Why Diversity is important…
Below is an excerpt from an essay I wrote for an application to medical school, but I think it’s also very relevant to a position of public service, in particular for a city councillor:
“I’ve had the privilege of previously holding a research contract in a coordinator position for medical research. In this role, I was able to meet many healthcare professionals, including Doctors and many medical students. It was at this time I became more and more conscious of the fact, that in these groups, even just visually, I stood out.
NBHRF Health Research Conference 2018
In my experiences in these groups, I was the only clear member of the LGBTQ+ community. As a non-binary young adult, I would show up to events and meetings dressed more masculine, all the time worrying about my appearance—which was akin to the professional attire of the men in the room. Whereas my cisgender colleagues wore their dresses and suits with no anxieties beyond whatever task was at hand. When others would discuss their partners, there was always a hesitation before—and if— I chimed in, never knowing if this environment would be accepting of that. Luckily, I’ve come to realize that I shouldn’t be worried about making others uncomfortable or feeling uncomfortable in my own skin in these professional medical settings. Healthcare needs to be adaptive, accepting, and make everyone feel they have a place for success. Whatever discomfort I’ve gone through or still will face, I know at the end of the day, a future medical school hopeful could look at me and get a sense of comfort, and community.”
This is very applicable to life on council. Looking at council historically, I can’t be sure there’s been an open member of the LGBTQ+ community on council. Without council feeling welcoming to people from all types of backgrounds and experiences, how are we supposed to have a city open and welcoming to these types of people? That’s not to say just in gender or sexuality, but also in race, education, and socio-economic background. Making sure many diverse types of people feel welcome and able to prosper in Saint John is vital to maximizing our potential to grow.
I’m here to represent the people of Saint John, and discomfort or not, I’m going to do it being completely and authentically myself. Saint John is ready to be the diverse, welcoming, thriving city that we want it to be, and I’m ready to help us get there.