2025-2026 Board Applications
Below are all the applications that have been submitted from the community to be a member of the next Kamloops Pride Society board. Applications are listed in order of submission.
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Currently Held Positions:
President: Alyssa Christianson (starting year 4 of 4)
General Director: Riann Munro (starting year 2 of 2), Teresa Donck-Matlock (starting year 2 of 2)
Bella Gray
Pronouns: they/them
Position(s): Director of Resources
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About Themselves: I am 22. I am a lesbian Two-Spirit person, and my fiancee is a wonderful trans woman who is also heavily involved in our community. My past career experience includes childcare, case management, outreach, advocacy, safety planning, referrals and support services specific to children and families, especially our unhoused and Indigenous populations. I also coordinate a variety of events and community opportunities. I currently work with the Friendship Society and volunteer a lot of my time there. I also volunteer in large awareness events and protests for the LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous communities. In my free time, I'm active in nature, I act, and I craft. I pay close attention to details, am organized, and I love to learn and am very open to criticism. I work well with others, but am very capable of independent tasks.
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: Besides my career work, I advocate and have a presence online. I also support my partner with her work with the Kamloops LGBTQ2S+ Discord Server. I also make waves wherever I am to make every space safer for everyone.
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Why they want to join the board: I want to take further steps to connect with other community members. I also want to support and advocate. I thinks it's more important than ever to have a strong support presence for our marginalized communities. I want to contribute any way I can.
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Written communication, Verbal communication, Experience with the 2SLGBTQPIA+ or other marginalized communities (programming, events, projects, etc.), Organizational skills, Event planning, Passion for volunteerism, Admin skills (documentation, filing, emailing the public), Google Drive/Gmail experience, Policy development, Interpersonal skills, Technology and internet literacy, Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.), Graphic design (Ex. Canva), Media relations/communications, Youth outreach, Advocacy, Training/Education, Community networking, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
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Eliana Baboiu
Pronouns: she/her
Position(s): Director of Resources
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About Themselves: I am applying for another term as the Director of Resources on the Kamloops Pride Board. In my two years on the Kamloops Pride Board, I have tabled at events such as the Farmer’s Market and the Thompson Rivers University Student Union (TRUSU) Pride Parade. I was also a guest speaker at a lecture at TRU and I assisted law students and nursing students on their practice placements. Before my two years serving the Kamloops Pride Board, I was the president for the TRUSU Pride Club. While I was attending TRU, I also represented 2SLGBTQPIA+ students on campus as the LGBTQ+ representative on the TRUSU Board of Directors. I currently work as a registered nurse at the Royal Inland Hospital. When I am not working or volunteering for Kamloops Pride, I sing with the Kamloops Pride Choir.
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: When I was the president of the TRUSU Pride Club, I organized and facilitated a bi-weekly social group called Queer Connections. I also began advocating and petitioning for TRU to set up a Pride Centre on campus. In the last two years as the Director of Resources, I facilitated for Rainbrews and Espressso Yourself. I also helped to organize and facilitate different events for Pride Week. I worked with TRU nursing students as a field guide to create the SOGI guide for parents, and a 2SLGBTQPIA+ healthcare guide. In my previous role as the president of the TRUSU Pride Club, I organized a series of socials called Queer Connections for 2SLGBTQPIA+ students and allies on campus. I also started a petition for a Pride Centre on campus. In response to the increasing hate towards the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community, I worked with people from the community to organize counter protests against the Two Million March for Children. ​
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Why they want to join the board: I would like to continue with my position on the Kamloops Pride Board because I enjoy working with other board members to make Kamloops a safer place for members of the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community. Through this role on the Kamloops Pride Board, I hope to be able to continue to advocate for this community in Kamloops.
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Written communication, Verbal communication, Previous experience on a Board of Directors, Experience with the 2SLGBTQPIA+ or other marginalized communities (programming, events, projects, etc.), Organizational skills, Event planning, Google Drive/Gmail experience, Board governance, Interpersonal skills, Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.), Graphic design (Ex. Canva), Media relations/communications, Advocacy, Training/Education, Community networking, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, Pride Choir member (more than 1 year).
