Voices Unheard S1E10 - Wilbur Turner

Content Rating: Parental guidance is suggested for the designated age range (7-13 yrs); some material may not be suitable for all children due to coarse language. Host: Jessica Samuels Guest: Wilbur Turner Season 1 - Episode: 10

For the final episode in this season of Voices Unheard, we celebrate Kelowna Pride Week by delving into the city’s LGBT2Q+ history, and learning the story of a gay man who has been instrumental in fostering the Pride movement in this British Columbia community. Wilbur Turner (he/him) grew up during the 60s and 70s in rural Alberta “in a time when gay wasn't a word you heard.” His upbringing in a conservative Christian cult made it impossible for him to recognize his sexuality, and was eventually ostracized by some of his own family and the church when he finally came out after 18 years of marriage to a woman. His coming out experience led him to volunteer work in the LGBT2Q+ community; after moving to Kelowna in 2011, he became heavily involved with Kelowna Pride. Wilbur was a key part of taking a small Pride March with a few dozen in attendance, to the festival with thousands in attendance in 2019.