What's your go-to karaoke song and what's the story behind it?

Me, do karaoke? No way, my social anxiety won’t allow it.

Share a space where you feel most authentically yourself:

In queer spaces, and in black spaces and at home on my couch with no overhead lights on.

Your comfort food is ___ and it tastes like home because ___?

My comfort food is rice and peas, and it tastes like home because there was always a Tupperware of it in my parents', grandparents', and aunties' fridges growing up. The familiarity of it, always ready to be enjoyed, brings back memories and feelings of my culture. So, when I said, "I am hungry," I always heard, "There’s rice and peas in the fridge."

Name your top hype person and their best way of showing up for you:

My mother has always been clapping the loudest for me. From a young age, she’s been there showing up, reminding me that I’m capable, and encouraging me to step into my power with confidence.

Which ancestors, chosen or blood family, would be proudest of you right now and why?

My Caribbean ancestors, both blood and spirit, would be so so proud of me today! To my ancestors, I say, "I feel your strength with me, and thank you for making this possible."

Also, my grandfather Luke would be so proud of me. I feel his strength and intelligence often. He always encouraged me to write, stand up for myself, and get my education. I carry his words: "They can't take that from you."

​​I know my partner Tori, my mom, my sister Emily and my chosen family would be so proud of me too. I'm so grateful for my chosen family, who taught me that love isn't defined by blood. I wouldn’t be able to do this without them.. Their love and support have been a constant driving force.

Finally, my sister Emily is very proud of me. A part of me is building this for them. I wish they had this space when they were young.

What generational gift or pattern are you either keeping or releasing?

If you were to ask my therapist, she’d probably say I’m actively breaking a lot of generational patterns, ones deeply rooted in systems of harm and control that have specifically targeted Black and Brown communities. You know, things like systemic oppression, patriarchy, colonialism.. all the harmful forces that have shaped how we’ve had to survive. And she’d be right. These patterns didn’t come from nowhere; they were created and sustained by structures designed to harm us. And releasing them? That’s powerful but very hard work.

One generational gift I’m keeping from my communities is the value of community, togetherness, mutual aid, and collective action, lessons and strength passed down through the generations. These are the things that have always brought us together and allowed us to uplift one another.

As for what I’m releasing, I’m working on letting go of old patterns that no longer serve me, the idea that I have to do things alone, imposter syndrome, and people that don’t deserve a seat at the amazing and beautiful tables I’m honoured to sit at.

Who were you before the world told you who to be, and how are you reclaiming that?

Before the world told me who to be, I was someone full of curiosity, passion, and drive. The world told me I was too much, too smart, too bossy, too loud, too blunt, too political, too sensitive, too weird, trying to do too much. It tried to fit me into a box that didn’t suit me, one that women of colour are often forced into.

But for me, that box was never where I wanted to be.

I’m reclaiming my power, my autonomy, and my love for myself, my voice, my Neurodiversity, and my pull to be in community. I’m also reclaiming and reshaping how the things I’m good at, like my knowledge, confidence, and strong opinions have been used against me. "Meaghan, you're just a know-it-all." But this is something to be proud of. I will not allow this to be used against me, this is my strength, my voice, and it’s time to own it!

What's something you wish your younger self knew about belonging?

My younger self often felt alone, trying to make sense of big emotions that overwhelmed her, systems that harmed her, and people who didn’t always know how to love her well. She felt lost, always searching for a way through. But even then, she knew something about belonging, because we always find out people. And younger me did.

What I wish she knew, though, is that family doesn’t have to be defined by blood. Family can be chosen. There is a space for her, a space where love is abundant, where support shows up not just when she is doing well, but also when she is struggling and evolving. A whole world of people exists who will stand beside her as she heals, grows, and becomes. And they’re part of her story now, too.

Future you is thriving because…

Future me is thriving because I have my people. I’m surrounded by love, support, and strength, those who lift me up, challenge me, and make me feel seen. With them by my side, I’ve learned to trust myself and know that no matter what comes my way, I am never alone. The journey is no longer just mine to carry; it's shared with those who truly understand and believe in me.