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.
![](https://media.darpanmagazine.com/library/uploads/news/content/lgbt3@#</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
the event will include two dance floors, locally produced beer and wine, and a lounge with a wig bar and photo booth for attendees to dress up and capture the night.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"this ball is about being whoever you want to be and that's something we want to be promoting in our city," basran said.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
and for basran, that means becoming the sugarplum mayor. as a participant of a drag makeover at the ball, he will be wearing makeup to reflect his character, which he likened to david bowie's 1970s ziggy stardust persona.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
although basran said he will be swapping his usual mayor's attire for a more colourful look to embrace the fun event, he won't be in full drag.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"anyone wanting to see me in a dress and heels is going to be disappointed," he said.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
a number of other local figures will be getting makeovers as well and organizers promise that at least one person will be in full dress-and-heels drag.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
.jpg)
![](https://media.darpanmagazine.com/library/uploads/news/content/lgbt2@#</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
the ball, however, is not solely for the lbgtq community and attendees are welcome to wear what they want — from jeans and t-shirts to costumes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
like the crosswalk, basran said the ball is intended to make people feel welcome and build connections, which is why he partnered with the young professionals collective to host it.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
organizer drew vincent said there is an effort to attract and retain young professionals in the region, and giving them fun, inclusive events to attend is part of that effort.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
supporting the okanagan pride society, including donating proceeds from the ball, is one way to build and foster connections, he said.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
"in order to achieve equality we need to be fighting for those who are marginalized or oppressed... and when there are a lot of people who get together and, form meaningful connections, we are a lot stronger as a whole."</div>.jpg)
MORE National ARTICLES
Low-Income Canadians May Skimp On Food, Other Costs To Pay For Internet
People took money from other budget items, like food, rent or recreation, to pay for Internet access because they consider it an essential service
Low-Income Canadians May Skimp On Food, Other Costs To Pay For Internet
B.C.'s Earthquake Preparedness Progressing Slowly But Surely: Expert
Much of the work is being done incrementally — retrofits dovetailing with routine maintenance, schools being renovated one by one and new construction projects being subject to updated quake-resistant requirements.
B.C.'s Earthquake Preparedness Progressing Slowly But Surely: Expert
Liberals, NDP, Greens Battle In Two Provincial Byelections In Metro Vancouver
Melanie Mark is seeking to hold the New Democrat stronghold of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant for the party, challenged by Liberal Gavin Dew and Green candidate Pete Fry.
Liberals, NDP, Greens Battle In Two Provincial Byelections In Metro Vancouver
B.C. Premier Christy Clark To Canvass Economic Issues In Upcoming Ottawa Visit
Clark is slated to meet with federal government officials this week to discuss support for various B.C. industries and how the new Liberal government can strengthen her province's economic performance.
B.C. Premier Christy Clark To Canvass Economic Issues In Upcoming Ottawa Visit
Charlottetown Police Rescue Dog That Tumbled Down Into Open Manhole
CHARLOTTETOWN — A Charlottetown dog had to be rescued after tumbling into an open manhole, police said.
Charlottetown Police Rescue Dog That Tumbled Down Into Open Manhole
Employers With Workers In B.C.'s Backcountry Urged To Consider Avalanche Risks
Forest industry specialist Carol Savage says businesses often don't realize the dangers workers face in avalanche zones.