MAY 25, 2017 • SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
MAY 26 - JUNE 4, 2017
VIEW ONLINE AT winnipegfreepress.com/ publications
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MAY 26 - JUNE 4, 2017
03
Pride, Political Protest and Progress WE’VE COME A LONG WAY, BUT WE’RE NOT THERE YET
To anyone who’s attended a Pride parade recently, all the positive vibes, messages of empowerment and rainbow-hued pomp and pageantry can make it easy to forget the event’s origins as an act of political protest . But after a year in which news cycles have been rife with debate over issues of inclusivity, representation and the ongoing fight for rights for marginalized populations, it’s no surprise local Pride organizers chose to mark their 30th anniversary by going back to their political roots. This year’s theme — Resurgence: Taking Back Space — serves as a call to action for members of the LGBTTQ community and their allies, to continue advocating on behalf of those who still face discrimination and social exclusion. “Pride has always been political — it’s never stopped,” says Jonathan Niemczak, president of the Pride Winnipeg Festival since 2012. “The messaging and the focus may have shifted to more of a celebration, but it’s always served as a political demonstration. “This year, we’re not saying that we can’t have a celebration — that’s still a key piece. But we do want to remind folks that there’s still more work that needs to be done.” The shift in focus is partly a response to criticisms levelled at Pride Winnipeg last year, by those who didn’t feel they were being represented in the event’s marketing materials, its organizing structure, or even in the parade itself. Local organizers issued an immediate public apology, and after consultations with many of those
groups, came to a similar conclusion — namely, that the Pride movement (here and elsewhere) had made great strides over the years, but had predominately benefitted white, cisgender gays and lesbians. “[Members of those groups] have gotten to a point in society where they’ve gained quite a bit of acceptance, and can go about their day-to-day lives with minimal interference and oppression,” says Niemczak. “When you look at other segments of our community — when you look at queer and trans persons of colour, or the Indigenous and two-spirit community — those folks haven’t really gotten to that level yet. They still face a lot of barriers in their daily lives.” That disparity was made clear during a Pride event in Toronto last summer, when Black Lives Matter activists brought the parade to a halt to issue a series of demands relating to a lack of diversity, funding and autonomy. Here in Winnipeg, local organizers also took those demands under consideration, in particular a call for a ban on police involvement in future Toronto parades. The issue sparked debate among Pride organizers across Canada, and conversations were still underway in mid-May to determine the best course of action here at home. “Our goal has always been to get to the root of the challenge — talking to those folks who have lived those experiences with police oppression in the community and then determining where those gaps are in terms of police, and how we can work collaboratively with them to try and fill in those gaps,” Niemczak says. “It’s hard to even say where the middle ground is, because it’s such an open-ended issue and you do have people on two very far ends of the spectrum. At the end of the day, we’re trying to find something that best serves the community, in our capacity as
custodians of a non-profit.” In keeping with the renewed commitment to representation, there are a number of new additions to this year’s event roster, including the city’s first-ever two-spirit powwow and Pride’s inaugural trans march. And in a nod to where it all began, this year’s parade will follow the same Portage Avenue route taken by the first group of Pride marchers in 1987. Though Niemczak himself wasn’t born until a few months later, he’s well aware that parade took place in a much less hospitable social and political climate, and recognizes the symbolism of the Portage route, especially to those who were there to walk it. “When we moved away from Portage and Main [to Broadway], there was a sense that we were ‘hiding’ the parade … and that wasn’t ever the intent,” he says. “So there’s definitely been a demand in the community for us to go back to that route. “[The city was] kind enough to work with us this year … but unfortunately, it’ll be a one-time thing.” Niemczak promises Pride Winnipeg’s commitment to inclusivity will not be a one-time thing, however, describing the recent paradigm shift as a series of “legacy changes” that will be embedded in the organization’s core values going forward, and top of mind in all future planning. Noting “the vast majority” of Pride organizers in Canada tend to share his demographic profile, he even says he’d be thrilled to be the last gay white male to serve as Pride Winnipeg’s president. “This isn’t something unique to Winnipeg — all Pride parades and Pride organizations are going to have to deal with this,” he says. “Because right now all the leaders look like me, and that can’t carry on. “It’s getting to the point where we have to start taking a back seat, and allowing those traditionally socially excluded groups to start taking the front seat — and leading the next wave of the movement.”
Pride Winnipeg president Jonathan Niemczak. Photo by Darcy Finley
“This year, we’re not saying that we can’t have a celebration — that’s still a key piece. But we do want to remind folks that there’s still more work that needs to be done.”
