We'll have a gay old time
Merritt couple Shawno Ashmore (Barney Rubble) and husband Hugo McPherson (Fred Flintstone) were among the thousands of participants in Saturday afternoon's Pride March from Stuart Park to Waterfront Park.
Anas Qartoumeh is grateful to Canada. “Being homosexual is not a choice, being homophobic is a choice,” the Syrian refugee told a crowd of literally thousands at Stuart Park, prior to Saturday’s Pride March.
Qartoumeh, a gay man who arrived in Kelowna in November 2017, was the grand marshal for this year’s event which had the theme “Pride in Diversity.”
He thanked Canada for being an inclusive nation.
In Syria, where being gay is against the law, he grew up in fear and hid his sexual orientation.
He never dreamed of one day being able to participate in a pride celebration.
“I am me now. I won’t go back to not being me. Thank you to the government of Canada for supporting human rights,” he said, to thunderous applause.
Also speaking were Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran (accompanied by a record turnout of five city councillors) and Kelowna-Lake Country member of Parliament Stephen Fuhr.
Also in attendance, but not at the podium, was Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson. Following a few brief formalities, with the sounds of Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out” blaring from the public-address system, marchers of all ages, genders and orientations (many with dogs wearing rainbow scarves, others in wheelchairs) made their way from Stuart Park to Waterfront Park.
At Waterfront Park there was continuous live music until 8 p.m., along with various vendors and food services.
The Pride March is the highlight of a week-long series of special events presented by the Kelowna Pride Society.