Pride Winnipeg

Looking at the bigger picture, Matheson is proud to share knowledge with organizers of Pride events around the globe. She was appointed as the vice- president of accessibility with InterPride, the international organization that brings together Pride organizers from across the world to network, share knowledge and maximize impact. "Due to all the hard work I have been able to do and have been recognized for, I have been given the opportunity to provide insight and guidance on making Pride festivals accessible on a global scale," she says. "I am honoured to be put in this brand new role within InterPride. I am looking forward to collaborating and learning from other Prides around the world. Sixteen per cent of the population is disabled, and it's important to me that they are welcome and able to enjoy the same festivities as the other 84 per cent." Closer to home, last year's Pride Festival in Winnipeg included several new accessibility features. However, through a survey after the event, many attendees indicated that they hadn't heard about these accessible options. "When they heard about it after the fact, a lot of them said it actually would have been really handy for them," said Jenn Rands, vice- president of advocacy for Pride Winnipeg. "This year, we want to make sure everyone knows about our accessibility options." To start, Pride Winnipeg will provide ASL (American Sign Language) services at all of its events, including the rally and stage performances. This year's parade also features indoor and outdoor accessible viewing spaces. "The indoor space is at Canada Life Centre in the atrium area for folks who have accessibility needs. There will be washrooms there for those folks, and it's air-conditioned. If you want to plan ahead, there will be links to pre-register for your spot on the Pride Winnipeg website and mobile app," Rands says. "In terms of outdoor viewing space, the accessibility area is going to be right in front of Canada Life Centre. There will be a designated space there to allow for easier viewing opportunities for those who require them." For the second year, the parade will be accessible through described audio. Images and videos on social media and the website will also feature captions and alt texts for those with visual impairment. In addition, the beverage tent and patio will offer an accessible entrance and accessible bar. Another festival feature will be a quiet zone located at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. "There will also be live streaming of the main stage in that room at a more comfortable volume," Rands says. "It will be a place for folks that need to escape the hustle and bustle of the crowd in a sensory-friendly space." And for the first time, the Pride Festival will include a Trailblazers Lounge specifically geared for the 55-plus crowd. "It will be a shady rest stop with some seating and a place to cool off for the older adults," Rands says. "The space will have a dedicated accessible washroom and water refill station. It will be a comfortable place for folks to cool down and hang out with their peers." A Pride-branded rainbow information tent will be set up near the entrance to the festival grounds near The Forks parkade for anyone who has questions or needs additional support. To learn more about accessibility, visit pridewinnipeg.com or check out the information on the app. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 L-R: Angel Blue (Violetta), La Traviata, 2018. Elliot Madore (Figaro), The Barber of Seville, 2019. Andrea Lett (Zerlina), Don Giovanni, 2018. Ileana Montalbetti (Leonore), Fidelio, 2014. Gregory Dahl (George), Of Mice and Men, 2016. Lara Ciekiewicz (Countess), The Marriage of Figaro, 2015. Photos 1, 2: C. Corneau; Photos 3-6: R. Tinker J U S T L I K E O P E R A , L O V E C O M E S I N A L L D I F F E R E N T C O L O U R S H A P P Y P R I D E F R O M

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