The Pride Ride event is in full swing.
Hundreds of people gathered today, wearing everything from wheelchairs to bicycles and colorful chariots, and wearing rainbow colors for Pride Week and Festival.
The ride begins at the Rotary Center for the Arts, and the group then moves through the streets until reaching the final destination, Vice and Virtue Brewing Co.
“Everyone is welcome today,” said Candice Banks, volunteer director for the Kelowna Pride Society. “I thought the rain might keep some people away, but everyone came and they seemed to be having a great time. We have music, bubbles, stickers and fun, and I think it’s going to be a great time.”
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This weekend marks the official launch of Pride Week and Festival, which runs until June 15 at venues across the Okanagan Valley.
“I’ve always been interested in the outdoors, biking, and queer things. But, I was always in a rush and never made it,” Memphis-Toka said. “So, this year I was like, ‘I’m going to make this a big event.’ I put it on my calendar and I was going to hang out with my friends and have a great day.”
Kelowna Pride began 25 years ago, and events like this one help bring the LGBTQIA+ community together. Since its inception, Pride has grown each year, attracting more than 12,000 people to protest and celebrate love, diversity and inclusion.
“Going to the Pride parade has taught me a lot and it’s also taught me how to talk to people and be more open,” said Serki Williams.
The Kelowna Pride Society has chosen this year's Pride Week theme as “Together as One.”
For a full list of Pride Week and Festival events, visit www.kelownapride.com
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(Tag translation) Kelowna Pride Festival
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