LEE-ANN TIEDE

In my current workplace, I have been a strong advocate for safety, fairness and inclusion.  Respecting the privacy of all staff, I have addressed gender identity issues when it comes to our corporate heightened security clearance and identification process, by managing a team that ensures that clearances are acquired for each employee while using their preferred name and identity.  Also, I personally managed the implementation of a neutral washroom that is accessible for all employees.  Not just that, but these are my friends.  Going for coffee is also important, and building relationship.  It's not a mechanical action, but rather a heart driven way of being.

SOGI123 was originally presented as Anti-bullying, Safe environments, and Inclusive for ALL students.  I am FULLY in favour of the concepts presented, and my LGBTQ+ friends and co-workers all know I stand very firmly on safety, fairness and inclusion.  I appreciate that elected representatives must honour and protect the charter rights of belief, conscience and religion, however, I am NOT in favour of the SOGI123 initiative in its current iteration.  I stand for the protection of parental rights, defend a family's right to choose what they believe, and strongly believe that parents should have the right to raise their children the way they want to. 

My contribution to make this community safer and more inclusive is not just mine alone.  My husband and I have made a conscious decision to live a life that is respectful of what others believe and the choices they make.  We have many LGBTQ+ friends and family and we love them unconditionally and respect their freedoms and rights.  We do not impose our religious beliefs on them, and we have multiplied our influence by raising 3 children that show a great deal of love and respect to all members of our community.  Their insight and honesty have been a driving force in our family's ability to welcome and love so many in our community and especially into our home.  

Being that it is an election campaign season, my first thought on this question was what we are currently working on from the School  Board table, in our partnerships with community groups, the Foundry, and other organized ventures we have around the district.  However, personally - I strive to be a friend.  I will not go into detail, but I have very close friends & family struggling with mental illness that I give daily support, prayer, and encouragement to.  By living authentically and building relationship, our family strives to love and support those struggling with mental health issues in any way we possibly can.

I have seen this mass exodus issue with all of our youth, not just the LGBTQ+ youth.  My husband was one of those that left Kelowna shortly after graduation, and thankfully that was when he found me.  Eight years later, we decided to move back and raise our children here.  It is a natural response when young birds leave the nest and I believe the harder we try to make them stay, the more they will want to push away.  It's kinda like trying to hug a cat.

For this question, I am going to go back to my workplace, which is richly diverse.  Personally, I have met with individuals to ensure paperwork is completed so their livelihood is not hindered in any way.  Plus, simply getting to know them and build relationship...one step and a time, we're all in this together.