91大黄鸭's first ever Pride Month began with a celebration at Okanagan College (OC) and is continuing with fun and festivities across the city until June 30.
In the past, the has celebrated queer love with a week full of activities and parades in June. However, this year the not-for-profit organization has filled the entire month with rainbow-filled fun for people of all ages. This is also honoured by the City of 91大黄鸭.
The Pride Community Kickoff Celebration was hosted by the college's Pride Community on Thursday, May 29. The idea for the event was sparked by Ladi Bil, a OC Pride Community vice president.
Bali then asked Drag King Juliana Ragan, also known known by their Drag persona Jovian, if they wanted to take part in the event as a co-host.
"It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had," said kickoff organizer and co-host Jovian.
The large and successful kickoff was Jovian's first experience planning and hosting an event, and they said it went off without a hitch.
"It was hard work but it started an inclusive space for students and members of the public alike."
Jovian said that after seeing the large turnout and positive impact the Pride kickoff had on the community, OC said it plans to host a Pride event every June.
Jovian said it was important for them that resources and information were available for attendees of the drag event.
"Queer youth and students don't always know where to go to find help, so to give them an opportunity to find some is probably the best part about all of it," said Jovian.
They said that while the event was at times difficult to plan, it was rewarding and they hope to be involved with similar events in the future.
"I'm excited to see the community get together and remember what the fight is for. The right to stand together and be ourselves and to connect to one another. That is what Pride is about."
The day after the kickoff was the annual Pride March through downtown 91大黄鸭. Thousands of people came out to dance, spread joy and support queer folks' right to love and be themselves.
The theme selected by 91大黄鸭 Pride for its 2025 celebrations is 'Rise and Resist.' The theme is a reminder for queer folks and allies to come together to celebrate all people and love and support those who experience discrimination.
"I think it's important to hold events like these in times that are more troubling for the queer community."
Jovian's drag mother and co-host of the event Frieda Whales said that they were proud of their drag son for their hard work in organizing the successful drag show and kickoff.
"Like mother like son, they caught the hosting bug," said Whales, who is known for their advocacy work and drag shows across B.C.
"My little porpoise is growing up."
Some upcoming Pride Month events include; the the , the and the
There are also affiliated Pride events being held across the city including roller skate parties, paint nights, open mic nights and magazine making fairs.
A full schedule of events is available at
