Pride Week wraps up in Kelowna

• Celebrating a safe space for expression
• Despite the pandemic, the event has never been cancelled
• What Pride Week means to locals

Bright colours and pride flags were on full display Saturday afternoon at the Rotary Centre for the Arts for the wrap up of Kelowna Pride Week.

The annual festival included a farmers market style event with lots of local vendors, outdoor music, and indoor events throughout the day.

The festival offered participants and visitors alike a safe space where self-expression and acceptance were encouraged.

“Pride is a movement, it’s a beacon of light and hope for people in the community,” said Bobby Bissessar with Kelowna Pride.

Bissessar added despite the challenges of the pandemic, they’re proud the festival has never been cancelled.

“Even in the height of the pandemic last year, according to provincial and health guidelines we were able to execute Pride,” he said. “This year it’s a little bit later, it’s typically in June, but here we are on a beautiful fall day in October and we’re able to execute and represent the community.”

A variety of vendors were on hand from health services, to advocacy groups, and local creators, including Kaytlyn Barkbed from Lunar Splendor who has been coming and selling her art at Pride for the last three years.

Barkbed, who is based in Vernon and commutes to Kelowna for various markets, said she opened her business during the pandemic and has seen some challenges.

“As a queer disabled artist, it’s been very difficult to start a business,” she said. “My partner has helped me financially get the business off the ground; it's been difficult to grow a following.”

Barkbed said for her, this week is all about embracing those around you.

“Pride is one of the best times of the year to be out with your community and family,” she said. “I know that a lot of other queer adults and kids don’t get to really be with their families so this is about being with your chosen families and being in your community. “

Guests were dressed out displaying their best looks including Heidi Starr who shaved rainbow hearts into her hair.

“I absolutely love coming to Pride, I attend whenever I can,” she said.

Starr said she’s been going to pride festivals since being in her 20’s and has seen a huge change in the acceptance of the event from her times in Edmonton where there was no support for the festival to now where in Kelowna, it is greatly accepted.

“To have something as bold and wonderful as Pride and for it to be celebrated and to see youth walking around and the city supporting it is absolutely beautiful,” she said.

For Starr, Pride Week, is about celebrating being in a place where people are accepting.

“It’s a chance for my family to go and celebrate our place in a place where we always haven’t always been able to recognize our unique and beautiful family,” Starr said. “I’m proud and joyful that my daughter gets to grow up where pride festivals are celebrated.”