My Commitment to Inclusivity and Representation in St. Paul

Recently, I was asked a series of thoughtful questions by Pride St. Paul regarding inclusivity, representation, and community leadership. I want to share both the questions and my answers openly, because these are conversations that matter for the future of our town.

1. Inclusivity and Representation

How do you see the role of municipal and/or county government in ensuring that 2SLGBTQIA+ residents feel safe, included, and represented in our community?

Everyone deserves to feel safe in our community. St. Paul’s motto is “A People Kind of Place,” and if that is to be more than just words, it must be reflected in our actions. Municipal leaders have a responsibility to create that safe, welcoming feeling for all people. Achieving this is not always simple, but it begins with listening to the ideas, concerns, and experiences that residents bring forward.

2. Support for Pride Events and Initiatives

If elected, would you support Pride St. Paul’s efforts to host events and programming in public spaces (such as parks, libraries, and community centers)?

Yes, absolutely. I support the continued use of municipal facilities by Pride St. Paul and many other community organizations. Our facilities are here for everyone, and I’ve been proud to attend Pride events in the past and look forward to doing so again.Public spaces are a right for all, not something council should restrict based on personal opinion. For example, I don’t personally enjoy wrestling events like WWE, but that doesn’t mean I would block them from happening here. I would welcome the event for those who do enjoy it, and simply choose not to attend. The same principle applies to Pride events.

3. Partnerships with Community Organizations

How would you, as a municipal or county leader, work with local groups like Pride St. Paul to foster inclusivity and belonging?

I support any group or volunteers working to foster inclusivity and belonging. That said, support must always reflect the specific request and the municipality’s ability to provide it. Decisions should be guided by cost, capacity, and fairness—not ideology.

4. Policy and Decision-Making

What steps would you take to ensure that town and county policies, programs, and services are inclusive and accessible for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents?

The most important step is being open to recognizing my own blind spots. We all have them, and they can prevent us from seeing when policies or programs fall short. That’s why it is vital for organizations like Pride St. Paul to speak up and share feedback. By listening and being willing to learn, we can make our services more inclusive and accessible.

5. Responding to Discrimination

How would you address situations where hate, discrimination, or exclusion occurs in municipal or county spaces or events?

As a councilor, I support budgeting for training and education to help staff and council address these situations appropriately. On a personal level, I try to learn from the example of Daryl Davis, whose work shows the power of dialogue and understanding in breaking down barriers. His TED Talk is an excellent resource that I recommend to others as well.

6. Personal Commitment

Why do you believe supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion matters for the future of the St. Paul area?

If we want our community to grow and thrive, we must welcome everyone. Growth brings services, opportunities, and stronger community connections. To truly be “A People Kind of Place,” inclusivity must be at the core of who we are.By engaging with one another, cooperating, and sharing public spaces, we create a community where everyone feels safe, represented, and valued.

I welcome questions, observations about my blind spots, and recommendations for how we can continue improving. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive St. Paul.

Nathan Taylor 780-656-6449