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One of the goals of the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan is for every learner to feel safe and thrive personally. The District strives to create educational experiences that are free of discrimination, sexism, harassment, and homophobia.

Elementary and Secondary students from schools across the District, SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) Champions, can include 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying students looking for a sense of community as well as students who are interested in promoting diversity and inclusion as Allies in their schools—these student voices lead conversations around what support and change is needed in school settings.

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 45 youth from Grades 7–12 attended a SOGI Champions session to learn from local community organizations, including Kamloops Pride, Safe Spaces, RCMP, and PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People). Students attended from Valleyview, NorKam, SKSS, and Westsyde secondary schools, Brocklehurst Middle School, as well as Juniper, Dallas, Marion Schilling, and Lloyd George elementary schools.

The day was filled with engagement, resources, and discussions to foster understanding and acceptance. As Dyan Gunnlaugson, David Thompson Elementary School Principal stated: “Students learned from various community organizations and, importantly, from one another. I witnessed students grow in their sense of safety and become more empowered as they learned how to engage with peers and staff in pro-active and pro-social ways. Throughout the day, students grew in confidence as they felt seen, heard, and valued. They saw themselves represented in the community and in all schools, and they felt a sense of belonging in knowing they had a community. As students reluctantly parted at the end of the session they expressed a renewed sense of belonging and understanding.”

Students also spent part of the day brainstorming ideas for how to celebrate Pride Month throughout June, which included: sharing the history of Pride, featuring Pride icons, showcasing 2SLGBTQIA+ representation in media through movies, music, and books, and finding ways to celebrate with social events, parades, challenges, crafts, games, and more. In preparation for the Kamloops Pride Parade in August, students made posters to walk with in the parade. 

After the event, students from Westsyde Secondary shared that they liked “meeting new people” and “hearing the personal stories of the presenters” because it “made us feel comfortable and it helped us relate to them.” Students from NorKam also shared that “the District meets are a great way to connect disparate schools, strengthen the LGBT youth community, and introduce youth to advocating for themselves. We always have a great time and enjoy seeing friends we wouldn't have made otherwise.”