Manitoba's first openly gay PC candidate hopes to inspire youth

As the first Progressive Conservative candidate in Manitoba to be openly gay, Megan Hoskinsdoesn't see herself as a role model blazing a trail, but she knows her nomination will matter to people.

"I don't really consider my romantic preferences to be part of my political ideology,but if I can maybe inspire some younger LGBTQ members to take part in politics, I think, that's a really positive thing,"said Hoskins, 24.

Twenty years after Manitobans elected their first openly gay MLA in Jim Rondeau, this election campaignis the first time in provincialhistory where thethree major provincial parties are fielding openlyLGBTQ candidates.

It's not a new featfor the New Democrats, who'vehad two of their LGBTQ candidates elected, nor the Liberals, who have pickednumerousLGBTQ candidates, including the province's first transgender nominee in 2016, but it is a first for theProgressive Conservatives.

"I was shocked, but it was a pleasant shock," said Rondeau, a former NDP MLA from 1999 until 2016, afterhearing the news.

"There was a big issue when I got elected. When Mr. [Glen] Murray gotelected [as Winnipeg's first openly gay mayor], it was a big issue. Now, it's not a big issue."

Hoskins, who works as an environmental lab professional in Winnipeg, said shehopes her candidacy in St. Boniface for the Sept. 10 electionas a Tory, who just happens to be a lesbian, will demonstrate that the Progressive Conservatives are welcoming to all, asshe's experienced.

"I think it gives LGBTQ community members the opportunity to really pick their political party from their own perspective, and not just from social politics," said Hoskins, who will marrynext year.

The Progressive Conservatives have made inroads with the LGBTQ community while in government. They've marchedin Winnipeg's Pride parade, promoted the event on caucus social media channels, and several MLAshave participatedin the annual Pride Run. Leader Brian Pallister is only the second Manitoba premier to haveattended the Pride march.

Craig Larkinssays his sexuality as a gay man hasn't come up whenmeeting Fort Garry voters as their Liberal candidate, and he doesn't expect it to either.

Sexuality doesn't define campaign

"I'm not running my campaign on the fact that I'm gay, but that doesn't make me less proud of who I am either," said Larkins, who is on leave as the Manitoba Liberals' communications director.

He said it's important to haveLGBTQrepresentation on the campaign trail, regardless of party colours.

After being bullied for his sexuality as a youth, Larkins said he learned to harness those negative experiences and rise above it. He remembered that lesson when he spoke at community events as a TV weatherman.

"I knew somewhere in that crowd of kids, there was one or two that were just sitting there, going through exactly the same thing that I went through," he said.

"Why I'm here today is I'm continuing that. It's a way bigger stage, and it gives me the opportunity to show anyone sitting at home, not just whether you're questioning your sexualityor whatever is going on in your life, that just keep going and don't let the bad stuff get in your way."

Lisa Naylor, the NDP's candidate in Wolseley, has been a longtime advocate for LGBTQ rights. She fought for and won the right for her same-sex partner to be recognized by law as a legal parentof herchild in the early 2000s.

She said it's great that all three major parties are fielding anLGBTQ candidate, but it's long overdue.

"It's2019, so it's about time," said Naylor,a Winnipeg School Division trusteewho works in community health.

Naylor said she worries whether LGBTQpeople are fully accepted within the Progressive Conservative party, citing long-standing criticisms like the party voting againstanti-bullying legislation, which included permission to open gay-straight alliances, while in opposition in 2013.

"I really sincerely hope the person feels included and feels like they can find a space in their party," she said of Hoskins.

The PCs declined to respond to Naylor's concerns.

Rondeau says the province has come a long way in acceptance since his election 20 years ago.

"I think parties have changed. I think attitudes have changed," he said. "I'm one of those people who forgives."

The NDP has six LGBTQ candidates vying for election next month, and the Liberals have five LGBTQ candidates so far.

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