A church in ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη has announced that it stands in solidarity with ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη Pride, Advocacy Canada and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
The Central Okanagan United Church released a statement asserting its commitment to being a βsafe, welcoming and self-aware church for all who enter,β after the ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη Pride Society published a plea to the community asking for support.
The pride society said that over the past year, queer communities in the Central Okanagan have been increasingly impacted by anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate, which has impeded its ability to carry out events safely.
To combat the βattacks on trans and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights,β the Pride Society is calling for elected officials, policymakers and leaders in the community to stand against hate and take active measures to ensure the safety of all people in the Okanagan.
In response, the said that they stand for a brighter, more welcoming and accepting future and are working to become an Affirming Ministry with the United Church of Canada. The designation would be concrete proof that the church is a safe space and βfully inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities β and backs up its words with actions.β
βWe are called as a church to lead with love and understandingβ¦ and offer care and safety to all.β
In January, the City of ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη also addressed the concerns of the ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη Pride and Advocacy Canada with the following statement: βThe City of ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη believes in an inclusive and diverse community where everyone is safe. We will not tolerate hate, intimidation or violence for any reason including against trans and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.β
The full statement made by ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη Pride, which outlines the numerous anti-queer developments that have taken place in the Okanagan over the past year, is available at
READ MORE: Rainbow flags, motorcycle club and unicorns attend ΑπΑ§ΙρΙη Drag Story Time
Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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