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
Trudeau Touts Canadian Tech Industry At New Microsoft Centre In Vancouver
The prime minister took a tour of the Microsoft Canada Excellence Centre at its official opening on Friday morning.
Trudeau Touts Canadian Tech Industry At New Microsoft Centre In Vancouver
Police Probe Theft Of Tiger Skin From Historic Victoria Watering Hole
Police say the tiger pelt that was a traditional fixture at the former Bengal Lounge at Victoria's Fairmont Empress Hotel was stolen this week.
Police Probe Theft Of Tiger Skin From Historic Victoria Watering Hole
Self-Stigma Still Barrier In Military Mental Health: Canadian Psychiatrist Col. Rakesh Jetly
CALGARY — The senior psychiatrist with the Canadian Armed Forces says strides have been made in reducing the stigma of mental illness in the military but some soldiers still suffer in silence.
Self-Stigma Still Barrier In Military Mental Health: Canadian Psychiatrist Col. Rakesh Jetly
Police Say Stabbing At Calgary Medical Clinic Domestic In Nature, Charges Laid
Officers who arrived at the Perpetual Wellness Chinese Medicine Centre on Thursday afternoon also found two other people with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police Say Stabbing At Calgary Medical Clinic Domestic In Nature, Charges Laid
Canucks Sign Forward Sven Baertschi To Two-Year Contract Extension
VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Sven Baertschi to a two-year contract extension.
Canucks Sign Forward Sven Baertschi To Two-Year Contract Extension
Quebec Premier Physically Confronted At Vigil For Orlando Massacre
Quebec provincial police said a trans advocate who had spoken at the vigil threw something at the premier.