Submitted by Castlegar Pride
In 2021, Nelson filmmaker Amy Bohigian was commissioned by Nelson Museum, Archives and Gallery to create a documentary about queer and trans lives past and current in the West Kootenays. Bohigian interviewed a number of people, including elders and youth, two-spirit, non-binary and more. The result is a heart-warming 30-minute film that features a diverse group of individuals talking about their lived experience in this region. Most of the film features people describing how they organized community events such as the Fruit Float and Kootenay Pride, as well as the obstacles they encountered and the rights they fought for along the way.
Castlegar residents will have two opportunities to view the film. On March 2 at 2:30 p.m., the Mir Centre at Selkirk College will show the documentary. Film director Amy Bohigian will be available via video to talk about the work and to answer questions. This showing is free and all are welcome to attend.
On the evening of March 3, there will be a screening organized by Castlegar Pride and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Student Alliance at Selkirk College. This event will include a panel discussion after the film, featuring Amy Bohigian, film participants Christopher Moore and Jesse Halton and Castlegar resident Kelsey R. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the film starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation. No one will be refused entry due to lack of funds.
Prior to the screening, there will be a special pizza and game party for queer, trans and questioning youth, ages 14 - 25 at 6:00 p.m. Thanks to Stanley Humphries Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Group, 2SLGBTQIA+ Student Alliance at Selkirk College and the Humble Bean for making this happen.
Youth need to sign up by March 2. Please email rseifert@selkirk.ca to register. The dress code for the pizza event is Rural Queer Film Premiere, although all film-goers are welcome to dress up.
Both screenings are excellent opportunities to bring visibility to and increased understanding of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It is a reflection of the work that has been done to achieve human rights and inclusion, as well as the work still yet to be done. Allies to the community are very much invited to attend either of the film screenings.
The organizers are grateful to community funders Castlegar Sunrise Rotary, the Humble Bean Coffee Co and the Kootenay Savings Credit Union for their generous support.
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