DUSTIN SARGENT
About Subtitle
1. How have you advocated for the LGBTQ+ community and supported inclusion for
the LGBTQ+ community in the past (i.e. have you spoken out publicly for policies at
your place of business, testified before government bodies, adopted written policies
for your employees, marched for equal rights, etc.)? Please feel free to include
events you have participated in and relevant organizations who have endorsed you.
Outside of attending local pride parades I’ve never spoken out publicly on behalf of
LGBTQ but certainly never discriminated against anyone of any sexual orientation, race
or gender. Myself and the organizations I belong to believe in equality and inclusion on
all levels. Further to this I believe in building a diverse and eclectic community for all to
enjoy.
2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of
Education.
Having three children ages 13,10 and 4, I support early education that could help
navigate and understand growing up health, safe and accepting of a diverse social
environment. I support the resources and continued communication for programming
with the ministry.
3. The LGBTQ community in Kelowna continues to face harassment, bullying and
violence because of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. How will you work to
promote a safer, more inclusive Kelowna?
Speaking out from a leadership position against this type of harassment and supporting
diverse social levels in our community is cracking a door that I hope with one day be
open without judgement. I wouldn’t shy away from your questions. We’re becoming a
city which is an exciting time, its why I chose to move here I could feel the opportunity
for change when I moved here nearly 18 years ago. I would endorse and promote for
education. I would endorse and promote for inclusion and expectance for any equal
rights. Everyone deserves a voice and I would hope to be an avenue into our municipal
policies as such.
4. Mental health and addictions issues have impacted our community like many others.
The LGBTQ+ community is disproportionately affected due to many social and
economic factors. What will you do to improve and address these issue, and improve
the mental health and wellness of our community?
I was part of the early stages and creation and construction of the Karis Support Society
building that seeks to impact the community and the Province of British Columbia by
providing safe housing, support, life skills, and training for people caught in life
altering addiction and mental health challenges. I worked directly with the city of
Kelowna on realizing the land purchase and zoning alterations need to include Karis on
the Central Green site. This also took consultation and advocating with or community to
accept this type of social housing in our neighbourhoods.
I’m an advocate for Journey home and housing first initiatives.
5. LGBTQ+ youth and young adults routinely leave Kelowna for larger cities once they
have reached the age of majority. What factors do you think lead to this mass exodus,
and what would you do to address these issues?
I believe this mass exodus is due to lack of cultural diversity a ratio related pupation of a
small town becoming a city. I believe the with the growth of shifting demographic is
bring forward change. Its slow, I know, but I’ve seen such amazing growth and change
in 18 years because of organizations such as yours that are on the front lines of this,
and fight to promote a better future for our children so that one day they won’t feel like
they might have to leave.
6. Ally is a verb. How would you specifically support our QTBIMPoC (Queer, Trans,
Black, Mixed Race, Indigenous, People of Color), immigrants and refugees, and ensure
they see themselves represented in our community?
Specifically - My wife and I have a mixed raced adoptive family. Cultural ties with
community support to any and all is who we are.