Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1521092
PRIDE MAY 24 – JUNE 2 6 Accessibility is a core value for Pride Winnipeg to ensure everyone can participate and enjoy the celebrations. Kristie Matheson, director of accessibility, shared why accessibility is so important at Pride Winnipeg. "Accessibility is more than just thinking about people with disabilities: it's about thinking about our aging community, our folks with children and more. Our queer elders deserve to partake in the fun and enjoy the celebration that they've worked hard for to get the community here," she says. "The fight is still happening around the world, but we're creating the festival to ensure it's a safe space that allows our community to have a moment of escapism for the weekend." The work around accessibility is never truly done, she adds. "As the festival becomes more accessible for people to attend, new needs will need to be met," she says. "I am forever grateful for how supportive the board and team at Pride have been to help me get here, and I can't wait to see what else we can get done." PRIDE FESTIVITIES FOCUS ON accessibility BY JENNIFER MCFEE Accessibility is more than just thinking about people with disabilities: it's about thinking about our aging community, our folks with children and more." – Kristie Matheson, director of accessibility. KRISTIE MATHESON, DIRECTOR OF ACCESSIBILITY. Photo by Darcy Finley CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 IN OUR HERD, EVERY BISON IS WELCOME. JOIN US AT THE PARADE ON JUNE 2.