The South Okanagan Similkameen Pride Society wants you to dust off those shoulder pads, dig out the leg warmers and get ready to go back to the 80s.
It’s time for SOSPride’s annual Spring Fling and this year’s theme is Back to the 80s Dance Party and Drag Show. It takes place Saturday, April 28 at the Penticton Art Gallery.
“Each year we host a Spring Fling membership drive – tickets to the event get you a free membership to SOSPride,” said SOSPride president Karen Davy. “We’ve got DJ Shakes spinning the 80s music, drag queen Jenna Telz and her crew performing and there will be prizes for best 80s outfit, moonwalk and breakdancing.“
Tickets are $25 in advance ($35 at the door) and can be purchased at the Penticton Art Gallery or online at Event Brite.
The Penticton Art Gallery is a fitting venue for this year’s Spring Fling. The current gallery exhibition is Ipseity, which explores themes of gender and sexual diversity. SOSPride vice president John Archer married his partner of 35 years, Douglas Bertz on stage in a public wedding ceremony at the opening night of the Ipseity show in March.
Related: Penticton Art Gallery exploring gender identity and sexuality
“John and Doug’s wedding was so beautiful and everyone at the gallery played an important part in making it a special day,” Davy said. “SOSPride is very lucky and grateful to partner with the Penticton Art Gallery. With the show, the wedding and now the dance, it’s a great way to reach our communities.”
SOSPride is a membership-based organization and it relies on events like the Spring Fling to bring awareness to the society and the work it does.
“We are fortunate to partner with generous sponsors like the City of Penticton and the Penticton Art Gallery, and we are even more fortunate for the support we get throughout the regions from businesses and other organizations,” said Davy. “This kind of support helps us fulfill our mandate to bring more awareness, education to the South Okanagan and Similkameen, as well as support for our whole LGBTQ+ family.”
The Back to the 80s Dance Party is a 19-plus event and you can get all the information on Facebook @SOSPride.
“The disco ball will be spinning till 1 a.m., we’ll be playing fun retro games and we’ve got lots of excellent prizes. Come out and get down,” said Davy.
South Okanagan Similkameen Pride proudly serves the LGBTQ+ community by providing safe, quality events, promoting education and awareness, supporting all across the gender spectrum inclusive of family, friends and allies.
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