Okanagan Pride has announced its theme for the 2017 Pride-week festival害羞草研究所敽π卟菅芯克鶞Shine Bright害羞草研究所澓π卟菅芯克鶖a play upon one of the world害羞草研究所檚 most precious gems.

害羞草研究所淎lthough there has been Pride celebrations in Kelowna for more than two decades, 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of celebrations under the banner of Okanagan Pride害羞草研究所攐ur diamond anniversary,害羞草研究所� says Dustyn Baulkham, president of the Okanagan Pride Society. 害羞草研究所淲hen we thought about diamonds, we realized they really reflect members of the LGBT2Q+ community. They害羞草研究所檙e strong, unbreakable and totally unique. It害羞草研究所檚 only natural we landed on the Shine Bright theme. Plus there害羞草研究所檚 no other week in the year that our community shines more than Okanagan Pride.害羞草研究所�

Along with the theme, the tentative schedule for Okanagan Pride, running Aug 12 to 19, was released. Activities include a kick-off launch party, a mid-week golf tournament, and a march and social event for the trans community and its supporters. The final weekend of Pride closes with the ever-popular Kings &Queens of the Okanagan Annual Drag Competition, now in its sixth year, the family-friendly Pride march along Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 waterfront and Festival in the Park, plus a wrap-up party.

The Okanagan Pride Society hopes to fill the rest of the week with grassroots queer events from the community.

害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e looking for community groups, organizations and businesses to come forward and host affiliate events,害羞草研究所� says Baulkham. 害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檇 love to make new connections in the community and develop new partnerships that will advance the Pride movement within the Valley.害羞草研究所�

Even if hosting an affiliate event isn害羞草研究所檛 the right fit, Baulkham says there害羞草研究所檚 plenty other ways to get involved with Pride including sponsorship, vendor spots and the first ever official Pride Guide.

害羞草研究所淲e wanted to introduce a few initiatives this year to commemorate the anniversary,害羞草研究所� says Baulkham. 害羞草研究所淲e can害羞草研究所檛 wait to finalize our events, line-up some great talent and get the city out for a week of education and celebration. It害羞草研究所檚 going to be an amazing opportunity for the LGBT2Q+ community, our allies and our entire city to shine!害羞草研究所