GAIL GIVEN

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.
Response: I am honored to have been on the Council that supported the installation of the Rainbow
Crosswalk in Kelowna, signalling both the City’s positive view on inclusion and creating a welcoming
statement for those in the LGBTQ+ community. As well I have participated in several Pride parades
including the 2018 parade.
2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of Education.
Response: This matter has been more focused at School Trustees level. It is my hope that these
resources assist teachers and administration to better understand and meet the needs of the LGBTQ+
community.
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?
Response: I will continue to support initiatives that enhance our community as one that is accepting,
caring, and inclusive such as Pride parade, Rainbow cross walk, Sugar plum ball. I am proud to have
served with Colin Basran who has been a courageous leader on this front.
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 issues, and improve the mental health and wellness of our community?
Response: I will continue to lobby other levels of government and interior health to ensure adequate
funding exists to support those being impacted by mental health and addictions. We are in desperate
need of additional support beds within our community as identified in the Journey Home strategy. I will
continue to press for incremental service in this area and will encourage the full imp mentation of
Journey Home.
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?
Response: I think the youth and young adults leave in search of a larger, more accepting community: a
place where there is a greater population of like-minded individuals. At the end of the day, it is about
feeling safe.
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?
Response: I believe that treating everyone with kindness and compassion, as valued human beings, is
foundational to my character and to an inclusive community. Actively listening to their needs is also
extremely important.