Okanagan’s first LGBTQ+ lounge set to open in Kelowna

The Okanagan is getting its first official LGBT2Q+ cocktail lounge.

Set to open in the next few weeks, the Meet the Friends of Dorothy Lounge was created by Rudy Tomazic, one of the people behind Kelowna’s NOIR and DIVA drag events, according to a news release.

"It was important to create a space that feels like a VIP experience while not taking ourselves too seriously,” said Tomazic of the space that's described as “Louis the XIV meets punk chic."

Adorned in decadent rich wall coverings and imagery with a hint of rebellion, the completely reimagined interior is just one part of the Friends of Dorothy Lounge concept, the release said.

Historically speaking, the term ‘friend of Dorothy’ carries a lot of meaning, the release said. In the past, members of the LGBT2Q+ community would use the term as a euphemism for discussing one’s sexual orientation without letting everyone know for fear of violence and discrimination. There are several different stories as to where the term originated. The best stories relate to Judy Garland, a gay icon, and her role in The Wizard of Oz.

“Today it is a term that is rarely used, but remains a part of queer culture and an important nod to the past and how far we’ve come as a community,” says Tomazic.

“We also wanted to create a lounge experience that offers marvelous taste in a modernly royal setting” says Tomazic.

Cocktails such as the Rusty Tin Man, Ruby Slipper, and Rainbow Twister will be Friends of Dorothy’s takes on the classics.

“With the popularity of the NOIR and DIVA events, Friends of Dorothy Lounge seemed like a natural progression. Kelowna has been waiting for this. We want to provide an inclusive home for the LGBT2Q+ community and allies to come together for experiences and events on a regular basis,” sais Tomazic.

The lounge is located at 315 Lawrence Avenue.

For updates, event information and employment opportunities, visit FODLounge.com

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.