GORD LOVEGROVE
1. How have you advocated for the LGBT2Q+ community and supported inclusion for the
LGBT2Q+ 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.
Thank you for sending me this information request, I applaud your passion and share your values
in pursuit of inclusion and advocacy for all Kelowna citizens regardless of gender, sexual
orientation, race, religion, age, and socio-economic standing. Moreover, I have family members,
work colleagues, and close friends that self-identify within LGBT2Q+, and I know that
understanding holds the key to overcoming stigma, hate, and exclusion. Forgive me if my
response is brief; more details can be found at my lovegrovekelowna.ca site and
lovegrovekelowna facebook pages.
Ms Pearl Buck (1892-1973), best known for her novel, The Good Earth (winner of the Pulitzer
Prize in 1932), and recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature is oft quoted as saying:“ Our society
must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for
the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members.” My vision for
Kelowna is that we be a community known for our compassionate inclusiveness.
I have supported the ideals of inclusion for many years. Prior to arriving in the Okanagan, I
worked closely with many advocates in Vancouver’s Gay Community including Dr. Gord Price
(former Vancouver City Councillor) and Nelson McLaughlin (former Chair of the Vancouver
Bicycle Advisory Committee). We collaborated on founding the hub of Vancouver’s cycling
network, including the Seaside Shared Pedestrian/Bike route for Expo86, and have remained
close ever since. I have not asked Gord, but I’m sure he would vouch for my character and
longstanding support of inclusivity. Closer to home, many of our students at UBC Okanagan are
part of Kelowna’s LGBT2Q+ community, and, I have worked diligently for the past decade to
ensure the campus community is focused on inclusivity.
2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of
Education.
I support all policies that fall within a municipal authority and are inclusive. While SOGI123
isn’t within my municipal prevue, it is about teaching sexual orientation and gender identity in
the schools, inclusivity for everyone, and educating people. Along those lines, the rainbow
crosswalk downtown was an initiative led by the city to demonstrate its spirit of inclusivity. I am
always in favour of initiatives that promote and celebrate an accepting and welcoming
community.
3. The LGBT2Q+ 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?
This is a very sad truth indeed. And I commit everyday to promote a safer, more inclusive
Kelowna in everything I say, do, and write. Harassment, bullying and violence have no place in
our community. From a community stand point, it starts by leaders taking steps to encourage an
inclusive community and having citizens embrace those ideals. We lost our daughter to violent
crime, so as a parent, I know far to well the trauma and grief associated with violence. We need
a community of compassion, and I commit to working with all members of Council and our
community to promote a safer, more inclusive community.
4. Mental health and addictions issues have impacted our community like many others. The
LGBT2Q+ 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?
Based on my personal experience and research, and that of my family and friends, I plan on
pushing City Council to take actions that provide hope and community for any members of our
Kelowna community that face mental health and addiction issues, including that of the
LGBT2Q+. I am a community connector. My passion is to bring peace and solve problems. I
will need lots of help, as this area is not one I have formal training in (yet), but community is
critical. I will push to establish more safe zones in homes and businesses across Kelowna, much
like we do on our UBCO campus, so everyone feels safe enough to venture forth onto our streets
and into our businesses. I will push for more forums for sharing, reconciliation, and caring
among stigmatized groups – including invitations to faith communities (that have been
traditionally vilified when it comes to LGBT2Q+ community). As understanding and safety
increase, it will lead to increased hope for the future, which in my experience reduces mental
stress and anguish, and the need to self-medicate. Perhaps a simplistic response, but really
boiling it down to promoting made-in-Kelowna solutions drawing on trusted voices from lived
experience, academia, and others – to increase hope and community to our disenfranchised
community members.
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 have seen this in all communities across BC and the world where I have lived, it is a common
trend, and not isolated to just the LGBTQ+. I think the out-migration links to larger issues:
low wages (sunshine tax) for youth and fresh college grads,
lack of affordable rental housing in a hot housing market, with a growing UBC
sprawling development patterns and sparse transit that dictate driving everywhere
seniors dominated voter turnouts that create councils not sensitive enough to youth needs
If you check out my lovegrovekelowna.ca web page, you’ll see my progressive platform is well
suited to address these issues, especially in the areas of more affordable housing, more
sustainable / smarter development patterns, and, increasing transport choices – both transit and
bicycling. My children are now young adults and all but one have left for these reasons; it is a
struggle. But if you can mobilize the youth vote and elect a progressive council you could
greatly help!
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?
My good friend and colleague at UBCO, Dr Carlos Texiera, was just talking to me about this
topic at the Saturday Farmer’s Market. He is a passionate advocate and has expertise in the area
of immigrants and refugees. I would draw on experts like him, and like you yourselves, to ideate
ways to contribute. As I said at the start, I have had nothing but rewarding relationships in all
my years with my LGBT2Q+ neighbors and friends and family members. I have learned much.
I commit to continued learning, and to promote inclusion and acceptance, not judging and
stigma, in all my council dealings, not to mention continuing what I already do in my personal
and professional life.
