RYAN DONN
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.
At city council we had the opportunity to vote for the rainbow sidewalks in Kelowna. It was an 1 minute verbal report which was voted on unanimously seconds later. It was always surprising how newsworthy that 2 minute council vote was. Seeing the response in some other communities I’m glad it was an easy vote for the current city council. I’ve attended a Pride event every years since joining council either the launch party, RCA feature show or the pride march. My girls have expressed an interest in joining me next year for the Pride March in Kelowna.
2. Please comment on your opinion of the SOGI123 resources from the Ministry of Education.
As a parent and city councillor I don’t have any concerns with the SOGI123 resources. I do feel I need to look at the updated Sd23 curriculum as a whole when I get a moment as i understand that there has been a dramatic shift in how we teach every topic in our schools. Essentially I trust those running the schools and school system to run the school.
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?
Rainbow sidewalks was voted on unanimously as a full council. I was the first donor to support Wilbur when he wanted to buy a Giant Trans flag via gofundme a few years ago. I do feel our youth need more support and talked with Wilbur about it a few times but since he moved away I’ve lost touch with what is happening with the youth group. I had a phone call from a family member recently that was coming out. It was a beautiful moment and it’s not my story to tell l but I know that they left that conversation feeling loved and accepted. In regards to future ideas I would say I am leaning on those reading this to help suggest what our next steps are as a community. Council voted on more accessible washrooms this past summer but I am always open to learning what the next steps are from our community.
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?
We need to advocate for more mental health awareness and support throughout our community.
I’d be open to hearing on ideas or initiatives that a city councillor could support as I’m honestly not sure of any current initiatives other than the youth group. I know that over the next few years I will be helping the Bridges society with some of our fundraising and lobbying initiatives for their new treatment facility.
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 agree with the core question or comment here but I would frame this answer more broadly as I feel it’s a reality for all of our youth and young adults. I tell folks often that kelowna is a 2 or 3 job town. If you manage to stick around it’s because you have worked your ass off to stay here. Larger centres have more employment opportunities but we are evolving that reality. We have actually seen some decent positive movement in this area over our term. I would focus on the growth of our animation sector as one way that is evolving. Some of our most passionate creatives are finding great jobs that allow them to work on world class animations while living in Kelowna.
Our community has seen a dramatic increase in our youthful vibe over the past few years.
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?
Seeing a Syrian refugee lead the pride march was a step in the right direction for this. While I don’t know the answer I’m open to learning how we can support this community to feel safe and loved in Kelowna.