGBTQ2S+ students and employees – for everyone," says Dr. David Malloy, King’s President. “The Progress Pride flag signifies our openness and support for those on the margins who we want to affirm are fully part of our place, which is a place for everyone.”

The Progress Pride flag positions King’s as a community that is seeking to care for the entire human person while affirming the identities of all people – a community that is learning, re-assessing, and responding to our ever-developing collective knowledge as it relates to equity, diversity and inclusivity initiatives. Use of the Progress Pride flag further embeds our commitment to inclusiveness on our campus.

FAQ: What is the Progress Pride flag and why was it selected for King’s?

A reboot of the LGBTQ2S+ Pride flag with an emphasis on inclusion and progression.

Daniel Quasar, who identifies as queer and nonbinary, designed this flag.

Using this flag positions King’s as a community that is seeking to care for the entire human person while affirming the identities of all people - a community that is learning, re-assessing, and responding to our ever-developing collective knowledge as it relates to equity, diversity and inclusivity initiatives. Use of the Progress Pride flag further embeds our commitment to inclusiveness on our campus.

FAQ: Progress Pride flag consistent with Catholic social teaching

  • This symbolic representation of welcome and belonging for LGBTQ2S+ persons is consistent with several principles of Catholic social teaching, especially: 
  • The inherent dignity of each human person 
  • Solidarity with those who experience marginalization 
  • Such symbolic actions also cohere with Christian/Catholic values of justice, mercy, hospitality and care for the whole human person. To quote Pope Francis, “In life, God accompanies persons, and we must accompany them, starting from their situation. It is necessary to accompany them with mercy” (Interview with Fr. Antonio Spadaro, S.J., https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2013/09/30/big-heart-open-god-interview-pope-francis) 
  • As a symbol of welcome and inclusion, the flag is not an endorsement of specific sociological or philosophical theories regarding gender and sexuality. 
  • As a Catholic university, King’s is committed to rigorous and respectful dialogue on important social, political, and ethical issues, and on what Pope John Paul II calls “uncomfortable truths” (Ex corde ecclesiae 32), always mindful of the dignity of all persons. Given the nature and mission of a university, the Church encourages members of the university community to engage in research and dialogue on questions of faith, spirituality, culture, and social justice. Dialogue at the level of scholarly research fosters understanding of the complexity of the issues and deepens the commitment to think about the nature of personhood.

Media Coverage

Ivey Business School – Character-in-action: Five stories of inspirational leadership

Blackburn News – King's University College to fly Progress Pride flag for the first time

AM 980/Global News – King's University College to raise Progress Pride Flag for first time

Western Gazette – King's to raise Pride flag for the first time this June

The London Free Press – Pride flag at King's symbol of change, challenges for LGBTQ+ community

CBC – King's University College flies Pride flag, commits to reconciliation

CTV News London – Pride month begins with advancements and controversy

Eduvation Insider – King's UC raised Progress Pride flag

Academica Top 10 – Universities launch initiatives, raise flags for Pride month

Let's Talk London with Jess Brady – King's University College raises Progress Pride Flag for first time

The Catholic Register – Respectful debate needed on Pride flag, Fabbro says