Pride Week celebrations in Kelowna are only a few days away and all people, regardless of sexual and gender orientation are invited to celebrate.
Kelowna’s Pride Week officially runs from June 2 until June 11, and there are diverse events planned for almost every day.
The week of festivities starts with a burlesque show and a Pride picnic for seniors before the big June 5, launch party at BNA.
During the month of June proceeds from the sale of BNA’s ‘Pride Beer’ will be donated to Kelowna Pride.
“I’m excited to see the community come together in such a big, meaningful way,” said Fahmy Baharuddin, the board president with Kelowna Pride.
On June 6, Jackknife Brewing is hosting a Pride bike/march and social that starts from the Rotary Centre for Arts and rolls to the brewery district.
READ MORE: Pizza, bikes, love and diversity at Kelowna Pride event
In addition to the social, This Space Belongs to You, a queer and IBPOC dedicated mental health service, will be holding fundraising bike wash and tune-up.
Multiple Trans Pride celebrations will take place on June 8, in downtown Kelowna.
Baharuddin said that he is expecting push-back at the events and said that if people witness or are subject to hate speech “just walk away, don’t engage,” and asks everyone to stay safe.
“We are always a little bit walking on eggshells.”
Additionally, Baharuddin calls on allies of 2SLGBTQIA+ people to show up and speak out in support of the queer community.
“You can only really call yourself an ally if you show up.”
He said that it is now more important than ever to check in with queer folks as there is a “rise in hateful rhetoric” against queer people around the world.
On June 10, all people are invited to the Pride march and festival in downtown Kelowna to celebrate the queer community and spread joy.
A list of all events taking place in Kelowna during Pride week is available online at kelownapride.com and on the Kelowna Pride Facebook and Instagram.
READ MORE: Pop off Pride month in Kelowna with billboards showcasing 2SLGBTQIA+ talent and joy
@Rangers_mom
Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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