Vernon is preparing to showcase its true colours once again, with the second annual Pride Week set for Aug. 7-13.

Last year was the inaugural week-long pride celebration in the city. But this year promises to be bigger and better than 2022.

91裸聊视频淲e are offering a ton of youth support this year,91裸聊视频� said Elmaz Wilder, Pride Society director.

91裸聊视频淥ne of the biggest events we will be doing is a trans/LGBT+ panel night at the the Okanagan Regional Library.91裸聊视频�

As for why Pride Week takes place in August and not in June which is International Pride Month, Wilder said it was a combination of two factors.

91裸聊视频淲ell for one, last year we just made it for August because it was such a last-minute decision and pull through from the community (to make the event happen), so I think they are just rolling it in to make it consistent,91裸聊视频� Wilder explained.

91裸聊视频淏ut the other reason is that a lot of the June month, there are multiple places throughout the Okanagan and Vancouver putting on Pride events so we don91裸聊视频檛 want to be matching up too closely with other people.91裸聊视频�

In 2022, the Vernon Pride Society became an official non-profit organization.91裸聊视频淲e had a huge amount of support from last year91裸聊视频檚 event,91裸聊视频� said Wilder, who owns Ritual Barbershop.

91裸聊视频淭he people who don91裸聊视频檛 support us are hiding behind computers. The drag show was one of those things that had a big backlash, but yet we have really pushed and worked with our library to continue this because it91裸聊视频檚 not about child grooming, these people are just dressing up and sharing a fun story and kids absolutely love it, but that was a big hurdle that we had to face. 91裸聊视频�

Wilder expanded the issues he has seen as an open member of the trans and LGBT community.

91裸聊视频淚 feel like a lot of Vernon is conservative. We have an older demographic who does not want to support this type of event and people, and it91裸聊视频檚 unfortunate because I really believe that no matter who you are, what we are doing is coming from love and community.91裸聊视频�

The week kicks off with a launch party on Monday, the flag raising on Tuesday, Polson Pride Artisan Night market on Friday and the Pride March on Saturday. These are just a few of the dozens events scheduled.

Wilder has a few suggestions on events to attend if one has never been to a Pride Week before.

91裸聊视频淔or the youth, I believe going to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Panel (hosted at the ORL from 6-8 p.m.) would be a great event to go to so you can really understand what it is to be an LGBT+ member.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淎lso, something that you can really just dip your toes into and have some fun is to go to the flag raising at City Hall (on Tuesday, Aug 8 at 12 noon). Several people will be talking at it, including our president, city council members and our MLA. I think that will be a great thing to see, watch and be a part of.91裸聊视频�

Wilder hopes that, as more and more people come out to show support for pride, their message can spread. 91裸聊视频淚 think the biggest thing we are striving for is getting our voices heard in the community.

91裸聊视频淲e want to advocate as much as possible for folks who are LGBT+ and also creating a sense of love and support within our community.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淏y doing these events it will be only received to a larger audience. We want to ensure that people can heart our community.91裸聊视频�

All event information can be found at vernonpride.ca.