Celebrating Kamloops PRIDE week from a distance

KAMLOOPS – The 2020 edition of Kamloops PRIDE week kicks off tomorrow (Aug. 12), with a variety of online or contact-free options for the community to take part in.

In accordance with public health guidelines, Kamloops PRIDE was unable to host the annual parade and in-person event schedule. However there are still plenty of ways for people to recognize, and celebrate the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Wednesday through Sunday: The 4th annual window display contest begins Wednesday with the winner chosen August 16. Photos can be posted with the hashtag #KAMPRIDE2020.

Friday 8-11 p.m: There will be a Queerantine Dance Party hosted online Friday evening from 8-11 p.m through Twitch. Participants can enjoy dancing from the comfort of their own living rooms, with music provided by DJ Iain Mckee.

Saturday 7-8 p.m: Residents can virtually join in for a round of drag bingo from 7-8 p.m Saturday evening. Sip In! Online Pride Bingo will be hosted by Karmella Barr, and offers a chance to win Kamloops-centric prizes.

Saturday 8:30-10:30 p.m: DRAG(DOT)COM offers an evening of online drag performances from Kendall Gender, Karmella Barr, Jeremy Androsoff and Freida Whales, hosted by Alicia Ashcroft. Participants are welcome to take their own drag selfies with prizes to be awarded at the end of the stream. The show runs from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m..

Sunday 1-3 p.m: To cap off the week, Pride Talks will take place between 1 and 3 p.m Sunday afternoon. People are invited to join in to the online stream and hear from local service providers about how they’re working to connect with the LGBTQ2S+ community, and how new policies and procedures have developed through the pandemic.

All Kamloops Pride events are by donation. To access the full event page on Facebook, click here.