Kelowna’s business community continues to break down barriers with the opening of the city’s first LGBT2Q + cocktail lounge.
The Friends of Dorothy Lounge, which opened in late January, provides a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy a variety of cocktails, food and entertainment.
Rudy Tomazic, owner of Friends of Dorthy, said the facility was started simply because the Okanagan needed a place for the LGBT2Q + community and their allies to be where they could be.
“It’s not just about the LGBT2Q + community, it’s about the community as a whole,” said Tomazic.
“We have people who come, who are part of the heterosexual community, the queer community. So not just for LGBT2Q +, but for everyone. “
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Tomazic said the establishment had been welcomed better than he could ever have imagined as it was often busy.
“What I hear the most is thank you,” said Tomazic, adding that people from Kamloops, Osoyoos and Revelstoke have come to see the new lounge.
“It was accepted better than I thought. Not that I thought it wasn’t going to be a big hit, I just thought it was a slower build. It’s already the point where we turn people away on the weekends, I don’t have enough seats for people. “
The Friends of Dorothy Lounge is located on the corner of Water Street and Lawrence Avenue in downtown Kelowna. The name “Friends of Dorthy” was created with Tomazic’s aunt Dorothy in mind, an inspiring woman who was a member of the LGBT2Q + community. The term “Friends of Dorothy” was also used as a code to identify oneself as gay in times when it was much less accepted.
In terms of aesthetics, the Sticks and Stones design group created the space that the establishment calls “Louis the XIV meets Punk Chic”.
“It was important to create a space that felt like a VIP experience without taking ourselves too seriously,” said Tomazic.
“We also wanted to create a lounge experience that offers wonderful taste in a modern, royal ambience. The vision was warm, comfortable and inviting. “
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The lounge serves affordable signature cocktails like Rusty Tin Man, Ruby Slipper, and Rainbow Twister. In addition, delicacies such as No Brainer and Lion’s Share are paired with special Friend of Dorothy cocktails to take the dining experience to the next level.
From March, the lounge will also host karaoke Wednesdays hosted by local drag queens, as well as a drag brunch that starts in March.
You can find more information about the Friends of Dorthy Lounge on their website.
