THE SURVEY

I am writing to you on behalf of a coalition of organizations whose members have an interest in inclusion and advocacy for LGBT2Q+ youth and adults. (For your reference, LGBT2Q+ includes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-spirit, Queer & Questioning - as well as Intersex, Non-binary, Pansexual, Asexual and Allies.)

We represent:

The Bridge Youth and Family Services

Etcetera Youth Group Advisory Committee

Kelowna Pride

Living Positive Resource Center

Men's Health Initiative

Nine Rising

TransParent Okanagan

I would like to first thank you for stepping up to run for public office. I know it is a personal sacrifice for you and your family to campaign and serve; I appreciate your willingness and I share your passion for our community.

We have created this candidate survey to gauge your commitment and support for our community, to help inform our members as they choose who to vote for on October 20th. The survey is going to all candidates who are running in the Kelowna municipal election. Please return your completed survey to transparentokanagan@gmail.com by Wednesday, October 3rd. Late surveys cannot be considered.

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.

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

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?

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?

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?

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?

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of these questions.