Being Affirming means working for the full inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in The United Church of Canada and in society. Kamloops United Church has officially been an Affirming congregation and a member of Affirm United for 20 years. We are always seeking ways to live into that responsibility and privilege, and on September 28, we participated at Thompson Rivers University in the TRUSU 5^th Annual Pride Parade. The TRUSU Pride Parade serves as an important celebration of the diversity of the Kamloops community, and raises awareness of the many issues impacting our LGBTQ2+ family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

It was important that Kamloops United Church, a centre for community and spiritual discovery, was at TRU, with our banner, some information about our Centre and Affirm, and to be part of the show of support.

Following some opening remarks, there was a walk/parade around campus, then people mingled or visited information tables.  Chris was present at the KUC table, offering invitations to our “Welcome and Affirm Sunday” and to KUC in general.  It was great to have faces of KUC walking together with others from the wider community!!

Pastor Jane (Hill of Peace) with Chris and Marnie of KUC

Maia, Shane, Florence and Sharon.

Lynda and Diane

Marnie, Florence and Sharon.

Shane, Bruce and Florence.

Maia at KUC’s into table.

Off we go, celebrating diversity!

Bruce, Marnie…..

Chris & Maia with the KUC banner.

Walking past the Student Union building

Walking together.

Derrm, Barb, Sharon.

Sharon and Barb.

Barb at the KUC info table.

KUC’s outside Affirm banner.