PRIDE WINNIPEG
MAY 24 – JUNE 2 • 2024
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ABOARD TO NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WELCOME
BY JENNIFER MCFEE
Excitement is building at Pride Winnipeg, which currently has a full team made up of more than 30 individuals on the board and staff. For the first year in a long time, every
background informs my approach to serving the organization and community as a whole,” says Irvine, who is working towards a doctorate in jazz studies from the University of Toronto. “I deeply value fostering spaces built on education, listening, communication, patience and growth — looking to the
volunteer position is filled for the organization’s teams. And thanks to
community and knowledge they provide for guidance on the best course
funding from a provincial grant to expand operations, Pride Winnipeg was able to hire an executive director as its first ever paid contractor. Sean Irvine, the new executive director of Pride Winnipeg, brings a unique set of skills to the organization. “For over a decade, I’d worked as an educator alongside the completion of my doctoral research. With being the executive director of Pride Winnipeg, this
of action when it comes to making decisions.” At the same time, Irvine recognizes the importance of sensitivity, compassion and empathy in his role.
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Photo by Darcy Finley SEAN IRVINE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PRIDE WINNIPEG.
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throughout the year. We aim to collaborate more closely with community partners and allies to forge a stronger network of support for Winnipeg and Manitoba’s 2SLGBTQ+ people and shift to providing more Pride events year-round,” he says. “At the forefront of this vision, our goal is to amplify our duty as advocates, support 2SLGBTQ+ small businesses and create additional safe spaces for our community.” The Pride Festival serves as a concentrated showcase of this vision, condensed into a jam- packed weekend. “We value the insight and feedback given to us each year by festival-goers,” he says. “Ultimately, we want the vision and future of Pride Winnipeg and the Pride Festival to be the vision and future of Winnipeg and Manitoba’s Pride community as a whole.” Pride Winnipeg continues to thrive, benefiting from the creativity and determination of the dedicated team. “Thanks to visionary leaders like Jenn Rands, vice- president of advocacy, and Amanda Pratt, vice- president of program development, 2024 has seen the launch of the Manitoba Pride Alliance. This groundbreaking initiative fosters communication and collaboration among Pride organizations throughout the province, marking a first of its kind in Canada,” Irvine says. “We are committed to deepening our engagement with community members, listening to their voices and actively advancing our shared goals and initiatives. We are working to be a better support to not only the stellar queer community in Winnipeg but Manitoba as a whole.”
For Irvine, the concept of Pride extends beyond the festivities. “Over the years, I've had the privilege of listening to many voices of community members. Their stories have shaped my understanding of what the Pride season means to me. I believe it is crucial to recognize that Pride extends far beyond a week or a month — Pride is year-round,” he said. “The Pride celebration season is a time for education, for increasing visibility and for celebrating the victories achieved by our community with the support of its members and allies. It also serves as a powerful reminder that, despite the challenges we face, Pride supporters are vocal and present. We stand together, continuing our relentless push for equality and visibility.” At the same time, there’s much to look forward to at this year’s Pride Festival. “This year’s festival is set to be our best year yet — I must admit, I may be a bit biased here as it's my first year on the team. I want to acknowledge, though, that none of this is possible without all the volunteers that donate their time to the festival each year. They are family to us. The volunteer team at Pride Winnipeg has been working tirelessly to create an unforgettable weekend,” he says. “During Pride Week, we encourage everyone to participate in as many community events as possible — whether it's enjoying a drag show or engaging in an education session put on by a community organization. On the weekend of Pride, let’s show Canada how Manitoba celebrates. Let’s be louder and prouder than ever on June 1 and 2.”
Starting in the fall, our focus will shift towards hosting more Pride events throughout the year.”
– Sean Irvine, executive director of Pride Winnipeg.
