Tre Rhiness is the organizer of the first Peace For Pride Gathering in Kamloops.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Tre Rhiness
October 30, 2021 - 7:09 PM
An anti-violence rally took place in Kamloops earlier this month to protest against hateful behaviour toward members of the queer community.
Kamloops resident Tre Rhiness initiated and organized the event.
“It went really well, better than I expected,” said Rhiness. “It was a very positive turnout. Over 200 people showed up and we raised over $1,000. I cannot speak to whether it will become an annual event or not yet but it is possible.”
The Peace For Pride Gathering was sparked by an incident last month where a transgender youth was bullied and victimized, shaking up the local LGBTQ2s+ community and prompting the response. The youth was reportedly surrounded by several other young people who forced the transgender youth to cut themselves.
READ MORE: Kamloops LGBTQ2s+ community plan rally after violent attack on transgender youth
Rhiness organized the rally in order to show support for the youth and their family and to peacefully protest against hateful behaviour in the community. Rhiness said he communicated with the family during the preparations and met with others to figure out the event plans. He made buttons that were sold by donation.
Rhiness said at the request of the victim’s family, the money was donated to Safe Spaces, a youth organization run by Interior Community Services. The organization provides a safe place for LGBTQ2S+ youth and their allies, ages 12 – 26, to meet and receive education and supports.
Ashton O’Brien is the vice president of Kamloops Pride, a non-profit organization that works to promote a more flourishing LGTBQ2s+ and queer community.
“What happened to the youth is awful and collectively we really feel for that person,” O’Brien said. “We never want these things to happen and it goes to show more work needs to be done and we are committed to driving that.”
O’Brien attended the Peace For Pride Gathering.
“It was awesome,” O’Brien said. “It had an amazing turnout which honestly felt so good being around so many LGBTQ2S+ folks for the first time since COVID. I think the rally was powerful. The speakers were amazing. The energy just felt so loving.”
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