Hundreds gathered to rally against queer hate and to celebrate transgender people in downtown Kelowna on Oct. 15.
On the crisp and sunny fall morning, multiple organizations and hundreds of queer allies came together with colourful signs and fabulous outfits to support each other at the anti-hate rally and march.
The event was organized in response to the that was held in Kelowna on Sept. 20, with a focus on abolishing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) educational resources in schools.
READ MORE: Queer advocates speak out against anti-gender education march in Kelowna
Leaders in Kelownasa国际传媒檚 queer community from Advocacy Canada and the Kelowna Pride Society said that they made the decision not to hold an official counter-protest on the day of the 1 Million March, for fear of violence.
Some people who did attend the Sept. 20, event as counter-protesters and allies to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, said that the rally was filled with anti-queer and hate-filled messages.
Counter-protesters were witnessed being yelled at and called sa国际传媒済roomerssa国际传媒� and sa国际传媒渃hild abusers.sa国际传媒�
Signs reading sa国际传媒淚f you truly understood the LGBTQ agenda you would march with us to protect Godsa国际传媒檚 children,sa国际传媒� were carried during the 1 Million March for Children through Kelownasa国际传媒檚 streets.
READ MORE: Police investigate apparent Nazi salute at Kelowna anti-SOGI march
Wilbur Turner, the founder of Advocacy Canada said that throughout his life as a queer grandparent, he has noticed an uptick in organized hate against queer, and specifically transgender people, over the last five years. Despite the increased hate, Turner has not backed down and continues to spread messages of love and acceptance.
He said that he wants all people to know that they belong and are loved, just the way that they are.
Claire House, from the Kelowna Pride Society said that all people in Kelowna deserve to feel loved and welcomed. House said that it was important to hold an anti-hate rally to show all people that sa国际传媒渨e belong here, just the way we are.sa国际传媒�
People at the anti-hate event shared messages of support, love, and togetherness.
For more information on resources and supports available in Kelowna visit , , , and .
READ MORE: Kelowna Community Resources: Advocating for everyone to belong
