Being LGBTQ is not a choice
Dear editor: I attended the mayoral candidates forum Wednesday night to get a first hand view of what is happening in the political brouhaha of Kelowna.
Now, I realize there is an age gap between Tom Dyas and myself, but if my own father spoke of sexuality “being a choice,” I would ask him these same questions.
Do you make an active choice to be straight? Is that a daily choice? Weekly? Monthly? What happens when you choose to be gay for a day or two? Sounds unbelievable doesn’t it? Because it is. For Dyas to say in 2018 that the LGBTQ community “is a choice to live a diverse lifestyle” is an old and outdated way of speaking, a mindset that isn’t accepted in Canada’s workplace, let alone leading a city. I get that some may feel left out — each generation does if they choose not to engage with and in the next generation.
I would expect a former two-term president of the Chamber would be knowledgeable on this and educated in the verbiage.
Dyas spoke of having someone close to him being diverse — saying they chose this lifestyle — who would "choose" it?
Because it’s easy? Because its colourful? Because there is a parade?
This Belief System, BS for short, has no place in 2018 let alone leading city hall of Kelowna. It’s a choice to be a Christian. It’s a choice to be silent. It’s a choice to get involved. And it’s your choice on who to vote for. I commend you Mr. Dyas on sticking your neck out and having your name stand as mayor. But, as a former member of the media who has reported on hundreds of municipal council meetings all around our province, it is my belief that a mayor must sit as a councillor for a term prior to leading it. To respect the systems, the processes and to not waste time. Also to be held accountable so we can see how you have voted on past issues.
Smart and educated choices come with experience and those who invest time on council for a term before mayor.
I invite you to vote for Mayor Colin Basran and for councillors, Ryan Donn and Loyal Wooldridge in the Kelowna municipal election. For an inclusive, thriving and culturally full-and-still amazing growing Kelowna!
Bobby Kennedy had great ideas, but a term on council is a must in this former reporter’s eyes.
Angie Clowry Kelowna