
ABOUT
2019 Nominee for Business Excellence:
Arts and Entertainment Achievement Award - Finalist
Not-for-Profit Excellence Award - Semi-Finalist
After a successful victory in 2000 with the BC's Human Rights Tribunal finding Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray violated the BC Human Rights Code under unlawful discrimination against gays and lesbians because of their sexual orientation, a movement began in the Okanagan Valley to fight for equity, inclusion, and acceptance.
In 2004, the Okanagan Rainbow Coalition was founded to organization events and offer programs to connect the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and advocate on their behalf. The Kelowna Pride Society continues their legacy within the community and throughout the BC Interior.
The Kelowna Pride Society is a registered not-for-profit in the province of British Columbia, and is a member of Fierte Canada Pride - the National Association of Canadian Pride organizations and InterPride - the International Association of Pride Organization.
The Kelowna Pride's activities take place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Syilx-Okanagan people. We are thankful to be able to organize and facilitate upon this land, and work alongside to create spaces inclusive of all gender expressions and sexual identities.


TIMELINE
1996
Kelowna's first Pride March takes place. Canada's first openly gay Member of Parliament Svend Robinson serves as Grand Marshall.
1997
Kelowna’s then-Mayor Walter Gray refuses to sign a proclamation in support of Gay and Lesbian Pride Day, arguing the word “pride” should not be included. The Okanagan Rainbow Coalition files a formal complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal.
2000
Gray is found guilty of violating the B.C. Human Rights Code. The tribunal says he “unlawfully discriminated against gays and lesbians because of their sexual orientation.” Gray stops issuing city proclamations altogether until he’s defeated in Kelowna’s 2005 election.
2004
Okanagan Rainbow Coalition is established.
2006
2006 – Kelowna’s new mayor Sharon Shepherd breaks the mould and proclaims Gay Pride Day. "Gays and lesbians are part of the community and I don't hold any biases toward them."
2007
Kelowna starts celebrating ‘Okanagan Pride’, a full week of events.