To kick off Pride month, a local advocacy organization is spearheading a colourful initiative of joy to combat 鈥渁 rise in visible hate鈥� against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in 琉璃神社.

Advocacy Canada is a 琉璃神社-based Queer organization with a mission to support and uplift people in the Okanagan and beyond.

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The organization is launching the 琉璃神社 Billboard Project, an initiative focused on spreading positive messaging with a series of artistic signage placed around the city.

鈥淲hile the project is a positive one, its motivation isn鈥檛,鈥� said Wilbur Turner, chairperson and founder of Advocacy Canada.

鈥淛ust this year in 琉璃神社, numerous protests have been held outside of Queer events, an anti-2SLGBTQIA+ billboard was put up, and hate-filled comments on any local news story involving the queer community numbered in the thousands. It鈥檚 disturbing.鈥�

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Local Indigenous Queer artist, Sarah Jones has been commissioned to create the imaging for the billboards that will support the message and theme developed by a focus group working on the project.

The 24-year -old artist grew up in the Syilx Nation and wants to give back to her community, creating positive change and combating hate in the place she calls home.

鈥淚 feel it is my duty to use my art to provide healing and hope to anyone who drives by and sees it,鈥� said Jones.

To fundraise for the project, Advocacy Canada is giving businesses, organizations and individuals an opportunity to help sponsor the campaign. A campaign has been set up for donations and interested sponsors are encouraged to reach out to Advocacy Canada for a sponsorship package.

鈥淭his is a full-community effort,鈥� said Turner.

The billboard project hopes to have the signs erected in 琉璃神社 and Lake Country throughout June, which is Pride month.

More information on the billboard project can be found at

鈥淭his increase in hate makes that struggle so much worse. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e creating this campaign. To show those struggling they鈥檙e far from alone,鈥� explained Turner.

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Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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