Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

TRUSU PRIDE PARADE

TRUSU celebrates landmark 15th year for Kamloops’ longest-running pride parade

Sep 17, 2025 | 4:45 PM

KAMLOOPS – More than 100 students gathered outside the Campus Activity Centre Wednesday (Sept. 17) morning for the 15th annual Thompson Rivers University Student Union (TRUSU) pride parade. The event provided students with access to resources, a photo booth and music. It took place over the course of two hours, concluding with a parade around campus.

“This is TRU’s 15th pride parade. We do it every year, starting from 2010, when we had our first pride. The goal of this event is to make everyone on campus feel safe. This year, it’s my first pride at TRU, as well. I am very excited not just to attend the pride, but to host at the same time,” said Apoorv Chowdhury, the host of the parade.

The pride parade is a way for students to show support for one another.

“I’m really pleased with the community coming together, being able to see all my friends and being able to celebrate them. We’re just super excited to have everyone out today celebrating pride, celebrating love,” said Millie del Villano, a student at TRU.

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It’s a great way for student support organizations to let students know there are resources available on campus.

“TRU’s an accepting community, an open community. I think that’s particularly important for us at the wellness center. We want people to know that we are in a safe and inclusive space and that we try to be welcoming to everybody,” said Charles Rankin, an operator at the TRU Wellness Centre.

TRUSU wants to show international students that the campus is an accepting place for all students.

“When international students come here, sometimes, like Canada itself, there’s a lot of stigma around LGBTQ communities. When people come here to such an inclusive and safe space like TRU, we’re really opening up these doors for people to be able to explore different gender and sexual orientations and really make sure that they have a safe space here,” said Samantha Jo Haire, a student and event organizer for TRUSU.

The event is a great way for new students to get acquainted on campus.

“Since the fall has started, new students have come and we want to show support to them and tell them that we are here. If you need any help, we are here for you,” said Chowdhury.

Organizers of the TRUSU pride parade promises it’ll be back stronger for next year.