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'A celebration and a protest': Rise and Resist theme for Kelowna Pride Month

Bif Naked will headline the Fruitcake afterparty
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The annual Kelowna Pride march and festival took place on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

The Kelowna Pride Society is excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pride in the Okanagan. 

Kelowna Pride Month runs May 30 to June 30 and will be centred around the them "Rise and Resist".

“The theme ‘Rise and Resist’ is a rallying cry," said the society's co-vice president Candace Banks. "It’s about celebrating who we are, remembering where we’ve been, and committing to the work still ahead — to ensure that everyone in our community is seen, safe, and supported.

To start off celebrations, Kelonwa's Next Drag Superstar will be hosted at Red Bird Brewing on May 30. The following day everyone is invited to join the Pride March and Festival at City Park.

Bif Naked will headline the Fruitcake Official Kelowna Pride Afterparty at Red Bird post-festival activities. 

“We wanted to close out the kick-off to Kelowna Pride month with a true legend,” said Dustyn Baulkham, executive producer at Rebellious Unicorns. “Bif Naked is a trailblazer who represents strength, rebellion, and authenticity — everything Pride stands for. This is going to be our biggest FruitCake yet.”

Matthew Presidente and Pedwell will open the after-party. Ella Lamoureux and LBEE the Drag Jack are also on the lineup of entertainment, on May 31.

Other Pride events include a Ride for Pride on June 8, the Pets for Pride Parade on June 14, a Trans and Enby March and Festival on June 20, and a Two-Spirit Powwow on June 28. 

Find a full list of events and more about the society at kelownapride.com.



Brittany Webster

About the Author: Brittany Webster

I am a video journalist based in Kelowna and capturing life in the Okanagan
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