More and more people are showing their support for the transgender community in Kelowna.
This year, the third annual Trans March gathered around 250 supporters. The event was held Thursday night, and started at The Sails in downtown Kelowna as part of the Okanagan Pride Festival.
According to president Dustyn Baulkham, of the Okanagan Pride Society, the march went well and drew approximately 50 more people than in previous years.
“With everything happening in the world, for some people this was their first time at a trans march. We saw a lot more youth this year, so I think that was probably the biggest contributor,” he said, adding there was also people from the older demographic so it was a good mix.
The social that followed the march at the Laurel Packinghouse, also went well, and allowed the community to carry good conversation,” said Baulkham.
“People got to meet and network and hang out with friends,” he said. “Overall, it was a great night and there was a lot of support for our trans community.”
One family who has a transgender child said they’ve seen an increasing amount of people support the march each year.
Tor Broughton, 12, identifies as a demimale.
“The trans community is awesome,” he said.
His mother, Carrie Broughton said she marched because “sometimes I think there is a bit of negativity in the world about trans people and we just really want to show our support for the community and for Tor.”
She said trans events like the march increase awareness for transgenders in the community.
“We’re all a part of this community and we want to show all trans people that they’re loved and cared for.”
Tor spoke at the social and shared his story.