Pride Week begins in Kelowna

After several COVID-19 related postponements, Kelowna Pride Week 2021 has been launched.

The event organized by the Kelowna Pride Society runs from October 22 to 31, with several downtown Kelowna events on the agenda although a Pride March will not be held as it’s not permitted under COVID rules.

The theme is ‘25 Years of the Pride Movement – The Work is Not Done,’ a nod to Kelowna Pride’s beginnings.

Photo from 2019 Pride March in Kelowna. (Photo credit: Kelowna Pride Society)

With the important milestone to mark, Dustyn Baulkham, General Manager of the Kelowna Pride Society, is delighted to see it all finally come together.

“We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve had to pivot due to COVID-19, but we know we’re not alone in that. So much work has gone in behind the scenes, and we’re all thrilled that Pride Week is finally here. We hope the community will join us in celebrating Kelowna Pride Week 2021,” said Baulkham.

All events, aside from the Pride Cabaret and mask-making workshop, are free to attend. This is the first year the Kelowna Pride Festival has been held at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, but the venue is no stranger to inclusive events, having hosted the Sugarplum Ball and the Out & Proud Film Festival, among other events, in the past.

Colleen Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Rotary Centre for the Arts, is looking forward to hosting Kelowna Pride 2021.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kelowna Pride to the RCA. This is a perfect way to celebrate connection and community after such a difficult and challenging summer,” Fitzpatrick stated.

The Downtown Bike Derby on October 26 is is open to anyone who can ride a bike, and KPS encourages community members to come decked out in their best Pride threads. The event is free to attend, but it is requested that attendees RSVP in advance, so KPS has an idea of numbers.

As with 2020’s festivities, a number of 2021’s events will be streamed on the Unicorns.LIVE platform for those who would prefer to participate from home.

“I think we all need a safe celebration after the last 18 months,” Baulkham added. “Pride is open to anyone who wants to honour love, inclusivity and acceptance. Whether you’re able to join us in person or from home, we hope Pride brings a little joy into your life over the next week or so.”

Kelowna Pride Week 2021 is presented by TD with additional support from Kanata Kelowna Hotel & Conference Centre, Fido, BC Arts Council, Cyan Bold Design and the Province of British Columbia. The 2021 Kelowna Pride Festival marks twenty-five years of Pride in the Okanagan. Earlier this year, the Kelowna Pride Festival won gold in Best of Kelowna 2021, being voted as ‘best festival.’

Find out more about Kelowna Pride Week 2021 on the organization’s website KelownaPride.