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Dutch Dion-Glowa
Pronouns: they/them
Position(s): Director of Grants
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About Themselves: I'm a 40 year old 2S Métis parent. I have a career in 2SLGBTQPIA+ rights and advocacy. I have served on the KSACC board of directors as their Vice-president in the past. I have been in the non-profit sector for over 10 years and have spent much of that time seeking, applying for and reporting on grant funding. I have also sent the bulk of my career working with children and youth, and would be happy to consider either the Director of Youth Engagement role or the Director of Grants role, but have a great deal of grant writing experience, so thought I'd stick with that. I am an artist and poet, and I love music. I teach fitness classes (kickboxing) and love the Kamloops landscape, so being in nature is a fave of mine.
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: I work in 2SLGBTQPIA+ human rights at the National level, ensuring the K-12 education sector is safe, welcoming and respectful of students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. I present at National conferences on the SOGIE sector and the political and social barriers it faces. Navigating shifting legislation and policy impacting 2SLGBTQPIA+ human rights is a daily part of my life, and supporting allies and community members in their own advocacy work is a huge part of my work.
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Why they want to join the board: I love the work Kamloops Pride does, and how often we are able to connect with one another even though we might be a small group. I think the variety of events and connection offered are incredible, and those connection points to the this community have helped me blossom into who I am. I want to make sure it can continue.
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Strategic planning, Staffing/Human resources, Written communication, Verbal communication, Previous experience on a Board of Directors, Experience with the 2SLGBTQPIA+ or other marginalized communities (programming, events, projects, etc.), Organizational skills, Event planning, Passion for volunteerism, Admin skills (documentation, filing, emailing the public), Google Drive/Gmail experience, Fundraising, Board governance, Policy development, Interpersonal skills, Technology and internet literacy, Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.), Graphic design (Ex. Canva), Media relations/communications, Youth outreach, Advocacy, Grant writing, Training/Education, Community networking, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
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Kenneth Okolie
Pronouns: they/them
Position(s): Volunteer Coordinator​
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About Themselves: 46 years old am working at kaltire and I had volunteering experience and I was one of the leader of my LGBTQ community in Nigeria Abuja and I am good at managing and organizing events and I like spending time with people with different visions
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: I am a new in Kamloops and I want to meet with you guys one & one. I have a whole life of contribution.
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Why they want to join the board: I was the leader of the community back home and I want to join to community to serve my people well.
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Organizational skills, Event planning, Fundraising, Policy development, Interpersonal skills, Training/Education, Community networking, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
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Shantelle Bishop
Pronouns: she/they
Position(s): General Director
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About Themselves: Im 25 years old, i am a child protection social worker for SCFSA and have volunteered my entire life either at the hospital or for non profits. I take interest in helping others, connecting with the land and my support network.
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: I started the first diversity club in my highschool in penticton, the club fought for the first gender neutral washroom and was able to paint a rainbow cross walk in front of the school. In university i was vice president Equity and help continue doing campaigns like end the blood pan or the period promise campaign through united way.
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Why they want to join the board: I would like to be apart of a community that is inclusive, safe and celebrate the beauty of queer people for who they are.
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Strategic planning, Verbal communication, Previous experience on a Board of Directors, Experience with the 2SLGBTQPIA+ or other marginalized communities (programming, events, projects, etc.), Organizational skills, Event planning, Passion for volunteerism, Admin skills (documentation, filing, emailing the public), Google Drive/Gmail experience, Fundraising, Board governance, Policy development, Interpersonal skills, Technology and internet literacy, Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.), Media relations/communications, Youth outreach, Advocacy, Grant writing, Training/Education, Community networking, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
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Neevesha Panjawani
Pronouns: She/Her
Position(s): General Director
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About Themselves: I am 26 year old. I work with children and families. I have been on the board of Kamloops pride for a year. I am interested in building a community that supports and celebrates the queer folks of Kamloops. I love picnics, reading and making seasonal bingo cards. I also am passionate about gratitude and love hosting gratitude circles.
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: I have been an active part of the community, I have showed up for rallies, hosted events, been part of queer advocacy. As part of the board last year, I have worked on bridging different services with the board of Kamloops pride to widen our reach in the Kamloops community.
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Why they want to join the board: I have not grown up with a lot of Indian/brown queer representation. My hope is, with a platform like Kamloops Pride, I can not only give back to my community but also be the representative that I didn't grow up with. I am a social person who is passionate about spreading awareness and joy about and for queer community. With my one year of experience on the Kamloops pride board, I feel better equipped to manage my commitment to the board and the community in a way that is meaningful to me.
