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
Moving Metis Toddler From Foster Parents Would Cause Psychological Harm: Lawyer
VANCOUVER — A lawyer for Vancouver Island foster parents who hope to keep a Metis toddler they have raised since birth says that moving the girl now would harm her emotionally and mentally.
Moving Metis Toddler From Foster Parents Would Cause Psychological Harm: Lawyer
Canadians Offering Help To Flint, Mich., During Its Drinking Water Crisis
Two Ontario cities are offering to help the citizens of Flint, Mich., a poor, largely minority city where the high level of lead in drinking water has caused a public health crisis.
Canadians Offering Help To Flint, Mich., During Its Drinking Water Crisis
N.B. Murder Case: RCMP Ask Public To Inspect Varied Online Photos Of Fugitive
The Mounties say the photos on Twitter and Facebook illustrate the accused's uncanny ability to change her appearance.
N.B. Murder Case: RCMP Ask Public To Inspect Varied Online Photos Of Fugitive
Pipeline Fight A Challenge For Justin Trudeau
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prepares to leave a meeting of the world's economic and financial elites, he has a pipeline battle brewing at home.
Pipeline Fight A Challenge For Justin Trudeau
Heroic Canadian Second World War Veteran Dies At The Age 100, Harjit Sajjan Issues A Statement
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan issued a statement saying retired Lt. Cmdr. Margaret Brooke died earlier this month at her home in Victoria.
Heroic Canadian Second World War Veteran Dies At The Age 100, Harjit Sajjan Issues A Statement
Halifax Mom Argues Right To Donate Kidney To Baby Despite Health Risks To Herself
Ashley Barnaby says she was informed recently that staff at the Queen Elizabeth II hospital in Halifax rejected her application because of her history of high blood pressure and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.