This article is part of a series celebrating students, staff, faculty or alumni who demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on campus or in ways that meaningfully connect back to the Brock community. To read other EDI Changemaker features or learn more about the series, visit The Brock News or the Office of Human Rights and Equity website.

When Loud and Proud opened at Brock University’s Wellness HUB this fall, Brayden Peremesko and J Silvestri said the milestone moment symbolized a more inclusive future ahead.

“It was really emotional when we had the opening; I remember getting choked up,” said Peremesko, Loud and Proud Lead and Founder. “Seeing a queer-designated space have support from community, and Brock acknowledge it as something that’s needed and has value, is really awesome because that isn’t something that I grew up experiencing in my past as someone who personally identifies as gay.”

Silvestri, Designated Volunteer of Loud and Proud, said they “love seeing the change this represents,” in terms of institutions taking actionable steps to advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

“EDI is about educating yourself about the experiences of different groups, communities, cultures and people,” they said. “Loud and Proud has already accomplished so much and having others recognize that impact is incredibly meaningful.”

The second-year Nursing students, who also provide peer-to-peer support at the Wellness HUB, drove the development of Loud and Proud. The weekly drop-in space provides free health and wellness programming and services to meet the needs of the queer community.

“Especially in today’s political climate, having a safe space where you can show up as your true self without hesitation really matters and is something that many people can benefit from,” said Peremesko. “Studies show that if someone can show up as their true self, depression rates are reduced and risks of suicide are much lower.”

Second-year Nursing students Brayden Peremesko (left) and J Silvestri at the Loud and Proud launch last October. 

Silvestri, who identifies as non-binary and has been on their own journey of self-discovery, emphasized the value of being accepted while figuring out who they are and where they stand in the world.

“I also see how doing this work connects to my future profession,” Silvestri said. “Being a trans individual in nursing, I see patient care differently; I want to make sure my patient is comfortable physically as well as doing other things to show that I support them and their identity.”

The pair also stressed the importance of advocacy and allyship — extending gratitude to Julie Fennell and Bobbie McGhee, Health Promotion Educators in Brock’s Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre — for helping bring the space to life.

“Brayden and J have been incredible in leading the Loud and Proud HUB, creating a welcoming, peer-to-peer space where 2SLGBTQIA+ students can feel supported and connected,” Fennell said. “They also played a key role in both Pride Month opening ceremonies and Trans Day of Visibility, helping with planning and speaking, and really showing their commitment to making campus more inclusive.”

Silvestri and Peremesko are excited to deepen collaborations between groups across campus in the future. They hope to expand existing supports, including turning Loud and Proud into a permanent space, and create new opportunities for Brock students to access intersectional, inclusive and holistic care, services and education.

The main goal, Peremesko said, is to ensure they’re creating “something that is “empowering, student-centered and inclusive to everyone.”

“It’s important that there’s visibility for all queer folk, and I’m passionate about providing safe spaces to build that community,” he said. “We’ve seen familiar faces now that may have entered solo but are now eating lunch with friends they’ve made at the HUB — it’s been wonderful to see.”

For more information on the Loud and Proud space and other 2SLGBTQIA+ supports at Brock, visit the Human Rights and Equity website.