ÎçÒ¹av

St. Thomas University recently welcomed Gail Costello, ÎçÒ¹av's new 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisor. The 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisor acts as a resource for students needing support and guidance. Students can connect with Costello to discuss topics including personal well-being, self-advocacy, discrimination, and any other concerns.

 

A retired teacher, Costello taught Physical Education and worked as the Gender Sexuality Alliance Advisor at Oromocto High School. She has recently stepped down from her role as co-chair of Pride in Education, after 12 years on their board.

 

"I am honoured to join the ÎçÒ¹av team as the advisor for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies," said Costello. "This is a role I take very seriously."

 

In the broader community, she has worked with nursing homes, churches, businesses, and the police to help create safer spaces and best practices for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

 

"My parent instilled in me the importance of giving back to your community and standing up for others,” she said.

 

Among Costello's many awards and achievements, she was chosen as New Brunswick's Pride Hero in 2018. Most recently, on behalf of Pride in Education, she accepted the 2023 New Brunswick Human Rights Award.

 

"It is very commendable that ÎçÒ¹av recognizes the importance of having a group for all of the 2SLGBTQIA+ students and allies and has provided the resources to make this happen," said Costello.

 

Looking for Student Input – All are Welcome!

 

Costello hopes to use her position as the 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisor to create a safe space for students and support the community and allies. Costello is seeking student input to help plan events and activities and to help with campus inclusion improvement.

 

"I would like to welcome everyone to our drop-in centre and to share your vision of how I can help students," said Costello. "I hope to see you soon!"

 

Visit Gail at the drop-in centre on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm in Sir James Dunn Hall, Room 211. All are welcome!