Putting people at the core of everything we do is paramount at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). We’re proud to be a people-first organization, where employees are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive, both personally and professionally. Through the Our People series on BCIT News, we celebrate the passion, expertise, and impact of individuals who help shape a better future at BCIT and beyond.
Meet Qiu Mesquita, a friendly and dedicated Customer Service Representative with Student Information and Enrolment Services (SEIS) at BCIT. Qiu joined BCIT in August 2024, two years after moving to Canada from Brazil. Since then, he has been guiding students through the ins and outs of their academic experience. Whether by phone, email, or in-person, Qiu is always ready to lend a hand and to make students feel supported, every step of the way.
Outside of work, Qiu describes himself as “a brown-queen-Latina version of Carrie Bradshaw — combining a strong social and racial conscience with clever decisions about relationships”.
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Describe what your job entails
I support students with registration for Flexible Learning, provide program information, and help them navigate their myBCIT account. As well, I provide assistance with transcripts, credentials, payments, and other services by phone, email, or in-person.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride (as a word) is often misunderstood, but for us queer folks, it’s deeply personal.
For me, Pride is the feeling we claim to fight against the shame that society tries to impose on us. It’s resistance. It’s knowing yourself so well that you refuse to decrease the brightness of your light. Pride means standing up against a “CIS-tem” that wasn’t built for us. It’s the awareness that the world isn’t just black and white — it’s an infinite spectrum of colours, identities, and truths. Pride is both a celebration and a statement: we exist, we resist, and we shine — and we do shine a lot.
How do you celebrate Pride?
Before moving to Canada in 2022, I celebrated Pride by attending workshops, engaging with queer media, and raising awareness year round (even though it’s often limited to June by mainstream platforms). My first Pride parade was in 2023 — it was powerful and emotional.
What’s your go-to Pride song?
I don’t have a single “go-to” song, but I support and vibe with many queer artists!
Who inspires you?
I do not have a single person that inspires me as an individual, but I have multiple people that supported me in many ways, and in different moments of my life. My mom, for example, is a powerful source of inspiration, love, and tolerance. My maternal grandma, my biggest hero (today, my biggest angel), showed what genuine love is and for me, loves is converted in inspiration.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey in understanding Pride or allyship?
Give yourself some time. Nothing about you has changed — you’ve just connected with yourself on a deeper way, more loving level. Community is essential: find someone you trust to talk to, and if that feels hard, look for a professional counsellor. And remember, you can be that “someone” for another person — someone who’s just stepped into the light. Be the person you once needed to have.
Lastly, remember
Life is full of beautiful (and crazy) adventures. Where you’re going is important — but who you choose to walk with matters just as much. You don’t need anyone else to feel complete, but if you choose someone to share the journey, make sure they will be there for you. If you ever feel alone, remember: the relationship you have with yourself is the longest one you’ll ever have — so treat it with love and care.
