Staff and Students Have My Back

Jay Knetsch is a 3rd-year Creative and Professional Writing student who lives at Grebel. For Pride month, they reflected on what it’s like living at Grebel as part of the Queer Community. 

When I first came to Grebel, I didn’t really think about how community would affect me as a LGBTQ+ individual. I knew that the Queer Allied and Questioning (QuAQ) group existed at Grebel, and it was a safe space for people who are LGBTQ+ or are allies. I thought that it would be like high school with the Gender and Sexuality Alliance. but it wasn’t the same.  

The Grebel community is so intentional. They make an effort to listen and make change. Grebel, like any other place, has flaws. It’s not perfect. But one thing I love about Grebel is how students are able to make such a big impact on others. The student leadership is strong and dedicated. I’ve heard about students making so much change over the years so Grebel is always getting more inclusive and accepting.  

I’ve had friends who dress more expressively at Grebel or use their true name when they weren’t able to before. I’ve seen how fast and fierce Grebel is at accepting people. I’ve seen how quickly friendships are made. I’ve seen how much people love each other at Grebel. Because being around people that much really helps make connections.  

I won’t forget QuAQ, of course. I was QuAQ rep in winter of 2025 and I was friends with a lot of past QuAQ reps. Both QuAQ and the Equity Diversity and Inclusivity Rep on Student Council make sure that Grebel remembers that LGBTQ+ people exist. We put on casual events every week to have a fun space to hang out and destress. We also have an event most terms called Questions For Queers where we let anyone ask questions anonymously without judgement to QuAQ and we answer them as a group.  

In the residence building itself, Grebel’s short ends are gender neutral, so gender diverse, gender non-conforming people, and allies can all be comfortable at Grebel.  

The intentionality of the staff and students, and the ways that Grebel itself is run every term, means that Grebel is a safe space for LGBTQ+ people. I feel safe at Grebel because I know that the staff and students have my back.  

By Jay Knetsch