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PRIDE WEEK

Kamloops Pride Week organizers working around smoky conditions

Aug 21, 2023 | 4:43 PM

KAMLOOPS — Pride Week has returned to Kamloops with days of celebrations to raise awareness around the issues facing 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the region.

Alyssa Christianson, President of Kamloops Pride, said the event is a chance to gather people together as a community and advocate for the rights of queer people. “We are hopeful that Kamloops Pride Week can bring together locals and the community,” she explained.

City Councillor Katie Neustaeter said city staff will be walking in the parade this year as a way to show their support. “All of our residents should be able to shine. We know how important this is to this community and that they are seen and that they are heard and supported,” she said.

However, with wildfires affecting the region, Christianson said some changes had to be made to the schedule. “We have unfortunately had to cancel our drag show because we had out-of-town performers and we want to respect the provincial (accommodation) order,” she said, adding they plan on bringing it back in the fall, when conditions are more favourable.

Pride Week wraps up Sunday (Aug. 27) with a parade and festival in the downtown. For more information about the events, visit the Kamloops Pride website.