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Skills: Written communication, Verbal communication, Previous experience on a Board of Directors, Experience with the 2SLGBTQPIA+ or other marginalized communities (programming, events, projects, etc.), Event planning, Passion for volunteerism, Interpersonal skills, Youth outreach, Advocacy, Training/Education, Community networking, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people. ​
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Lina McCoy
Pronouns: She/Her
Position(s): Pride Choir Representative
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About Themselves: I'm 43 years old and currently work as a Team Lead at BCLC. In addition to my professional role, I volunteer as the Treasurer for my child’s parent support group, in my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: I haven’t made formal contributions, but I see myself not just as an ally, but as a friend. I aim to support the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community by fostering a respectful and safe environment for everyone.
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Why they want to join the board: I want to join the Kamloops Pride board to help out in an official capacity and serve as a bridge between our choir and Kamloops pride.
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Staffing/Human resources, Written communication, Verbal communication, Organizational skills, Event planning, Passion for volunteerism, Admin skills (documentation, filing, emailing the public), Fundraising, Policy development, Interpersonal skills, Technology and internet literacy, Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.), Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
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Kirk Zimmer
Pronouns: He/Him
Position(s): Treasurer
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About Themselves: 37, Finance for Ministry of Child/Families, volunteered for over 5 years on different committees
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: currently attend most events, active member of community, helping create community events
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Why they want to join the board: Community involvement
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Strategic planning, Staffing/Human resources, Written communication, Verbal communication, Previous experience on a Board of Directors, Experience with the 2SLGBTQPIA+ or other marginalized communities (programming, events, projects, etc.), Organizational skills, Event planning, Passion for volunteerism, Admin skills (documentation, filing, emailing the public), Google Drive/Gmail experience, Financial/Accounting, Fundraising, Board governance, Policy development, Interpersonal skills, Technology and internet literacy, Media relations/communications, Youth outreach, Advocacy, Grant writing, Training/Education, Community networking, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, Asset management (inventory, item maintenance).​
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Kathleen Newton
Pronouns: She/Her
Position(s): Communications Coordinator
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About Themselves: Hello, I’m a 27 year old corporate lackey and queer artist based in Kamloops. I have a BFA in film production with a particular interest in social media and narrative content creation. I have experience in mostly every Adobe program, canva, da Vinci resolve, Pro Tools, and Final Cut, and the imagination of a toddler with unfettered access to glitter paint. I spent the first ten years of my adult life in a cycle of minimum wage jobs, school, self-funding short films, and moving every 8-10 months which unfortunately did not leave much room for anything else. Now that I’ve sold out to Big Job I have the time and resources to pursue other hobbies (mostly an ungodly amount of crafts) and to get involved in my community.
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: In University I was involved in multiple projects highlighting queer student filmmakers and artists. I hope to contribute much more to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ with the passion, creativity, and attention to detail that I cultivated as a student.
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Why they want to join the board: I moved back to Kamloops a year ago on the heels of major creative and professional burnout. After taking the time to recover and build a base of financial stability for myself, I’ve had the opportunity to take stock of how I want to show up for the people in my life. Volunteering with the pride board gives me the opportunity to put roots down in the queer community locally and to use the skills that I spent a decade learning. It aligns with my personal values of community organizing and involvement and I value the new connections and opportunities it might afford me.
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Strategic planning, Written communication, Verbal communication, Organizational skills, Passion for volunteerism, Admin skills (documentation, filing, emailing the public), Google Drive/Gmail experience, Interpersonal skills, Technology and internet literacy, Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.), Website building and updating, Graphic design (Ex. Canva), Media relations/communications, Grant writing, Training/Education, Community networking, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, Asset management (inventory, item maintenance).
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Julia Franes
Pronouns: She/Her
Position(s): Volunteer Coordinator
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About Themselves: My name is Julia, and I am a 26-year-old professional who is deeply passionate about community connection, inclusivity, and helping individuals find a sense of belonging. I identify as a Dutch, Scottish, Japanese, and Canadian cisgender lesbian and queer woman, and I am dedicated to fostering welcoming and affirming spaces for all members of the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community. In my current role as a Future Student Advisor at Thompson Rivers University, I coordinate presentations, recruitment events, and training sessions that bring together staff, students, and community members. I also provide one-on-one advising to prospective students and their families, ensuring each person feels welcomed and supported throughout their post-secondary journey. Previously, as Volunteer Management Coordinator at the Kamloops Food Bank, I managed volunteer recruitment, orientation, tracking, and engagement, ensuring every volunteer felt supported, informed, and appreciated. I take pride in being approachable, reliable, and detail oriented, maintaining clear communication and fostering positive relationships with diverse groups. I hold a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Geography and Environmental Studies from Thompson Rivers University, where I developed a strong understanding of human behavior, community systems, and inclusive engagement. Outside of work, I enjoy pole dancing for the sense of community connection, strength, creativity, and overall well-being it brings. These experiences continue to shape my perspective on confidence, collaboration, and empowerment.
