Voices Unheard: Wilbur Turner

This is an AFFILIATE EVENT and not organized by Kelowna Pride. See details below about how to participate.

Watch online - https://watch.unicorns.live/programs/live-vuwilburturner

Content Rating: PG – Parental guidance is suggested for designated age range (7-13 yrs); some material may not be suitable for all children due to content that may be of a mature nature or triggering for viewers.

For the final episode in this season of Voices Unheard, we celebrate Kelowna Pride Week by delving into the city’s LGBT2Q+ history, and learning the story of a gay man who has been instrumental in fostering the Pride movement in this British Columbia community. Wilbur Turner (he/him) grew up during the 60s and 70s in rural Alberta “in a time when gay wasn't a word you heard.” His upbringing in a conservative Christian cult made it impossible for him to recognize his sexuality, and was eventually ostracized by several of his own family and the church when he finally came out after 18 years of marriage to a woman. His coming out experience led him to volunteer work in the LGBT2Q+ community; after moving to Kelowna in 2011, he became heavily involved with Kelowna Pride. Wilbur was a key part of taking a small Pride March with a few dozen in attendance, to the festival with thousands in attendance in 2019.

While this is the final episode of this season of Voices Unheard, we are looking for guests for next season’s upcoming episodes. If you are interested in having your voice heard please submit your information via our online form.

About Voices Unheard Voices Unheard is a weekly livestream series produced by Unicorns.LIVE in partnership with Kelowna Pride Society. The intent of this series is to bring awareness to underrepresented members of society, which includes people of various racial backgrounds, sexuality, gender identity/expression, age, or ability. Host Jessica Samuels will engage a different guest each week in a candid conversation about the challenges they have faced or continue to struggle with, elevating their voice and helping them to tell their stories.

Voices Unheard is filmed and produced on the unceded, traditional territory of the syilx (Okanagan) people.

Voices Unheard is grateful for the support of Castanet Media and the Kanata Kelowna Hotel and Conference Centre.