On March 19, about 70 people gathered in the KIA Lounge at the Sandman Centre for a screening of A Place Where I Belong. It was the kind of night that stays with you, not because it offered easy answers, but because it made space for something more honest: a deeper understanding of the barriers people with disabilities face when exploring sexuality and sexual identity, and what it takes for community to truly show up.
The evening began with Miss Mousse, who brought glamour, courage, and pure energy to the room. Her performances of “I Am Changing” and “This Is Me” were both joyful and moving, one of those moments where you could feel the room collectively leaning in. When she pulled a Pride flag from her dress at the close of This Is Me, it felt like a small, bright declaration: you belong here.
The film itself held both joy and tragedy. Director Rheanna Toy captured something that can be hard to name, the weight of internalized beliefs people carry after years of being told, directly or indirectly, that parts of themselves are “too much,” “not appropriate,” or not allowed. And she also captured the joy that comes when someone finally has the chance to explore what has been buried away, not because it was never there, but because stigma and other people’s discomfort made it impossible.
After the screening, the talkback brought depth and clarity. With perspectives from Andrei, Rheanna, and Tami—thoughtfully guided by moderator Noah—the conversation named ableism, spoke honestly about sexuality, and returned again and again to the role community can play in either widening barriers or helping remove them. One message came through clearly: people with disabilities want to be connected to queer communities.
What stayed with us most, though, was the feeling in the room. Seeing so many people gathered in one space. People who care, who are curious, who are willing to listen and learn. It felt powerful and hopeful. It reminded us that a more inclusive Kamloops is not something we wait for. It is something we build, relationship by relationship.
We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this event to life: Speak Up Self Advocacy Society, New Horizons, Story Money Impact, Cloudstreet Media, along with everyone who attended and participated with such respect and openness.
If you believe in spaces like this—spaces that make room for truth, connection, and belonging—we invite you to support KSCI’s work. Becoming a member, partnering with us, or donating helps us continue creating community conversations and opportunities that move inclusion from an idea into lived experience.
Thank you for being part of it.
