PETERS: Kamloops stepped up with an important show of support for trans kids

It is not its own curriculum, and the only thing that it indoctrinates children into is keeping their fellow students safe.

If you knew nothing about that protest Wednesday, though, you would have sworn it was a pride event.

That’s because far more people turned out to counter the protest and to show students in the LGBTQ2S+ community that they are supported and loved.

Much of the focus of the protesting faction is on trans or questioning kids.

The faction is made up of people who are unfamiliar with — or refuse to recognize — the concept of gender dysphoria.

Here’s the thing about trans kids — they exist.

They exist regardless of what anyone thinks or says. They exist regardless of curricula and laws and ideology and protests.

Trans kids exist in Kamloops and around the world.

Trans kids have always existed. They just haven’t been given the cultural space to be visible. That is, the language, the acceptance, the support.

For generations, trans kids were dismissed or shunned or ridiculed or abused for being different. They were erased.

The primary message SOGI 123 has for trans kids is that they won’t be erased anymore.

And that’s also the primary message counter-protestors sent by drowning out the ignorant on Wednesday.

It’s a heartening message and it’s one we shouldn’t take for granted Kamloops will always send.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters