Friends of Dorothy to open
Miriam Halpenny - Jan 13, 2020 - Biz Releases

Photo: Rob Gibson
This is the future home of Friends of Dorothy Lounge in downtown Kelowna.

Kelowna is getting its first LGBT2Q+ cocktail lounge, and it opens on Jan. 25.

The concept for Friends of Dorothy Lounge came from Rudy Tomazic, one of the masterminds behind Kelowna’s NOIR and DIVA drag events.

“With the popularity of the NOIR and DIVA events, Friends of Dorothy Lounge seemed like a natural progression,” Tomazic said. “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.”

Friends of Dorothy Lounge is located on the corner of Water Street and Lawrence Avenue in the downtown core.

Historically, the term ‘friend of Dorothy’ was used in the LGBT2Q+  community as a way to discuss an individual’s sexual orientation, while avoiding the possibility of violence and discrimination.

A popular story of where the term originated comes from gay icon Judy Garland 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,” Tomazic said. “We also wanted to create a lounge experience that offers marvelous taste in a modernly royal setting.”

There will be affordable cocktails and delectable bites available on the menu, with cocktails including the Rusty Tin Man, Ruby Slipper and Rainbow Twister—all takes on the classics.

Bites include the No Brainer and the Lion’s Share, which all pair perfectly with the house cocktails.

Friends of Dorothy Lounge is a 19-plus establishment that will be open Thursday to Saturday, from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.


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