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It’s Pride month everyone!
A time to embrace inclusivity, Pride is a month-long celebration of support for the LGBT2Q+ community, and with it comes a host of fun, educational and welcoming events in cities across the world.
Kelowna has festivities sprinkled throughout the month, but it will all come to a head with our very own Pride week which takes place from June 15 to 22 and will feature staple events hosted by the Kelowna Pride Society and some unique others hosted by affiliated organizations.
We want to make sure you’re well equipped to let your true self shine this pride, so we have compiled a list of events you won’t want to miss whether you're a member of the LGBT2Q+ community or an eager ally.
Kelowna Out & Proud Film Festival
If you’re a lover of films, the arts and popcorn, get your tickets early for the Out & Proud Film Festival taking place June 19 and 20. Hosted at the Mary Irwin Theatre, the event will highlight four films from indie shorts to documentaries featuring stories created by and about the LGBTQ2+ community.
The event kicks off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19 with a series of short films titled 6x6, created by the queer arts collective known as Love Intersections. Wednesday’s feature will be David McFarlane’s Alone in the Game, a documentary following the hardships faced by openly gay male athletes.
Thursday night will feature acclaimed documentary The Fruit Machine in addition to indie film Yuurei ga Tooru (Ghosts Passing Through) created by the KKBB Collective.
This event is 18+ and Admission is with a $15 membership to the Kelowna Out & Proud Film Club, which are available in advance by calling the Rotary Centre for the Arts Box Office: 250.717.5304.
Trans March and Social
Show support for those who put the T in LGBTQ2+ !
Kelowna’s annual Trans March and Social welcomes one and all to walk in support, solidarity and awareness for all who identify as transgender.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in blue and pink, bring signs, and chant and sing as they walk along the waterfront from The Sails to the Laurel Packing House on Thursday, June 20 at 6 p.m.
At the end, marchers are invited to mix and mingle, enjoy refreshments and hear from captivating speakers at the Packing House social.
Kelowna’s Next Drag Superstar
Get ready for a competition like no other as our local drag community gears up for a battle royale!
Kelowna’s fiercest drag artists will bring their best lewks to the runway, vying for the chance to be crowned Kelowna’s Next Drag Superstar on Friday, June 21.
Hosted by the effervescent Sparkle at Sapphire Nightclub, this event will be one to remember! Tickets are available now through Eventbrite.
Pride March and Festival
Kelowna’s 12th annual Pride March will sweep the downtown core on Saturday, June 22nd.
Everyone is invited to meet in Stuart Park at 11 a.m. to take part in this free, family-friendly event. Don you’re most vibrant rainbow attire, bring flags or banners, come with your friends, family or coworkers and show your support for the entire LGBTQ2+ community!
Marchers will walk down the waterfront toward City Park before ending things off at the annual Pride Festival! Bursting with live talent, vendors booths, bouncy castles and a kids zone — the festival has something for everyone to enjoy and carries on until 4 p.m.
Fruitcake: PRIDE
Finish off you’re jam-packed weekend with your pride crew at Fruitcake!
Hosted at the nightclub formerly known as Level, this exclusive yet inclusive party is a must-attend 19+ event.
Music will be provided by Vancouver’s own DJ Skylar Love and socializing opportunities will present themselves in abundance — but don’t wait to get your ticket because they are going quickly and only a small portion will be available for purchase at the door.
Advanced tickets are available online now for $25 and a portion of the proceeds will go on to support the Kelowna Pride Society.
This isn’t all that you can expect from Pride week 2019.
Other events include roller derby matches, a pride cruise, pride prom and more! Head to the Kelowna Pride Society website for all the details on these events and what is to come.
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