Deep River Candidate Questionnaire

Sent via email Oct. 7, 2022
Dear Candidates and Mayor D’Eon,
​Mayors, councillors and school trustees have the power to enact policies and programs that create a safe and inclusive community: A place where everyone feels welcome to live, work, and visit.
 
Sadly, this is often not the case for Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans people:

• Police-reported hate crimes against 2SLGBTQ+ people in Canada rose by 64% in 2021 compared to 2020
• 62% of 2SLGBTQ students feel unsafe at school, compared to 11% of cisgender, heterosexual students
• 30% of 2SLGBTQ students have been victims of cyberbullying, compared to 8% of cisgender, heterosexual students
• 25 to 40% of young people experiencing homelessness are 2SLGBTQ 
• 40% of trans youth have attempted suicide, a rate 8x higher than for cisgender, heterosexual youth.

Working together, we can combat the societal pressures that put 2SLGBTQ people at risk, and create a community where everyone feels they belong.
 
Pflag Renfrew County (an official chapter of Pflag Canada) offers peer support and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ people, along with family members and others who wish to grow in their understanding and allyship. We invite you to share your position on 2SLGBTQ issues by responding to the questions below. We’ll share your answers with our members and on our website at www.pflagrenfrewcounty.ca.
 
CANDIDATE QUESTIONS

1. Initiatives such as Pride flag raisings, events and crosswalks are tangible ways to stand against anti-2SLGBTQ hate speech and demonstrate that this is a safe and welcoming community for all. If elected, will you support a Pride Crosswalk for Deep River?
   
   
2. There has been a marked increase in anti-2SLGBTQ hate speech and false information in Renfrew County that is making communities less safe for 2SLGBTQ youth and adults. If elected, how will you work to combat this dangerous trend?
   
   
3. Will you commit to learn about 2SLGBTQ issues from 2SLGBTQ people, participate in safe space training (Pflag offers this at no charge), and build relationships with your local Pflag and Pride groups? 

Thank you in advance for your reply. We look forward to hearing from you!
 
Sincerely,
Jill Holroyd (she/her)
Chapter Lead
Pflag Renfrew County
 
Brie Birdsell (she/her)
Lead Organizer
The Deep River Queer Connection

 
Data sources: Statistics Canada, Egale Canada, Homeless Hub, Canadian Medical Association Journal