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
Murder Trial Of Parents In Diabetic Teen Death Adjourned Until Fall
CALGARY — A Calgary judge has ruled key testimony from British Columbia in the death of a starved diabetic teen 13 years ago will be admitted as evidence.
Murder Trial Of Parents In Diabetic Teen Death Adjourned Until Fall
Internet History Of Harper PMO Deleted From Google Web Searches At Govt Request
The Privy Council Office requests for deletion from Google began last Nov. 4, the day the Trudeau government took office and continued into January.
Internet History Of Harper PMO Deleted From Google Web Searches At Govt Request
Fishy Business: Tensions Between Old, New Hill Security Spill Onto Social Media
It's the latest manifestation of tensions between the historic House of Commons security force and the RCMP, who were merged into one unit after the 2014 attack on Parliament Hill.
Fishy Business: Tensions Between Old, New Hill Security Spill Onto Social Media
Japan Gives Kudos To King Of Vancouver Sushi Kitchen, Chef Hidekazu Tojo
So the 21-year-old chef flipped tradition inside-out, hiding the unfamiliar ingredients inside a coat of warm rice. The California roll was born.
Japan Gives Kudos To King Of Vancouver Sushi Kitchen, Chef Hidekazu Tojo
Appeal In Victoria Stafford Murder Set To Be Heard Oct. 24
TORONTO — The man convicted of killing eight-year-old Victoria Stafford seven years ago is asking for a new trial, arguing there was too much weight given to the testimony of the "unsavoury" main witness.
Appeal In Victoria Stafford Murder Set To Be Heard Oct. 24
PM Justin Trudeau Announces $460 Million New Infrastructure Agreement With B.C.
The Government of Canada remains committed to making significant investments in infrastructure that will improve our public transit systems, strengthen Canadian communities, and help grow the economy.