Owen Johnstone saw an opportunity for change on the Agricultural Campus and seized it. Last year as a first-year student in the Veterinary Technician Program, he created DALOUT Truro as a way to offer support for all sexual orientations and gender identities.
“It’s about hanging out in a space where you can be yourself,” he says.
Originally from Fall River, N.S., Owen was aware of a certain level of intolerance for LGBTQ members in rural communities. So when he was accepted into his program, he briefly considered going back in the closet, but quickly realized that wasn’t the solution.
“I started thinking maybe there are other people on campus who feel similarly,” he says.
He was also aware of members of the large international student population who, “maybe don’t want to be out but still want to be engaged and feel safe.”
A space for all
DALOUT Truro started quietly. Owen made some posters to publicize meetings, and slowly more people started to show up through word of mouth. This year the group had a presence at the Club Fair and hosted a movie night and a bowling night. “Otherwise we’re just hanging out, not necessarily even talking about things LGBTQ-related. It’s more just a safe space to hang out and make friends,” he says.
Members are never asked to identify themselves, which Owen says creates a safer space for everyone. In the future he would love to see the club become “a bit more political.” He hopes the group will continue after he graduates and connect with different groups on campus.
In recognition of his efforts, last March Owen received the Club/Organization Award at the Dal AC Impact Awards.
After he finishes his program and writes the veterinary technician exam, he hopes to work in a veterinary clinic for a few years, get his skills up, and work in a shelter or a wildlife location. “I’m going to try out the clinics for a few years and see where that takes me,” he says.