LOYAL WOOLDRIDGE

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.
For the past 12 years I have used my business, Loyal Hair as a vehicle to promote and
empower acceptance, diversity and inclusiveness in Kelowna. From the award winning
‘I AM ME’ Empowerment Campaign, to services donated in kind and thousands of
dollars for Non-profit organizations of marginalized minorities – I walk the talk. As we
continue to grow as a city we must not lose sight of the fact that diversity cultivates
sustainability. We can approach our challenges with an open mind and implement
innovation never seen before in Kelowna. It starts with acceptance and inclusion.
2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of
Education.
I may be the only candidate with the personal experience to answer this question as my
response is fact and not opinion. Through my grade school years, I was continually
educated about ‘traditional’ lifestyles, relationships, gender roles and sexual orientation. I
identified as a gay male from a young age and the education I was provided left me
feeling forgotten and disregarded. Bullying for being different was a regular occurrence
with little support or resources to empower me to overcome the harsh taunts of my peers.
Simple math equations often referenced ‘traditional’ marriages and simply changing for
Physical Education subjected me to private harassment from those who were afraid of my
sexual orientation. Luckily, I have high resiliency and used these experiences as the fuel
to ensure I speak up for those who feel silenced.
SOGI 123 offers support to marginalized minorities by showing everyone that however
you identify is acceptable. The curriculum moves us forward as a society and ensures
that everyone is included in the educational process. In speaking with youth, this
curriculum is normal to them. If these kids grow up in a family who disowns them for
their identity SOGI 123 teaches them resiliency and provides the tools to embrace their
sexual orientation or gender identity regardless of who others think they should be. We
need to ensure no child is left behind and it’s my mission to use my voice to ensure that is
accomplished.
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
Discrimination for any marginalized minority based on sexual orientation, gender
identity, race, religion or otherwise is unacceptable. The more inclusive and
collaborative conversations we encourage, the more barriers will be broken down. From

fun festivals to educational workshops every point of contact provided in our community
creates diversity and inclusion. Kelowna has changed dramatically in the past 15 years
(for the better) and we need to continue the conversation to ensure no one is left behind.
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?
Addictions always equal pain. Mental health is deeply rooted to a sense of belonging.
The more we promote and encourage diversity and inclusion the more folks will feel they
belong. We have to start to find new housing models to support socialization and
connection. Our youth, especially, need to be embraced with the appropriate social
support from a young age to nip potential homelessness in the bud. With the
implementation of Journey Home and A Way Home (for youth) we as a city have a clear,
well researched plan on how to best include everyone in our community. This does not
only address accommodation but also the specific supportive needs required to assist
those struggling with mental health and addiction issues to live the lives of their dreams.
We have to come together and embrace this community challenge, together.
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?
Diversity and inclusion are the key factors to anyone leaving our city. When folks feel
connected and supported by their community they will stay. If their needs are not being
met or they feel unwelcome, they will leave. This is not specific to the LGBT2Q+
community but any minority – if cultural needs are left unsatisfied we will continue to
lose residents to larger cities. We need diversity in arts, sports, festivals and active
lifestyle options that demonstrate we have grown up as a community into a blossoming
city of opportunity.
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?
Our community has more than enough opportunity for everyone. We must advocate and
support local not for profit organizations who assist with coordinating refugees in finding
a home in Kelowna. We’ve seen great success with working professionals who have
found solace in Canada and bring skills to our workforce from abroad. Housing will be a
key focus to ensure we have attainable options for new community members to be placed
in along with a broad variety of cultural activities. The more cultural events we can
promote – the better! Everyone can learn something from another who has had a
different life experience. We have to keep our city open to these opportunities.