January 5, 2020
Q&A with Brock Weston
Q1: What inspired you to work with or be an ally/advocate for Safe Space NOVA?
I believe that any way I can spread my story, especially through platforms like Safe Space NOVA that actively advocates for LGBT+ people, is something I need to be committed to doing. I found a lot of support through similar organizations and pages and reassurance through stories, so I think it’s important that my story be out there because it may be a catalyst for someone to be comfortable living their truth. My inspiration is my commitment to ensuring others can become comfortable being themselves.
Q2: How important is an organization like Safe Space NOVA to the LGBT+ youth community?
I think it’s incredibly important. For youth to know they have a constant ally, whether someone close to them or not, it adds so much reassurance to their existence. As noted, the suicidal ideation and action is much higher in LGBT+ youth and lower those numbers will come from the educational awareness of people. That awareness is spread through catalysts like Safe Space NOVA. It not only provides support, but an outlet, a known constant, and a group that can become family.
Q3: How important do you think it is to target the 14-18 year old range?
This age range is critical. The level of influence at this age is incredibly high and the minds, actions, and beliefs are very malleable at this age. It’s critical to not only support the LGBT+ youths at these ages but promote awareness to non-LGBT+ youths so that they can become allies alongside their peers on their own unique journeys. It’s an age range where many lessons are learned, ideals solidified, and characters built.
Q4: What are some of the challenges and roadblocks that you have personally faced within the LGBT+ community and how do you think Safe Space NOVA can help break down any barriers?
My experience lies mostly in sport. There are many roadblocks currently in highly competitive sport for the LGBT+ youth and even young adults. The ‘persecution’ I faced was almost never direct, but because of the culture and stigmas, it was constantly around me, prodding at my confidence, character, and my belief in who I am. I think that Safe Space NOVA is already on the right track to knock barriers down. Working with other ally groups is critical to have the message spread, identify inconsistencies and biases, and advocate/act to make change so that these stigmas and ‘cultures’ of oppression are eliminated. Allies like Kurtis Gabriel, Brock McGillis, Brent Sopel, and OutSports are actively making changes to bring the problems to light and make the necessary and appropriate changes to competitive sport (hockey in particular, for my context).
Q5: Have you personally dealt with or witnessed someone firsthand deal with the issues in the LGBT+ community that Safe Space NOVA is aiming to prevent (depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, drug abuse, etc.)?
Yes, I very much have witnessed it. I never personally dealt with substances or suicidal ideation, but I personally dealt with anxiety and depression revolving around my sexual orientation. I have seen friends deal with substance problems and even attempt suicide for a multitude of reasons. I know of many others that have dealt with all of the above and it pains me to think that because of the stigma and culture, someone could feel that their life is less valuable than someone who was born heterosexual. It pains me to imagine someone living with the thoughts that they don’t measure up simply because they love someone of the same sex. It’s painful to think about these things and that is why it is so critical to eliminate the scenarios that promote these thoughts and feelings.
Q6: How are you hoping to make an impact by working with Safe Space NOVA?
I’m not sure what my impact will be, but I just hope that sharing my story will connect with someone and they can know that they are worth it, and they matter, and it is okay to be themselves.
Q7: Is there anything else you would like to add about Safe Space NOVA and your participation with the organization?
I’m just thoroughly impressed with the initiative and purpose of Safe Space NOVA. I find it incredibly brave to be this support and outlet for youth. It is incredibly admirable, and I applaud the organization and its members for the amazing work they do. I want them to know it is worth it and it is noticed by many.