During the pandemic, the BIPOC Affinity Group was created. For those who don’t know, an affinity group is a small group—like a men’s or women’s group—and the BIPOC Affinity Group was set up as a safe space for VanU people of colour to meet and socialize. Some of its members later went on to create the IPA, working alongside white allies to promote multicultural events.
On May 27, 2021, news broke about the unmarked graves at the Kamloops Residential School. Doreen Manuel—Indigenous film director at Capilano University and a guest speaker at one of our film screenings—suggested we follow UBC’s lead and change our name from BIPOC to IBPOC. We did so, but it became a constant source of confusion for people who didn’t know what the acronym stood for or who mistook it for the IPA team.
In 2024, when Roxy Manning came to speak, it was suggested we change the name IBPOC to Global Majority. I worried we were slipping back into acronyms again, as “GM” also stands for genetically modified, so the idea wasn’t taken up.
Then, in 2025, we came up with the name Global Ethnic Majority, or GEM. Yes, it was an acronym—but one with a positive association, evoking a sparkly, colourful semi-precious stone. The imagery resonated and was quickly embraced by both the group and the IPA.
Many congregants still don’t know what GEM is, so there is more work to do. However, the most important thing is that the group members themselves are happy with a name they created by and for themselves.
As GEM members become more comfortable at VanU, they are encouraged to join other VanU groups that interest them. I see GEM as a gateway to VanU, and a group worthy of support from everyone.