The full conversation came from a position of providing colour to the street, and naturally to a special event like the parade

Is hypocrisy alive and well, regarding the LGBTQ community, in what people say and do in public, and then when they think no one is looking or over-hearing them?

It probably is, however in a case I believed to be accurate, it appears I was greatly mistaken.  More on that in a moment.

This Sunday (August 26^th), the Second Annual Kamloops Pride Parade will be

held downtown.  Kam Pride asked businesses to use their storefronts to help encourage and promote Pride Week and the Parade.  The Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association also asked their members to support the initiative, through an email which was sent to members on August 1^st. 

A fun event – and fun initiative – and there are even awards being given out to the top three displays, as chosen by a group of judges, and based on the creativity, execution and impact of the display.

So where does the hypocrisy enter into this?

Well an individual whom I know and respect let me know about a conversation they overheard downtown on Wednesday morning.  In the conversation thought they overheard an individual say it was a shame they couldn’t use water guns to spray parade participants – and hit them with balloons that had dye in them.

That, to me, in this day and age, is disgusting… and if true, would be hypocritical given their participation in this year’s event.

I brought this up with Carl DeSantis, Executive Director of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association, to ask for comment, which he did.  He responded by first saying:

“The Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA) supports diversity and inclusivity.  Our business community looks forward to PRIDE celebrations scheduled for this weekend in the downtown area.  In recognition of the PRIDE parade, various businesses have created celebratory window displays and activities.”

 He went on to say, “The comment that was overheard was part of a much larger discussion regarding the possibility of introducing water filled, colored balloons that would represent the rainbow (which is the PRIDE logo).  PRIDE parades are known to be vibrant, exciting, and full of energy.”

“The full conversation came from a position of providing colour to the street and naturally to a special event like the parade, and was never intended to be a malicious act. It is unfortunate that the conversation was taken in a different light, and that the source was not able to hear the entire conversation from the beginning.”

I am glad that I took the time to bring this up with Carl, and the Kamloops Central BIA, because this is not what the majority of people in Kamloops would ever wish to see happen.  That said, negative speak and actions far to often are what those in the LGBTQ community deal with each and every day. 

Despite that, Sam Numsen of Kamloops Pride informed me, “We did chat with Carl from the KCBIA, and we are confident that any comments overheard were purely misunderstood or taken out of context in this situation. We've had

We may look different on the outside,
but inside we are all the same

nothing but support from the KCBIA and the business community, especially those who have taken the time to put up displays! We also visited each business last year before the parade to share what we were doing, our plans, and virtually all business owners were incredibly supportive.”

And so, I say, kudos to the Kamloops

Central Business Association for supporting Kam Pride, and the Kam Pride Parade.

In Kamloops, I’m Alan Forseth, and the floors now yours to share your thoughts.  I’m sure that I will hear some from the conservative friends, who will be surprised by what I’ve had to say, however we are all deserving of respect.