Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1521092
PRIDE MAY 24 – JUNE 2 4 Pride Winnipeg Festival continues to grow with an impressive attendance of more than 80,000 attendees over the course of last year's event. The 2024 Pride Winnipeg Festival runs from May 24 to June 2, this year with the theme "Transcend Together." With a focus on collective strength and unity within the queer community, this theme highlights the resilience of trans individuals. At the same time, the theme draws attention to advocacy efforts to protect trans rights while also celebrating unique identities. "We especially wanted to support our trans community this year given the current climate not only locally but across the country. There have been concerns in Saskatchewan, Alberta and New Brunswick, and it seems that the trans community has been a really big target over the last year," says Jenn Rands, vice-president of advocacy for Pride Winnipeg. "So we want to support our trans community and let them know that we're behind them. We're all in this together. We felt it was really important to highlight them to give them space and visibility." Highlights of this year's festival include a flag-raising event on Friday, May 24 and a vigil on Sunday, May 26. The festival at The Forks is set for Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. Adding to the excitement, Begonia will be the main stage headliner on Sunday. The parade and rally will also take place on Sunday, June 2. This year's festival will feature a larger Pride Mart area, and the job fair will return for the second year in a row after receiving positive feedback from the community. Attendees can also look forward to an expanded community zone, which includes booths showcasing non-profit organizations and city services that serve the 2SLGBT+ community, ranging from social services and health to sports and recreation. BY JENNIFER MCFEE PRIDE WINNIPEG CONTINUES to grow CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 BEGONIA WILL BE THE MAIN STAGE HEADLINER ON SUNDAY, JUNE 2. Submitted Photo