A Chance to Be Yourself

If it wasn’t for Grebel’s stance on welcoming all people from different backgrounds – 2SLGBTQ+ people, people of colour and marginalised races, international students, students with accessibility needs, and people from all walks of faith – I would not have considered living here. 

Even before I arrived at Grebel, the Student Services team had already let me know what it would be like having a roommate who, like me, identifies as transmasculine. I could not have felt more relieved. I was anxious enough already about starting university, and worrying about having a roommate I felt comfortable to be around added to my stress greatly. 

Once I got to Grebel, I discovered a diverse community – and found a group called QuAQ (Queer, Allied, and Questioning) where I met other people who were also part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, who had similar backgrounds and yet different experiences from me. To say it was eye-opening would be an understatement, considering that I came from a high school where there was barely any inclusion of people of colour, and no mention of the Queer community at all. It was the first time I met people like me in person, and where I felt safe to share my identity. 

The community overall has been a welcoming space – especially with the addition of gender-neutral washrooms, without which I would have felt unsafe. During Orientation Week, the leaders introduced themselves using their name, followed by their pronouns – something I hadn’t experienced before, but was glad to hear. Having a chance to speak for yourself your pronouns- a part of your identity – makes it easier to avoid people misgendering you or make assumptions based on your appearance. 

Since coming to Grebel, I feel like I have opened up a lot. I’m usually quite shy, so it came as a surprise when I got to be part of things I never thought I’d do – like being on Student Council, and QuAQ Rep (which is part of the Larger Leadership Team). 

All in all, I’m glad I found Grebel, and I’m looking forward to staying involved – whether it’s through events, Community Supper, or meeting new people.  

by Siren Y (he/him), 3rd year Honours Biology