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With a new year comes a new list of local businesses to check out, including Kelowna’s first LGBT2Q+ cocktail lounge.
Friends of Dorothy Lounge is set to open this month, providing a place for the LGBT2Q+ community and allies to enjoy entertainment, and a signature cocktail and food menu.
Rudy Tomazic, who is behind the popular Drag events NOIR and DIVA, is behind the new lounge. Helping with the cocktail and food menu was Casey Greabeiel, co-owner of Salt & Brick and Jack’s Pizza and Liquor.
Friends of Dorothy Lounge is on the corner of Water Street and Lawrence Avenue in downtown Kelowna. The look of the newly renovated space is described as “Louis the XIV meets punk chic.”
Historically speaking, the term ‘friend of Dorothy’ carries a lot of meaning. In the past, members of the LGBT2Q+ community would use the term as a euphemism for discussing one’s sexual orientation without letting everyone know for fear of violence and discrimination.
“Today it is a term that is rarely used, but remains a part of queer culture and an important nod to the past and how far we’ve come as a community,” says Tomazic.
“With the popularity of the NOIR and DIVA events, Friends of Dorothy Lounge seemed like a natural progression. Kelowna has been waiting for this. We want to provide an inclusive home for the LGBT2Q+ community and allies to come together for experiences and events on a
regular basis.”
The lounge is set to open on Jan. 25, 2020,
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