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What-s-On

Coming out

I find it surprising that one of the biggest decisions that Kelowna City Council made last year took about five seconds. When the vote came for the sidewalks to be painted with pride colours, there wasn’t really any debate. The staff suggestion was made, and it passed unanimously - and we moved onto the next item. Community response to the decision was genuinely surprising, and mesmerizing to watch unfold. There was a great deal of passion on both sides of the discussion. 

UBC and UBCO are celebrating OutWeek this week. In Vancouver, the launch of OutWeek started with someone burning the Pride flag. Again, it was shocking to see that level of hate to something that feels like our new cultural norm as we become a more inclusive and accepting community. Maybe I’m missing something, but suffice to say, this caused me to change the topic of my column this week.

If you are ready to be provoked/inspired/challenged, or simply want to support the community conversation, here are two events happening this week in the valley that might interest you. 

Divas
February 19, 9 - 11 p.m., at the Well Pub (in the UNC) at UBCO

Bonnie Kilroe performs a fabulous one-woman show featuring impersonations of divas such as Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton, Cher, Lady Gaga, Liza Minelli and more.

This Capstone show to OutWeek 2016 is something you will not want to miss.

Tickets are $15, available at the door. 

 

Ivan Coyote

Ivan Coyote

Date and time: Thursday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 with a 10% discount for seniors/students
Tickets: Call 250-766-9309 or buy online 

Ivan Coyote grapples with the complex and intensely personal issues of gender identity, as well as topics such as family, class, social justice, and queer liberation. These topics are always discussed with a generous heart, a quick wit, and the nuanced and finely-honed timing of a gifted raconteur. Ivan’s stories remind of us of our own fallible and imperfect humanity, while at the same time inspiring us to change the world.

The Globe and Mail newspaper calls Coyote ‘a natural-born storyteller’, and the Ottawa Xpress once said that ‘Coyote is to Canadian literature what kd lang is to country music: A beautifully odd fixture.’

Visit Ivan Coyote's website

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

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About the Author

Ryan Donn is a singer/songwriter, event producer, digital creative, and Councillor at the City of Kelowna

I love creating songs, which have been used by the Terry Fox Run, Kelowna’s Centennial Celebration, or heard on various local radio stations. 

In the past few years, I've focused on creating community events including Music in the Park, New York New Years, Castanet’s Free Family Skate, Talented Kids, Talented Kelowna, and others.

Originally from Scotland, I’ve lived in Kelowna for over 20 years. My wife, Kimberly, and our two daughters, Lyla and Bella, share our home with Tom (adult with diverse abilities).

In 2014, I was elected to Kelowna City Council. 

Opinions are my own, and don't represent the City of Kelowna, Festivals Kelowna or Creative Okanagan. 

To connect with Ryan:

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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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