People of all ages celebrated Trans Pride Day in downtown Kelowna on June 8, with gorgeous outfits.
The evening of activities kicked off with a joyful march of cheers, chants and laughter.
Pride Week takes place from June 2 to 11, with the Trans Pride Day of celebration march being one of Kelowna Pridesa国际传媒檚 best-attended events. Approximately 300 people walked through downtown to show their pride and support for the transgender community.
This year, Pride celebrations are particularly important to uplift the transgender community, explained Fahmy Baharuddin, the board president of Kelowna Pride.
sa国际传媒淥ver the last couple of years wesa国际传媒檝e been seeing much, much more hateful rhetoric towards the trans and non-binary community,sa国际传媒� said Baharuddin.
He explained that now, in 2023, people feel more empowered to come out as queer as a result of Pride organizations as well as increased support, safety and acceptance in most communities around the world. However, being transgender is not a new or radical phenomenon.
Baharuddin explained that trans folks are and have always been, a regular part of society.
sa国际传媒淲esa国际传媒檙e trying to bring attention to that, so the people who are trans and non-binary will know that the community is supporting them.sa国际传媒�
After the march, an all-ages drag performance took place where families, 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies gathered for a silly, thought-provoking and glamorous performance at the Rotary Centre for the Art by Kelownasa国际传媒檚 beloved drag star, Freida Whales.
Following the family-friendly performances ended people gathered for a social at the Kelowna Art Gallery. Once the sun went down the outrageous and fun adult content drag show began.
Across the street from the art gallery about six protesters held signs reading, sa国际传媒淪top sexualizing children.sa国际传媒�
Laurie Baird and Nikki Major were two of the six protesters in attendance.
Baird said that she was specifically protesting the drag shows as sa国际传媒渢hey tend to be sexual in naturesa国际传媒� Some of the time it gets a little out of hand.sa国际传媒�
Major said that she feels that exposing minors to drag performers is sa国际传媒渟exualizing children.sa国际传媒� Baird fears that exposure to drag performances could negatively impact youth and lead to an increase in teen pregnancies.
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This small group did not disrupt the safe and celebratory festivities, with Baharuddin commenting that it is now more important than ever to check in with your queer friends to ensure they feel safe and supported in their community.
Kelowna Pride is a welcoming community for anyone who is questioning their gender identity or sexuality. Baharuddin said that members of the society have broad and diverse experiences that can be helpful for those looking to navigate their own journey of discovery.
Pride Week continues on June 9, with Coffee with Queers, an evening drag performance and Kelownasa国际传媒檚 Next Drag Superstar show. 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 complete list of all events taking place in Kelowna during Pride week is available online at and on the Kelowna Pride and .
READ MORE: sa国际传媒楤ring a higher lovesa国际传媒�: Call for allies to show up and celebrate Pride in Kelowna
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Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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