*From the Desk of Dustyn Baulkham, Executive Producer at Rebellious Unicorns*

Dear friends and community members,

I hope this message finds you safe and well amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the wildfires in the Kamloops and Interior of BC areas. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you who are affected by this difficult situation. In times like these, we understand that coming together as a community becomes even more essential. It's with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the disruptions and hardships these wildfires have brought to so many lives.

As the executive producer of Rebellious Unicorns, I want to address the changes and adjustments we've made to our upcoming events taking place during Kamloops Pride week. Both events are scheduled to take place on August 26th. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our attendees, performers, partners, and community members. In light of the recent travel restrictions imposed due to the wildfires, we have had to rethink some of our plans.

You can find a comprehensive update from Kamloops Pride on their Instagram post [here]. These adjustments are a response to the dynamic situation we find ourselves in and are designed to align with the recent travel restrictions outlined on the [EmergencyInfoBC website].

I regret to inform you that due to the current circumstances, Venus and DJ Miss Bliss will no longer be able to join us for the festivities this weekend. Their participation would require accommodations, which is not feasible under the current circumstances. While their absence is felt, please know that we are dedicated to bringing you a meaningful and memorable Kamloops Pride experience. We are working on replacing them with local and regional talent that will continue to bring a fabulous set of events to Kamloops Pride. The events will be updated once we have the info confirmed:

• Ella's Drag Brunch
• FruitCake: Kamloops Pride

We understand the concerns and uncertainties that many of you may be experiencing. Please rest assured that we are in constant communication with our venues and Kamloops Pride organizers. Our collective efforts are geared towards ensuring that our events take place in a manner that adheres to safety protocols and respects the travel restrictions in place.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we want you to know that we will keep you updated regularly as things change. Our commitment to you is to maintain transparency and open communication throughout this process.

In these challenging times, it's important for us to come together not only as a community celebrating Pride but also as individuals who empathize with the struggles faced by those affected by the wildfires. Our thoughts are with the incredibly brave and dedicated first responders who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe. Let's keep them in our hearts and hope for rain this week that will aid their efforts and bring relief to the affected areas.

To our community, our supporters, and everyone who has been eagerly anticipating Kamloops Pride week, thank you for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support. Together, we will navigate these challenges with resilience and come out stronger on the other side.

With heartfelt gratitude and solidarity,

Dustyn Baulkham
Executive Producer, Rebellious Unicorns