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“Pride Winnipeg, and what it requires of an executive director, is unique from most business or non-profit models. This role is about listening, reiterating and leading action, while prioritizing the understanding that every person’s story is unique,” he says. “Pride Winnipeg is about building to each individual, not throwing anyone in a box and saying their story is ‘close enough.’ So I do feel I am the right person for this role.” The Pride Winnipeg team remains committed to finding ways to support the Pride community, he adds.
“Starting in the fall, our focus will shift towards hosting more Pride events
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BY JENNIFER MCFEE PRIDE WINNIPEG CONTINUES to grow
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.
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BEGONIA WILL BE THE MAIN STAGE HEADLINER ON SUNDAY, JUNE 2. Submitted Photo
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The community stage will also be back this year, and it has been renamed as Mamawi stage. “Mamawi is a Cree, Anishinaabemowin and Métis word that means ‘together.’ The purpose of that area is to focus primarily on 2SQT BIPOC performers,” Rands says. “It’s a second stage with programming and entertainment both Saturday and Sunday. It consists of local community talent ranging from solo musicians, bands, DJs, drag artists, dancers, poets, comedians and more. There is a beverage garden there, as well as a substance-free zone.” To keep organized and up to date with everything happening at the Pride Festival, be sure to check out the Pride Winnipeg mobile
app, which launched last year. “That’s where all the information about the festival is going to be — accessibility, what food trucks are on site, vendors and sponsors, our festival schedule and list of performers,” Rands says. “To meet our sustainability goals and policies, Pride Winnipeg no longer produces a printed paper Pride guide. Our app will now be the go-to place to find all the information needed for the festival.”
We especially wanted to support our trans community this year given the current climate not only locally but across the country.”
– Jenn Rands, vice-president of advocacy for Pride Winnipeg.
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THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL IS “TRANSCEND TOGETHER.” Submitted Photos
Diversity and inclusion are as important to us as they are to you. These are core values to us, values that guide everything we do, helping us bring positive impact to our members, our communities and the environment. We’re proud to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and we remain committed to promoting diversity in our company and in our community. We celebrate with you! JoinACU.ca
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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 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.”
KRISTIE MATHESON, DIRECTOR OF ACCESSIBILITY. Photo by Darcy Finley
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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.
IN OUR HERD, EVERY BISON IS WELCOME. JOIN US AT THE PARADE ON JUNE 2.
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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.
JUST LIKE OPERA, LOVE COMES IN ALL DIFFERENT COLOURS HAPPY PRIDE FROM
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
To learn more about accessibility, visit pridewinnipeg.com or check out the information on the app.
PRIDE PARADE WELCOMES TWO GRAND MARSHALS
BARBARA BRUCE. Submitted Photo
Two distinguished grand marshals will lead the Pride Parade through Winnipeg streets this year. Barbara Bruce and Charlotte Nolin are both well-respected Two-Spirit elders in the community. They will be speaking at the rally and then leading the parade on Sunday, June 2. Bruce is a knowledge keeper, a kookum and a citizen of Red River Métis Nation. She has also made her mark as a Sundancer, a sweat-lodge leader and a pipe carrier. Through these roles, she remains dedicated to recognizing and advancing the Two-Spirit community, as well as Indigenous women and children.
The Human Rights Commission of Manitoba recognized Bruce for her work to promote Indigenous rights and equality. Sagkeeng First Nation also honoured Bruce for her contributions to economic development in First Nation and Métis communities. In 2018, Bruce was inducted into the Order of Manitoba in honour of her life’s work. Then in 2021, she received the Nellie McClung Foundation Manitoba 150 Trailblazer
Barbara Bruce remains dedicated to recognizing and advancing the Two- Spirit community, as well as Indigenous women and children.
Award. In 2022, she received the Natural Resources Canada
Bed Breakfast & by Mark Crawford PRIDE IN THEATRE
departmental achievement award in the category of workplace culture and wellness. The same year, she also received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal of Manitoba.
