As Chance Rashid prepares to receive an award related to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), she knows there’s more work to be done.

Rashid is the current President of the Brock Pride club, which aims to create a safe and social environment for students of diverse gender and sexual identities. For her ongoing efforts, the fourth-year Concurrent Teacher Education student has been named the first EDI Changemaker of the Month by the University’s Office of Human Rights and Equity (HRE).

EDI Changemakers are students, staff or faculty at Brock who have made a significant contribution to equity, diversity and/or inclusion.

While leading Brock Pride as well as initiatives in the Niagara region to promote Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic (2SLGTBQIA+) rights, Rashid has set out to create a space at the University and beyond that allows people to be themselves.

“We want to give members of our community the ability to see that they are supported, and for those who want to show their support or to fight for their rights the ability to do it in a space they feel safe,” she said.

Included in Rashid’s efforts on campus have been eliminating charges for students who wish to change their name on their student card, which is now being supported and covered by the Gender Affirmation Fund through the HRE office. Additionally, Rashid continues to contribute edits to the transgender inclusion guide and support the ongoing initiative to provide all gender signage on washrooms throughout the University.

Rashid said she is driven by the need to continue to inspire positive change.

“It’s exhausting, but when you see the change happen and you see students are able to live their lives better because of those changes, that is everything,” she said.

Alana Lowe, HRE’s Manager of EDI Education and Outreach, said the office is honoured to showcase Rashid as its first Changemaker of the Month.

“Chance courageously stands against the rising tide of hate against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and her commitment to inclusivity and resilience is a beacon of hope and progress in the ongoing struggle for queer rights and liberation,” said Lowe.

Changemakers can be nominated for:

• Leading a social justice initiative.
• Introducing a new lens or outlook that supports equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Advocating for changes to processes or procedures.
• Engaging in EDI research that has or will make an impact in the school community or in Niagara region
• Strengthening allyship
• Actively removing barriers and/or contributing to underserved communities

While she is thankful to have her contributions recognized, Rashid said queer rights activism is something everyone can take part in.

“I don’t do this work for awards, I do it because it has to be done,” she says. “In many ways, the choice to come out as queer for many is more difficult and comes with more risks than the work that I do, but it is just as important.”

All EDI Changemaker contributions must fall in line with Brock’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy.

Submissions for upcoming EDI Changemakers of the Month must include the nominee’s name and a brief description of their contribution to EDI in the Brock community. Submissions can be sent to humanrights@brocku.ca with the subject line: Changemaker of the Month nomination.