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: As Head Lifeguard at my local pool, I organized the first-ever Pride Fun Swim, an inclusive community event celebrating 2SLGBTQPIA+ pride and visibility. I wanted to create a joyful, welcoming space where people of all ages and identities could come together in an affirming environment. The event featured pride flag–themed games, colourful decorations, and a colouring station for kids, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere for families and individuals alike. In my small community, it was amazing to see members of the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community connect and celebrate together. I hadn’t realized how many people in my hometown were part of the community or eager to show their support, and it was incredibly meaningful to help create that space for connection and visibility.
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Why they want to join the board: I want to join the Kamloops Pride Board because I enjoy working with people and helping them find a sense of belonging through meaningful involvement. During my undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to research how belonging impacts well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. In my previous experience with volunteer coordination, I’ve seen how much people value being part of an organization that supports others, and I found a lot of satisfaction in helping make that happen. Joining the Kamloops Pride Board would allow me to support the local queer community in a meaningful way while contributing my coordination, communication, and organizational skills to the work Kamloops Pride already does.
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Staffing/Human resources, Verbal communication, Experience with the 2SLGBTQPIA+ or other marginalized communities (programming, events, projects, etc.), Organizational skills, Event planning, Passion for volunteerism, Admin skills (documentation, filing, emailing the public), Google Drive/Gmail experience, Interpersonal skills, Technology and internet literacy, Advocacy, Training/Education, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, Asset management (inventory, item maintenance).
Sabrina Stace
Pronouns: She/Her
Position(s): General Director
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About Themselves: I’m currently the Head of Wardrobe for Western Canada Theatre and have been working in theatre for a decade across the country. When I’m not busy helping to make costumes for WCT, I can be found at the Kamloops Pride Choir, spending time with friends, and doing many textile craft hobbies. I have been the Treasurer for Kamloops Pride since 2024 and wish to pivot my volunteer work with Kamloops Pride in a broader way, hence I’m applying as a General Director this year.
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: I have been volunteering for Kamloops Pride since late 2023 and have been an active member of the Kamloops Pride Choir since 2022.
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Why they want to join the board: It is something I’m passionate about and have loved watching how Kamloops Pride has grown over the years since moving from the East Coast in 2021. Being on the Board gives a sense of purpose and when you want to see something continue to grow, you have to be an active member in that change.
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Strategic planning, Written communication, Verbal communication, Previous experience on a Board of Directors, Experience with the 2SLGBTQPIA+ or other marginalized communities (programming, events, projects, etc.), Organizational skills, Passion for volunteerism, Google Drive/Gmail experience, Financial/Accounting, Fundraising, Grant writing, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, Pride Choir member (more than 1 year).
Jane Gingrich
Pronouns: She/Her/Elle
Position(s): General Director
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About Themselves: I am a settler and grateful to be living in Secwepemc territory. I am the Spiritual Health Practitioner with our local hospital and have lived in Kamloops for nearly twelve years. I have been an active volunteer with Gleaning Abundance Program harvesting, Refugees and Friends Together (RAFT), PFLAG tabling, Kam Pride events, and more. I am able to plan and coordinate events and connect folx with programming. I love being outside, hiking, salsa dancing, sipping tea, board games and spending time with my family.
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Contributions made to the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community: Developing programming for younger children in this community.
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Why they want to join the board: To be better integrated with pride programming.
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Skills: Team leadership or supervision, Strategic planning, Written communication, Previous experience on a Board of Directors, Experience with the 2SLGBTQPIA+ or other marginalized communities (programming, events, projects, etc.), Organizational skills, Event planning, Admin skills (documentation, filing, emailing the public), Google Drive/Gmail experience, Policy development, Interpersonal skills, Graphic design (Ex. Canva), Youth outreach, Advocacy, Community networking, Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.​