GORD LOVEGROVE
1. How have you advocated for the LGBT2Q+ community and supported inclusion for the
LGBT2Q+ 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.
Thank you for sending me this information request, I applaud your passion and share your values
in pursuit of inclusion and advocacy for all Kelowna citizens regardless of gender, sexual
orientation, race, religion, age, and socio-economic standing. Moreover, I have family members,
work colleagues, and close friends that self-identify within LGBT2Q+, and I know that
understanding holds the key to overcoming stigma, hate, and exclusion. Forgive me if my
response is brief; more details can be found at my lovegrovekelowna.ca site and
lovegrovekelowna facebook pages.
Ms Pearl Buck (1892-1973), best known for her novel, The Good Earth (winner of the Pulitzer
Prize in 1932), and recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature is oft quoted as saying:“ Our society
must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for
the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members.” My vision for
Kelowna is that we be a community known for our compassionate inclusiveness.
I have supported the ideals of inclusion for many years. Prior to arriving in the Okanagan, I
worked closely with many advocates in Vancouver’s Gay Community including Dr. Gord Price
(former Vancouver City Councillor) and Nelson McLaughlin (former Chair of the Vancouver
Bicycle Advisory Committee). We collaborated on founding the hub of Vancouver’s cycling
network, including the Seaside Shared Pedestrian/Bike route for Expo86, and have remained
close ever since. I have not asked Gord, but I’m sure he would vouch for my character and
longstanding support of inclusivity. Closer to home, many of our students at UBC Okanagan are
part of Kelowna’s LGBT2Q+ community, and, I have worked diligently for the past decade to
ensure the campus community is focused on inclusivity.
2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of
Education.
I support all policies that fall within a municipal authority and are inclusive. While SOGI123
isn’t within my municipal prevue, it is about teaching sexual orientation and gender identity in
the schools, inclusivity for everyone, and educating people. Along those lines, the rainbow
crosswalk downtown was an initiative led by the city to demonstrate its spirit of inclusivity. I am
always in favour of initiatives that promote and celebrate an accepting and welcoming
community.
3. The LGBT2Q+ 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?
This is a very sad truth indeed. And I commit everyday to promote a safer, more inclusive
Kelowna in everything I say, do, and write. Harassment, bullying and violence have no place in
our community. From a community stand point, it starts by leaders taking steps to encourage an
inclusive community and having citizens embrace those ideals. We lost our daughter to violent
crime, so as a parent, I know far to well the trauma and grief associated with violence. We need
a community of compassion, and I commit to working with all members of Council and our
community to promote a safer, more inclusive community.
4. Mental health and addictions issues have impacted our community like many others. The
LGBT2Q+ 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?
Based on my personal experience and research, and that of my family and friends, I plan on
pushing City Council to take actions that provide hope and community for any members of our
Kelowna community that face mental health and addiction issues, including that of the
LGBT2Q+. I am a community connector. My passion is to bring peace and solve problems. I
will need lots of help, as this area is not one I have formal training in (yet), but community is
critical. I will push to establish more safe zones in homes and businesses across Kelowna, much
like we do on our UBCO campus, so everyone feels safe enough to venture forth onto our streets
and into our businesses. I will push for more forums for sharing, reconciliation, and caring
among stigmatized groups – including invitations to faith communities (that have been
traditionally vilified when it comes to LGBT2Q+ community). As understanding and safety
increase, it will lead to increased hope for the future, which in my experience reduces mental
stress and anguish, and the need to self-medicate. Perhaps a simplistic response, but really
boiling it down to promoting made-in-Kelowna solutions drawing on trusted voices from lived
experience, academia, and others – to increase hope and community to our disenfranchised
community members.
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 have seen this in all communities across BC and the world where I have lived, it is a common
trend, and not isolated to just the LGBTQ+. I think the out-migration links to larger issues:
low wages (sunshine tax) for youth and fresh college grads,
lack of affordable rental housing in a hot housing market, with a growing UBC
sprawling development patterns and sparse transit that dictate driving everywhere
seniors dominated voter turnouts that create councils not sensitive enough to youth needs
If you check out my lovegrovekelowna.ca web page, you’ll see my progressive platform is well
suited to address these issues, especially in the areas of more affordable housing, more
sustainable / smarter development patterns, and, increasing transport choices – both transit and
bicycling. My children are now young adults and all but one have left for these reasons; it is a
struggle. But if you can mobilize the youth vote and elect a progressive council you could
greatly help!
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?
My good friend and colleague at UBCO, Dr Carlos Texiera, was just talking to me about this
topic at the Saturday Farmer’s Market. He is a passionate advocate and has expertise in the area
of immigrants and refugees. I would draw on experts like him, and like you yourselves, to ideate
ways to contribute. As I said at the start, I have had nothing but rewarding relationships in all
my years with my LGBT2Q+ neighbors and friends and family members. I have learned much.
I commit to continued learning, and to promote inclusion and acceptance, not judging and
stigma, in all my council dealings, not to mention continuing what I already do in my personal
and professional life.
GORD LOVEGROVE
1. How have you advocated for the LGBT2Q+ community and supported inclusion for the
LGBT2Q+ 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.
Thank you for sending me this information request, I applaud your passion and share your values
in pursuit of inclusion and advocacy for all Kelowna citizens regardless of gender, sexual
orientation, race, religion, age, and socio-economic standing. Moreover, I have family members,
work colleagues, and close friends that self-identify within LGBT2Q+, and I know that
understanding holds the key to overcoming stigma, hate, and exclusion. Forgive me if my
response is brief; more details can be found at my lovegrovekelowna.ca site and
lovegrovekelowna facebook pages.
Ms Pearl Buck (1892-1973), best known for her novel, The Good Earth (winner of the Pulitzer
Prize in 1932), and recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature is oft quoted as saying:“ Our society
must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for
the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members.” My vision for
Kelowna is that we be a community known for our compassionate inclusiveness.
I have supported the ideals of inclusion for many years. Prior to arriving in the Okanagan, I
worked closely with many advocates in Vancouver’s Gay Community including Dr. Gord Price
(former Vancouver City Councillor) and Nelson McLaughlin (former Chair of the Vancouver
Bicycle Advisory Committee). We collaborated on founding the hub of Vancouver’s cycling
network, including the Seaside Shared Pedestrian/Bike route for Expo86, and have remained
close ever since. I have not asked Gord, but I’m sure he would vouch for my character and
longstanding support of inclusivity. Closer to home, many of our students at UBC Okanagan are
part of Kelowna’s LGBT2Q+ community, and, I have worked diligently for the past decade to
ensure the campus community is focused on inclusivity.
2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of
Education.
I support all policies that fall within a municipal authority and are inclusive. While SOGI123
isn’t within my municipal prevue, it is about teaching sexual orientation and gender identity in
the schools, inclusivity for everyone, and educating people. Along those lines, the rainbow
crosswalk downtown was an initiative led by the city to demonstrate its spirit of inclusivity. I am
always in favour of initiatives that promote and celebrate an accepting and welcoming
community.
3. The LGBT2Q+ 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?
This is a very sad truth indeed. And I commit everyday to promote a safer, more inclusive
Kelowna in everything I say, do, and write. Harassment, bullying and violence have no place in
our community. From a community stand point, it starts by leaders taking steps to encourage an
inclusive community and having citizens embrace those ideals. We lost our daughter to violent
crime, so as a parent, I know far to well the trauma and grief associated with violence. We need
a community of compassion, and I commit to working with all members of Council and our
community to promote a safer, more inclusive community.
4. Mental health and addictions issues have impacted our community like many others. The
LGBT2Q+ 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?
Based on my personal experience and research, and that of my family and friends, I plan on
pushing City Council to take actions that provide hope and community for any members of our
Kelowna community that face mental health and addiction issues, including that of the
LGBT2Q+. I am a community connector. My passion is to bring peace and solve problems. I
will need lots of help, as this area is not one I have formal training in (yet), but community is
critical. I will push to establish more safe zones in homes and businesses across Kelowna, much
like we do on our UBCO campus, so everyone feels safe enough to venture forth onto our streets
and into our businesses. I will push for more forums for sharing, reconciliation, and caring
among stigmatized groups – including invitations to faith communities (that have been
traditionally vilified when it comes to LGBT2Q+ community). As understanding and safety
increase, it will lead to increased hope for the future, which in my experience reduces mental
stress and anguish, and the need to self-medicate. Perhaps a simplistic response, but really
boiling it down to promoting made-in-Kelowna solutions drawing on trusted voices from lived
experience, academia, and others – to increase hope and community to our disenfranchised
community members.
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 have seen this in all communities across BC and the world where I have lived, it is a common
trend, and not isolated to just the LGBTQ+. I think the out-migration links to larger issues:
low wages (sunshine tax) for youth and fresh college grads,
lack of affordable rental housing in a hot housing market, with a growing UBC
sprawling development patterns and sparse transit that dictate driving everywhere
seniors dominated voter turnouts that create councils not sensitive enough to youth needs
If you check out my lovegrovekelowna.ca web page, you’ll see my progressive platform is well
suited to address these issues, especially in the areas of more affordable housing, more
sustainable / smarter development patterns, and, increasing transport choices – both transit and
bicycling. My children are now young adults and all but one have left for these reasons; it is a
struggle. But if you can mobilize the youth vote and elect a progressive council you could
greatly help!
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?
My good friend and colleague at UBCO, Dr Carlos Texiera, was just talking to me about this
topic at the Saturday Farmer’s Market. He is a passionate advocate and has expertise in the area
of immigrants and refugees. I would draw on experts like him, and like you yourselves, to ideate
ways to contribute. As I said at the start, I have had nothing but rewarding relationships in all
my years with my LGBT2Q+ neighbors and friends and family members. I have learned much.
I commit to continued learning, and to promote inclusion and acceptance, not judging and
stigma, in all my council dealings, not to mention continuing what I already do in my personal
and professional life.