Apple Bowl in Kelowna (Photo via City of Kelowna)
The mother of a nine-year-old Kelowna girl who was verbally accosted at a school track meet by a grown man while she was competing in a shot-put event is speaking out.
Heidi Starr says her daughter was interrupted by the grandfather of one of the other participants who accused her of being trans, before demanding proof that she was born female.
Kelowna RCMP say they are investigating an incident, though they’re not able to share further details about the incident or the investigation due to the Privacy Act.
Photo via Heidi Starr
“We too share everyone’s grave concerns with discriminatory behaviour,” Kelowna RCMP spokesperson Constable Mike Della-Paolera, said, in an email.
“It is important to our community to speak out against discriminatory behaviour, and research shows that social support is an important protective factor for those experiencing marginalization, racism, or discrimination. If our community takes action together, this will assist us in the ultimate goal of a diverse, inclusive and safe community for all.”
The Central Okanagan School District is also in the process of banning the assailant – identified by other media and on social media as Josef Tesar – from all school properties and events.
I’m not sure how likely this guy’s denial is when his son is all over social media posting anti-trans stuff. Seems sus. https://t.co/9AI4VvTRqR #Kamloops #Kelowna
— Brett Mineer (@MineerBrett) June 14, 2023
Heidi Starr joined NL Newsday on Tuesday to recount the ordeal.
