KELOWNA, B.C. — The mayor of a city in B.C.'s picturesque Okanagan Valley has turned an insult into his own proud, tongue-in-cheek persona.
Colin Basran, now known as Kelowna's "Sugarplum Mayor," is working with the city's Young Professionals Collective to host a Sugarplum Ball on July 9 to show support for the region's LGBTQ community.
The event comes one year after the city installed a rainbow crosswalk at a downtown intersection in an effort to promote inclusion.
But while the crosswalk had unanimous support from city council, it gained unexpected backlash from a few residents.
In an online forum, one community member referred to "Mayor Sugarplum" in an effort to insult Basran for supporting the installation of the crosswalk. The comment had the opposite effect.
"I actually found it kind of funny and I kind of liked it," Basran said.
Recognizing the opportunity to increase support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, Basran said the Okanagan Pride Society approached him with the idea of hosting a Sugarplum Ball.
MORE National ARTICLES
B.C. Parents Get 12 Months Probation For Spanking Teenage Daughter
The parents from Salmon Arm, B.C., were given a conditional discharge Tuesday, meaning they will not have criminal records if they follow the court's orders and serve the 12-months probation handed to them by a judge.
B.C. Parents Get 12 Months Probation For Spanking Teenage Daughter
Bob Geldof Says Justin Trudeau 'Unambitious' On Aid Targets; Says Canada Can Do More
Geldof is reacting to Justin Trudeau's comments earlier in the week that the 0.7-per-cent goal endorsed by the United Nations is not realistic for this year or the next.
Bob Geldof Says Justin Trudeau 'Unambitious' On Aid Targets; Says Canada Can Do More
Red Cross To Provide Evacuees With $50Million Immediately
CEO Conrad Sauve says each adult is to receive $600 and each child will get $300.
Red Cross To Provide Evacuees With $50Million Immediately
Ontario Goalie Charged After On-Ice Hit Deemed Not 'Part Of The Game'
Police say it happened Saturday during a hockey tournament in Fort Erie, in the Niagara Region.
Ontario Goalie Charged After On-Ice Hit Deemed Not 'Part Of The Game'
Victim: Jian Ghomeshi Apology 'Clearest Path To The Truth;' Sex Charge Withdrawn
TORONTO — Fallen radio star Jian Ghomeshi apologized publicly Wednesday to a former colleag...
Victim: Jian Ghomeshi Apology 'Clearest Path To The Truth;' Sex Charge Withdrawn
'It's Going To Create Hostility:' Fort McMurray Evacuees Want To Go Home Soon
LAC LA BICHE, Alta. — Dave Cramm doesn't understand why he can't go home.