Protests and counter protests were held across the country yesterday, surrounding so-called ‘gender ideology’ in schools.

Organizers say they were protecting children - that they are not against LGBTQ+ people, which isn’t what a lot of their protest signs indicated.

None of the planned marches were scheduled for our listening area - but several in Campbell River and the Valley took it upon themselves to hold counter rallies, in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

The City of Courtenay, for one, tweeting out that ‘’city facilities are safe and welcoming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies.’’

It went on to say ‘’ Everyone deserves to be free to express their gender identity and sexual orientation. Hate has no place in Courtenay.’’