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Adding to her contributions, some of Bruce’s past and present board appointments include involvement with National Aboriginal Economic Development, Manitoba Communities Economic Development Fund and Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. She has also served for Top 40 Under 40 and the University of Winnipeg Board of Regents. In addition, she was the chair of the Métis Child and Family Services Authority and she co-led a working group for the University of Manitoba on identity fraud. “Stands Strong Eagle Woman” Charlotte Nolin, a strong and determined Two- Spirit Métis woman, has faced numerous challenges throughout her 73 years of life. She endured the hardships of Indian Day Schools and the infamous ’60s Scoop, emerging as a survivor. Overcoming early struggles with addiction and experiencing violence at the hands of those who
exploited her, Nolin’s resilience shone through. At the age of 21, she even battled with thoughts of suicide, feeling unwanted by the world. At age 17, she attempted to transition but encountered homophobia and transphobia. Nearly 50 years later, she completed her transition. In her younger years, Nolin excelled at her work in the construction industry. At the age of 40, Nolin embarked on a new career path in social work, finding immense fulfillment in protecting those who couldn’t protect themselves. One particular memory stands out for her — her instrumental role in reuniting a five-year- old girl with her relatives in The Pas after being separated in British Columbia. Today, Nolin leads the Two-Spirit community in Sundance. In addition, she’s an Elder in Residence at the University of Manitoba while also doing work for the Natural Resources Canada department of the federal government.
Charlotte Nolin leads the Two- Spirit community in Sundance. In addition, she’s an Elder in Residence at the University of Manitoba while also doing work for the Natural Resources Canada department of the federal government.
CHARLOTTE NOLIN. Submitted Photo
Happy Pride!
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MANITOBA PRIDE ALLIANCE CREATES COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
BY JENNIFER MCFEE
It’s now easier than ever for Pride organizers to share resources and knowledge, particularly in rural and northern communities across the province. The Manitoba Pride Alliance launched in January thanks to provincial funding provided to Pride Winnipeg last year in an effort to bolster 2SLGBTQ+ community initiatives. Jenn Rands, vice-president of advocacy for Pride Winnipeg, is also the newly appointed chair of the Manitoba Pride Alliance. She says it’s been a longtime goal of Pride Winnipeg to create this group, which is the first of its kind in Canada. “The purpose of the Alliance is to bring together all the rural and northern Prides in the province and to give the organizers somewhere to share resources and knowledge,” she says. “There is also a funding aspect of it, so we have grants within the Manitoba Pride Alliance that try to prioritize growing the Pride movement in Manitoba. Priorities go to communities or grassroots organizations that are putting together Pride celebrations for the first time and in rural or remote locations.” The Alliance meets regularly to chat and share information about what’s happening across the province. “One of the concerns this year is community safety,” Rands says. “There are some communities in Manitoba that have some unique security concerns, and we’re looking to work together to address that.”
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Photo by Darcy Finley JENN RANDS IS THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF ADVOCACY FOR PRIDE WINNIPEG AND THE CHAIR OF MANITOBA PRIDE ALLIANCE.
The purpose of the Alliance is to bring together all the rural and northern Prides in the province and to give the organizers somewhere to share resources and knowledge.”
– Jenn Rands, vice-president of advocacy for Pride Winnipeg and chair of Manitoba Pride Alliance.
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If anybody is interested in starting up a new Pride group in their community, Rands encourages them to reach out to the Manitoba Pride Alliance. “We have an advisory council that’s split up into north, south, east and west regions,” she says. “We have some advisors on the council who are part of more established Prides, and they serve as advisors for Prides in that area. That’s where we’re starting.” In addition, the Manitoba Pride Alliance offers opportunities for education for anyone who is interested. “We also have an education component where we are working towards offering online webinars and training in the next weeks and months to come,” Rands says. “These components might be centred around community safety or different topics like how to get allies and local governments more involved in your community.”
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To learn more about the Manitoba Pride Alliance, email mpa@pridewinnipeg.com or check out @mbpridealliance on Instagram and Facebook.
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WE STAND WITH ALL OUR LEARNERS AND FAMILIES
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