MOHINI SINGH
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.
Answer: Ever since I have been elected to city council I have voiced the need for inclusion. In my first term I was with Mayor Walter Gray on stage during the pride parade as he read out the proclamation. I regularly participate in the pride parade and in fact in the Take Back the Night walk in Kelowna. At every discussion I push for the need for inclusion for all members of our society.
2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of Education.
Answer: The school district has made several changes but more can be done. I think open and honest discussion is very important. The discussions need to be nonjudgmental and schools need to hear from students as to what they need. Each institutions may have their unique needs.
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?
Answer: We have hired more by-law officers who will provide boots on the ground to ensure safety of all our citizens. I would be open to meeting with the community to see what else can be done to be able to make Kelowna a bullying and harassment free city. As well I do and will continually talk about this at forums to show leadership in this matter.
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?
Answer: I am a strong supporter of organizations like the Foundry and the new proposed Bridges youth detox center. No question the LGBTQ+ community is disproportionately affected and their needs have to be met. I have and will continue to speak up for the needs of our young people and as well continue to lobby different levels of government for help to get services.
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?
Answer: In many cases economy, finding work could be the issue the other factor is social acceptance. As a community leader I would urge businesses to make their environment and work culture open and accepting of people LGBTQ+ and QTBIMPoC community. As a POC or person of colour myself I know the challenges we face. I would work with business leaders and LGBTQ+ and QTBIMPoC community
To ensure there are no silos or barriers that would negatively affect the community.
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?
Answer: I have and will continue to advise the community of opportunities they can avail themselves of. Seeing people of different backgrounds succeed makes a community richer. Once again I will always be open to any discussions with the community and take your suggestions forward. Where required I would always fight for your rights.