Meet Kal Larocque Lines: Advocating for Education and Understanding

The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia.

In a world where conversations about gender identity are becoming increasingly important, one voice in Sarnia stands out—Kal’s. Born and raised in the community, Kal has embraced his role as an advocate for the transgender community, using education and dialogue to promote understanding and acceptance.

Growing up, Kal always felt different. "I was a tomboy," he recalled. "But at the time, I didn’t have the language to understand why I felt the way I did." Like many transgender individuals, Kal’s journey of self-discovery took time, patience, and resilience. His experiences have shaped his belief that education can save lives by preventing the misunderstandings and prejudices that so often lead to harm.

A Passion for Advocacy

Kal's advocacy work is deeply rooted in his upbringing. "My dad was a debater," he shared. "So, I learned early on that if you're going to argue, you need facts, not just opinions." This lesson has been invaluable in his efforts to foster meaningful discussions about transgender issues.

Kal firmly believes that misinformation and fear are the biggest barriers to acceptance. "People fear what they don’t understand, and that fear can lead to harm," he said. "If we educate people, we can prevent life-altering turmoil."

His advocacy began in an unexpected way—through participation in Black Lives Matter protests. "That was the first time I really put myself out there for a cause," he said. "I saw firsthand how important it is to stand up and speak out." His involvement caught the attention of a local minister, who invited him to share his story with a church congregation. Public speaking was a challenge at first, but Kal pushed through. "I realized that my voice could make a difference," he said. "If I had someone like me to talk to when I was younger, it would have changed everything."

Challenges in the Community

Despite growing awareness and increasing support for LGBTQ+ rights, challenges remain. One of the biggest obstacles facing the transgender community is a lack of resources. Kal pointed out that while less than 2% of the population is transgender, access to healthcare, mental health support, and safe spaces remains limited. Organizations like Safer Spaces Canada offer critical resources, not just for transgender individuals, but also for allies who want to learn more and support their loved ones.

In Sarnia, incidents of discrimination and resistance to acceptance still occur. Recently, acts of vandalism against Pride flags have reminded Kal that there is still work to be done. But rather than letting these events discourage him, they fuel his passion for education and advocacy. "Hate doesn’t stop progress," he said. "It just shows us why we need to keep going."

The Power of Conversation

One of Kal’s biggest goals is to create safe spaces where people feel comfortable asking questions. "Not everyone is going to get it right away, and that’s okay," he said. "What matters is that we’re having the conversation."

Kal has found that many people want to be supportive but are afraid of saying the wrong thing. "I tell them—it’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to learn. What’s not okay is refusing to listen." His patience and willingness to engage in discussions, even with those who hold opposing views, make him a powerful advocate for change.

A Vision for the Future

Kal’s mission is simple but powerful: "I just want to make sure everyone is safe." He envisions a community where transgender individuals feel supported, where families have access to the resources they need, and where conversations about gender identity are met with curiosity instead of fear.

His journey has not been easy, but his determination is unwavering. "I know I can’t change everyone’s mind," he admitted. "But if I can help one person understand, if I can make one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it."

Kal’s courage and commitment to advocacy are an inspiration. His work is creating change in Sarnia—one conversation at a time. And as long as there are people willing to listen, he’ll keep fighting the good fight.

“Humans of Sarnia” founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens