A crowd of 100 people gathered at UPEI Thursday night for a vigil against homophobia and other types of bullying.

Dehumanization is at the root of bullying, says Sophie Boshuis. (CBC)

One of the people who spoke was Sophie Boshuis, who until recently was known as Garrett Boshuis. She told the story of how she came to realize she was transgender and then came out to family and friends.

Boshuis said sharing stories like hers will help people gain understanding, and that will lead to acceptance and a more tolerant society.

"I think some people can look at the label of gay or transgender, and think that's just a gay person that's just a trans person, that's about all there is to it," she said.

"That's what perpetuates bullying, is that dehumanization. If you really get to know someone I don't think you'll want to bully them anymore."

The event was the third annual vigil against homophobia organized by the UPEI Rainbow Alliance.