Enhancing Support in St. Thomas and Elgin County by Julie Gonyou and Sandra Datars Bere Equity and inclusion create more sustainable communities where people from all walks of life have the right to, and can participate fully in, social, economic, political, and cultural life. Municipalities are leaders in this work, engaging in many promising practices that are making a difference. To fully realize a world of equality and dignity for everyone in the community, we not only need to change laws and policies, we also need to change our hearts and minds. For St. Thomas’ City Manager, Sandra Datars Bere, and Elgin County’s Chief Administrative Officer, Julie Gonyou, community pride, equity and inclusion means embracing diversity and supporting everyone in living openly, freely and happily. As community leaders, they each play a vital role in speaking out to remind the community that everyone should be supported in living their life as they are and with whomever they love. Both are committed to doing their part in supporting a welcoming and inclusive community – where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. As Elgin and St. Thomas continue to grow in population, Julie and Sandra view our community’s growing and diverse population as a source of strength, vitality and economic opportunity. They recognize that their own commitment to inclusion has the potential to impact many. By aligning intention with action they’re aspiring to create a ripple of positive change through our community to foster diversity and promote inclusion. It has often been said that municipalities are the level of government closest to the people. The types of policies and everyday practices that the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County support can have a direct impact on building supportive communities that are diverse, inclusive, open and welcoming. Our municipalities play a key role in supporting and celebrating the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and two-spirit (2SLGBTQI+) community. Sandra and Julie work with elected officials, staff, partners and the community to build a safer, more equitable, and consciously more inclusive community. Whether it be through the development of equitable policies, programs and services or by being allies themselves, this team of administrators believe diversity will make for a stronger community. For Sandra and Julie, raising the Progressive Pride flag, reading Pride week proclamations, and adding rainbow crosswalks throughout locations in St. Thomas and Elgin County in recent
years, are small but impactful statements their municipalities can make about the community’s values and beliefs. The Pride flag adds visibility and awareness and is a strong signal that our community is both friendly and welcoming. When coupled with the development of inclusive workplace policies and training, inclusive programming for the community, and a welcoming spirit, Julie and Sandra are doing important work for our community. Feeling safe and comfortable in the community matters. Feeling like you belong matters, too. Belonging means knowing individual differences are accepted, embraced, valued and celebrated. For our local administrators, helping the community better understand important and complex issues is a critical part of their job. For them, inclusivity means recognizing that cultural change is ongoing, and they must be intentional in our actions and bold in their messages and beliefs. Being an “ally” means more than just promoting signs and symbols – it means supporting the kinds of everyday actions that bring about lasting and meaningful change. It all starts with the perspective that diversity adds to the strength, vibrancy, and vitality of our community, and ensuring this perspective is reflected in the daily work and policies of the municipalities. Their biggest piece of advice for the community is: learn the history and develop an understanding of the different cultures and diversity in our community – this will help increase our awareness, rethink any assumptions, encourage allyship, and foster a sense of connection with each other. According to Julie and Sandra, we’re all in this together. There is still work to be done to enhance support for the Elgin-St. Thomas 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and City and County administrators are steadfast in their desire to build a society where everyone can fully participate and be their true authentic self. Leading by example, Julie and Sandra hope to inspire others to do what they can to support individuals in their community to be who they are and live their best lives. Through enhanced community awareness and engagement aimed at decreasing discrimination, they are part of ongoing and evolving processes, thoughts, and beliefs our community can strive to cultivate as part of our values each and every day. Working together, we will continue to honour and recognize our 2SLGBTQI+ community here in Elgin and St. Thomas, and around the world, and continue the work of addressing homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination and prejudice. Supporting Pride allows us to recognize the value of diversity and inclusion, and showcase to our residents that respect for all beliefs, cultures, and identities is, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of our communities that we all call home. Happy Pride Month!
“Let’s Talk Love”
PRIDE Villager
Page 4 Issue 10 • Spring 2023
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