(Image Credit: Ted Eytan - Flickr)

By Elora McCormack

Transgender Rights

Demonstration planned to support Kamloops transgender community

Mar 16, 2026 | 3:01 PM

KAMLOOPS — A demonstration aimed at bringing awareness to attempts to erode transgender rights in B.C. and Canada is set to go ahead in front of the Kamloops Provincial Court building next Wednesday (March 25).

Kamloops Sexual Assault Counseling Centre Coordinator Alix Dolson said the demonstration at the Kamloops Courthouse on Columbia Street will focus on protecting transgender youth care. It will take place from 4:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m.

“It comes as a result of increasing legislated hatred toward trans people,” explained Dolson. “We’ve seen that unfold in our own province and we’re seeing that unfold across the country and around the world.”

“This is a way to be really public and intentional about our support of trans people and trans youth, in particular.”

Dolson says legislation against transgender people in Canada is cutting back on their access to public life.

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“We’ve seen an increase across the country with legislated attempts to restrict the rights of trans people,” Dolson said. “This includes things like access to health care, critical gender-affirming care. Elsewhere we’ve seen some prohibitions around bathroom usage, hatred and prohibitions around trans youth in sports and what that means and so-called women’s only spaces.”

“Ultimately, we know this is all tied to transphobia and transmisogyny, and that is what we are really calling out here.”

While there have not been successful attempts in B.C., Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream independent MLA Tara Armstrong proposed a bill aimed at cutting back on transgender rights in British Columbia. The bill was voted down in the first reading 48 to 40.

“That piece of legislation wasn’t moved forward and we’re really grateful for that, but the fact that we’re seeing that kind of legislation come forward and that there is support for it in the legislature and there is support from our local MLAs, perhaps not for the act itself – but to even have it read for a first reading – is concerning for us,” explained Dolson.

“We expect better of from elected officials – we expect our elected officials at a municipal, provincial and federal level to stand up for the rights of all of their constituents, and that includes trans people.”

Dolson said the recent rise in anti-transgender bigotry is being fueled by misinformation.

“The medical experts have agreed on this and that is who we really need to be listening to when it comes to health care for trans minors,” said Dolson.

“My encouragement to the wider community is to pay attention, listen to the experts and trust that the people who know best are the people are providing this information in a way that will keep people healthy and safe.”

Organizers feel bringing awareness to the issue is vital amid the growing anti-transgender sentiment.

“At a time when hatred and fear are increasing, we need to be very explicit in our support,” Dolson said. “We know access to health care is suicide prevention for trans youth. We are trying to keep kids alive and we believe they should have access to the health care and gender-affirming care that they need.”

“Doing this publicly is a way to say that and show our support on a local level and show our elected officials and to the broader public that this matters. These are people who we love and care for in our lives and they are are deserving of rights and health care.”