Letting the Unicorn Out of the Closet: What’s Next for This Queer Space in Kelowna 🦄🌈

Change can feel big — especially when it involves a space that has meant so much to so many people. So we wanted to share the full story of what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what’s coming next.

After nearly six years, Friends of Dorothy Kelowna will close out its chapter under current ownership on December 31, 2025. Just shy of its sixth anniversary, this moment marks not an ending, but a carefully considered handoff — one rooted in continuity, intention, and community.

A Thoughtful Transition — and a New Family

Over a focused two-week period, Rudy Tomazic and Dustyn Baulkham worked closely together to ensure one thing above all else: this space would remain a queer space, owned and operated by someone deeply invested in the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Effective January 1, 2026, Dustyn will officially step into the role of owner, and the venue will enter its next chapter as Unicorn Lounge — proudly joining the Rebellious Unicorns family.

Rebellious Unicorns exists to create, protect, and amplify queer-led spaces, stories, and experiences. Bringing this venue into that ecosystem means long-term care, creative growth, and a values-driven approach — not just for today, but for the years ahead.

This isn’t a takeover. It’s a homecoming.

Built From the Inside Out

Dustyn has spent the past year managing the space — working alongside staff and performers, understanding the rhythms of the room, and learning what truly makes it feel like home. This transition reflects that lived, hands-on experience.

Unicorn Lounge isn’t about starting over. It’s about building forward, with intention.

What’s Changing — and What Isn’t

With Unicorn Lounge, you’ll start to see:

• A new name and visual identity
• Updated menus 
• Interior refreshes that elevate the space while keeping its soul intact

Just as importantly, many of the things people love are not changing:

• Our incredible staff are staying
• The community-first, performer-centred ethos remains
• The commitment to queer joy, safety, and visibility continues

This is an evolution — not an erasure.

Our Performers Are Part of the Journey

Performers have always been the heartbeat of this venue, and they remain central to what comes next. They’re excited to step into this new chapter together, and we’re committed to continuing a relationship built on respect, collaboration, and care.

Updated schedules and reservation details will be shared very soon.

January: A Transition Month

January 2026 will act as a soft transition period as operations shift from Friends of Dorothy to Unicorn Lounge.

January hours will be:

• Friday, Saturday & Sunday
• 7PM to late
• Brunch returns January 11

We’re aiming for a grand reopening in February 2026, once the final pieces are in place — and yes, it will be celebrated properly.

A Limited-Time Gift Card Offer

To mark this next chapter, Unicorn Lounge is offering a limited-time gift card promotion:

• 30% bonus value on gift cards
• Available through end of day January 1, 2026
• Purchase at 👉 www.unicornlounge.lgbt

More details will be shared shortly about how existing Friends of Dorothy gift cards can be used with Unicorn Lounge for a limited time during the transition.

With Gratitude, and With Intention

Friends of Dorothy Kelowna has been shaped by the people who showed up — to perform, to celebrate, to connect, and to exist fully as themselves. We’re deeply grateful for that history, and proud that this space doesn’t disappear — it evolves.

By joining the Rebellious Unicorns family, this venue is stepping into a future rooted in queer leadership, community care, and unapologetic self-expression.

The unicorn is officially out of the closet.

And this next chapter is just getting started. 🦄✨