What is your message to someone who is thinking about suicide?
If you are a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I want you to know that I am too and that I am a safe person. Your emotions are valid and there are resources for you no matter what it is that you are experiencing. Give yourself time to heal, to reflect, and to honour your story and your truth. You matter and it is important that you feel safe, seen, and cared for. Your story is powerful and inspiring. Your voice deserves to be heard.
What would you tell someone who is feeling unsure about seeking support?
As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I understand the importance of being heard and feeling safe. I want you to know that there are resources available specifically for you within our campus and our community. I am working hard to ensure that these resources are known and available. If there is something specific you are needing, please ask! Your life and your story are important.
As someone who also works closely with students who have disabilities, I see the many strengths and skills that they draw on to navigate the academic environment every day. I also know that they can face structural barriers and that these barriers may layer frustrations and accessibility concerns on top of the stressors that University students experience. If you have a disability, I want you to know that the struggles and challenges that you might be experiencing are not your fault and that you are someone I want to fight for to ensure you have the supports and care that you need. You are not invisible to me, and you deserve support and advocacy. You matter. There are people on campus who are willing to hear you and validate your feelings and experiences. Please reach out. To learn more about the supports that we offer in Student Accessibility Services, please click here.
Why did you want to become a Care Champion?
As someone who has worked with and coached a lot of students in the age range of 18-25, I have seen the struggles that students go through with the transition to University.
I also work really closely with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and know the stats around suicide in this population.
I think that every person has a right to receive kindness and to be told that they matter and that their feelings are valid. I have seen too many students lose their life to suicide. If I can be that kind face to make one change their mind, I want to be that person.
How do you cope when things get tough?
I paint my nails as it gives me something to concentrate on that is within my control. I can pick colours and designs that make me feel good or help me express myself.
I love ice cream and when I am not feeling my best and need to make time to focus on me, I walk to the ice cream shop which gives me time to reflect and be outside. It also makes me make me a priority.
Colouring is another way that I take care of myself. Again, it gives me a sense of control back. I choose the colours and what to colour. I can take a long time or a short time to do this activity and it one that I don’t have to share. I can sit and colour on my own and be with my feelings and I feel safe.
What gives you hope?
I know that my story is not over and that I have something to share with the 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies. Hope, compassion, a safe space to share are just a few things that I want to prioritize. I want to be a kind and friendly face that is accepting and safe for all people regardless of who they are. I still have work to do but I do know that I have made a difference already for some. That is what gives me hope and the courage to continue every day.
Joyceln Lorito (she/her)
Student Accessibility Advisor – Learning Strategist, Student Accessibility Services
Co-Chair, UWinPride, Office of Student Experience