MO RAJABALLY

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.

Despite my 100% approval of LGBTQ+ community, I have not, for the simple reason, that I had not been invited to speak publicly on the issue. I am friends with lesbians and gays for years.

2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of Education.

SOGI stands for sexual orientation and gender identity. What I like the most is its inclusiveness, regardless of the sexual orientation or gender identity spectrums: heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, cisgender, and more

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?

I am sure this negative behaviour are depressing. I can only intervene if I witness a case. I can only attempt to change the individual by addressing him or her who is willing to discuss the issue.



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?

As an expert in counseling and psychoanalysis, I could explore reasons and factors affecting the individual.

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?
The reason is obvious: closeness and proximity. Distance needed to breath and also meet more people facing the same dissaproval.




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?

Improve their self-concept and self-esteem, hence self-respect. Make them understand they have no control on any other individual, except themselves.