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Kamloops kicks off Pride Week by unveiling new rainbow crosswalk

With Pride Week officially under way in the city of Kamloops, the BCLC celebrated the only way they knew how!

Hundreds gathered to witness the opening of BCLC’s new rainbow crosswalk.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia

The 30-foot crosswalk visually represents the BCLC’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

Ted Ockenden, BCLC’s Director of Corparte Services and Facilities, started off the event by explaining what this meant for the corporation.

“We’re taking two very tangible and important steps to acknowledge and celebrate diversity and inclusiveness here at BCLC,” said Ockenden.

“Regardless of how you identify on gender, identity, or sexual spectrums, we welcome you.”

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia

Once finished, Katelyn Boughton took the stage.

Being a member of the LGBTQIA2 and an employee at the BCLC, Boughton reflected on what it meant personally to have the crosswalk in commission.

“As someone who is trans and a lesbian, I can say that when I came out on the job and started transitioning, I was scared because I didn’t have any indication of how the people or the company would react.”

“I can say that this new rainbow crosswalk is important. This new rainbow crosswalk demonstrates BCLC’s support of all its staff.”

Fighting back some tears, Kamloops Pride Vice President Nicole Stanchfield made the final address on what this event meant for the Pride Society.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia

She noted that it gathered nothing but positive remarks from members of the LGBTQIA2 community.

“To some a rainbow crosswalk is not a big deal, a waste of tax payers money, or may be considered offensive, but to many members of the LGBTQIA2 community, every time a rainbow crosswalk is installed, it signifies acceptance, and support,” said Stanchfield.

“It signifies growth, a reminder of how far we’ve come, and encourages us all to continue to grow together.”

After the three finished speaking, members of Kamloops Pride raised the Pride flag in the parking lot.

Following that, Ockenden, Boughton, and Stanchfield cut the ribbon, opening the crosswalk to the public.



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