Coming to GRCGED for the first time!

I first learned about GRCGED through some of my friends who were going to an event called the Feminist Breakfast. At first, I didn’t want to go because the word feminist scared me, but since I was going with friends, I was a little more comfortable. When I got to GRCGED, it wasn’t what I was envisioning. The space was cozy and there were so many smiling faces that greeted me as I walked in the door. There were cookies, coffee and tea and that day I quickly realized that everyone at the centre will accept me for who I am. I didn’t need to feel like I had to be something I was not.

This summer I was given the chance to be the activities and resource coordinator. I went into this job definitely nervous because I didn’t know a lot of information on the issues that GRCGED advocates for and I hadn’t really formed an opinion about a lot of them, but I have really enjoyed learning about tons of different issues as well as intersectional feminism as a whole. I also learned about daily struggles that women go through not only in Canada but around the world.

I absolutely love this position because the staff, volunteers and collective members make me feel so welcomed every day I come to work. I have also never had a job that puts your health and well-being before everything else, which I think is extremely important because it makes me want to come back every day.

I think this year was a year of personal growth for me. I dealt with starting university, living on my own, and dealing with the reality of being an out queer woman of colour to my family and friends. When I’m at GRCGED I don’t have to worry about any of those things because this space is dedicated to people like me who need a place that they can grow and thrive, without having to deal with societal pressures.

I really enjoyed designing posters and pamphlets for GRCGED, learning about and figuring out new things that I believe in and care about that can help make the world a happier place for everyone.

I really encourage everyone to stop by GRCGED at least once, to meet some new people and learn some new things and even in the future to come out and volunteer at different events.