Williams Lake and area youth were invited to Live Out Loud at the Williams Lake First Nation arbour Aug. 9, 10, 11.
A broad range of fun and inclusive free events were aimed at providing representation and inspiration for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. The weekend was organized by Rylee Smith of Cariboo Chilcotin Foundry, after Kourtney Cameron, a clinical practitioner student came up with the idea. Smith said community partners Williams Lake First Nation, Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre, Denisiqi Services Society, BGC Williams Lake, and the Williams Lake Film Club all came together to make the weekend happen.
One of the speakers, Sabrina Symington, known professionally as Bria, spoke about her journey to becoming who she is and finding her identity through the sport of karate.
"They don't get to tell you who you are," she said to the attendees at the event. While she acknowledged the importance of community, she said it is also important to be able to be yourself within your community, which isn't always easy in a small town.
Pursuing a love of karate helped Bria when she was young because it was a socially acceptable way to be different and helped keep her safe as well. She said there is a yin and yang to everyone's identity and a person has to find the balance which works for them.
Speakers, artists, and community organizations gathered, free ice cream was offered and youth were invited.
On the Friday night, the heart-warming film Rosie was screened on an inflatable outdoor screen and on Saturday, workshops and speakers took place throughout the day. Community organizations provided activities, information and some free stuff for those who came to take part.
A Saturday night dance party went from 7-9 p.m. with DJ Scully, a two-spirit artist setting the mood.
It all wrapped up on Sunday morning with a closing and a free community breakfast.
