WATCH: Celebrating ‘Together in Pride’

On a sunny Saturday, hundreds flocked to Stuart Park showing off their best Pride looks for an event that was two years in the making.

From many pride flags to signs saying, ‘love is love,’ and ‘together in Pride,’ residents dressed in extravagant outfits during the march along the boardwalk for the Pride Festival.

Brandi MacDonald, whose child is transgender, told Kelowna10 having a safe space to be loved by this community is spectacular and broadens beyond the foundation that is established at home.

“To expand that to a whole community is exceptional to make them feel more included and safer to be themselves and I think that’s beautiful, and I think it’s beautiful there’s so many people to help with that,” she said.

The theme this year is ‘Together in Pride,’ which Wilbur Turner, the parade grand marshal, said is fitting as people can now gather in-person to celebrate and love everyone.

“We’ve been starved for this kind of social connection and being a community together, it really means a lot to be here,” he said. “I think it’s important to embrace as we come together as a community, celebrate who we are and that we keep discovering our own worth.”

Turner’s been volunteering with Kelowna Pride since moving here in 2011. He has been an instrumental part of growing the 2SLGTBQIA+ community and advocated for the ban on conversion therapy.

“I really am grateful to call Kelowna home and to see the progress we made here,” he said. “To be the grand marshal today is a fulfillment of a lot of things that we worked hard for.”

Kristy Finlayson, Candice McKendry, and Cain Critchlow were among the hundreds ready to celebrate love and inclusivity. Each had their own thoughts on what Pride means to them.

“It’s accepting who you are and who the people are around you, no judgement,” Finlayson said. “It’s love for everyone, whatever they choose to be, and who they choose to be.”

“It’s about love, being human, [and] being a part of humanity, and respecting people, love is love,” McKendry said.

“[Pride] is the ability to be myself and be visible and celebrate every unique identity out there,” Critchlow said.