Shop with confidence and conscience Visit us during Pride Week for this Love is Love t-shirt and other items. Visit anytime at boutique.humanrights.ca
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PrideMART means Business By Jennifer McFee
PrideMART is an increasingly vital part of Pride Week. This year, 53 vendors will set up shop during the Festival at The Forks on Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4 from noon to 5 p.m. Organized by the Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce, PrideMART is attracting applications from a growing number of businesses. “We always try to accommodate them, but last year, we turned away 27 folks that wanted to participate,” says board member Mark Schollenberg. “We always try to have a great mix of some of the larger corporate allies that we have in the marketplace. It gives them an opportunity to showcase their brand and how they’re supporting the LGBT community.” As well, PrideMART will include booths from industry associations and companies that are actively recruiting employees. As a result, job seekers can get an idea of which employers openly embrace diversity and inclusion. For example, Schollenberg says the Manitoba Trucking Association and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) will both be on hand and ready to discuss employment options. “They’re there to talk about what kind of jobs they offer and how they support folks of different sexual orientations or gender identities,” he says. “We also have a number of businesses that are there selling directly to LGBT communities, either because their product is a great fit or because they’re an LGBT-owned business themselves.” In particular, Schollenberg points to about 15 artisans who will showcase locally designed and crafted products — everything from rainbow necklaces to handmade ceramics and gemstone
artwork. And some vendors are offering unique products and planning giveaways in honour of the 30th anniversary of Winnipeg’s first Pride march. “We encourage everyone to stop by and wander through and check out what the different businesses have to offer. Usually there are tons of giveaways, and if people are looking for gifts, there are some really unique finds as well,” he says. “I know our vendors are so excited to see all the people in the Pride Festival. They have been planning for months how they’re going to showcase their products and designing new things for this event.” The chamber puts in a lot of effort, too, since PrideMART aligns well with its overall goals. “We’re all about having a strong and diverse economy in Manitoba. Our mission is to promote and support an active community of LGBT- owned and allied businesses in the province,” Schollenberg says. “One of the great programs that we have involves working with all of our counterparts across North and South America to certify LGBT- owned businesses so that when they’re bidding on contracts, they can say that they’re a diversely owned business.” The chamber is also hosting its annual Pride in Business Networking Reception during Pride Week, on Wednesday, May 31. “It’s for folks in the business community and professionals to come and meet like-minded people,” Schollenberg says. “It’s a networking event, but it’s a lot of fun. It’s not nearly as stuffy as some other corporate events.” To learn more, visit the Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce website at www.mb-lgbt.biz.
PROUD WITH YOU Two-Spirited Peoples
were recognized as having the special responsibility of carrying two spirits and this was considered a gift
The WCB supports diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
aptn.ca Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Réseau de télévision des peuples autochtones
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MAY 26 - JUNE 4, 2017
Out of the closet and into the street
It took courage to participate in Winnipeg’s first Pride march, on Sunday, Aug. 2, 1987. While the provincial government had just passed an amendment to the Manitoba Human Rights Code to include sexual orientation as protected from discrimination, the vote was by no means unanimous. Some 250 people awaiting the results of the vote at the Manitoba Legislative Building celebrated with the city’s first Lesbian and Gay Pride Day march, chanting, “Out of the closet and into the street,” as they walked along Portage Avenue — a route the 30th anniversary parade will reclaim on Sunday, June 4.
Two of the original marchers, lifelong activists Albert McLeod (a director of Two-Spirited People of Manitoba) and Joel Sarbit (owner of Club 200), will serve as parade marshals this year. They, and many other activists and allies, have a lot to be proud of in 2017, as a condensed history of Canadian Pride and human rights shows:
1967 Then Justice Minister Pierre Trudeau proposes Criminal Code amendments that would decriminalize homosexuality, saying, “There’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.” 1969 The Stonewall riots in New York’s Greenwich Village galvanize North America’s gay rights activists — and Canada decriminalizes homosexual acts for adults over 21. 1973 A University of Manitoba student group offering an information line and other resources changes its name from Campus Gay Club to Gays for Equality. It evolved over the years to become the Rainbow Resource Centre, Canada’s longest continuously running LGBT2SQ* resource centre. 1974 Winnipeg’s Chris Vogel and Richard North are married
2010 The Pride Winnipeg festival moves from Memorial Park to The Forks to accommodate increasingly large crowds. 2011 Half Pints Brewing Company and Pride Winnipeg introduce Queer Beer. A popular pilsner at Pride Week celebrations, it’s also sold in Manitoba Liquor Marts.
at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, and take the province to court in an unsuccessful effort to have the marriage registered. (Along with two other couples, they succeeded in winning same- sex marriage rights in 2004, and later served as parade marshals in Winnipeg's 25th anniversary Pride parade.) 1978 Canada’s Immigration Act removes homosexuals from the list of inadmissible classes. 1979 The Canadian Human Rights Commission recommends that sexual orientation be added to the Canadian Human Rights Act. A bill to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation fails to pass the following year. 1981 Police raid bath houses in Toronto, sparking a mass protest that becomes known as Canada’s Stonewall.
1985 The Parliamentary Committee on Equality
1998 City councillor Glen Murray is elected mayor of Winnipeg, becoming North America’s first
1998
Rights recommends that the Canadian Human Rights Act be changed to make it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. 1987 The Manitoba Human Rights Code becomes one of the first in Canada to protect sexual orientation. Celebrants march through the streets of Winnipeg.
openly gay mayor of a major city. PHOTO BY BORIS MINKEVICH
2004 Following a lawsuit launched by three same- sex couples — Richard North and Chris Vogel, Michelle Ritchot and Stefphany Cholakis, and Laura Fouhse and Jordan Cantwell — Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Douglas Yard rules that the definition of marriage is ”no longer constitutionally valid in view of the provisions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.” PHOTO BY MIKE APORIUS
1994 Pride Winnipeg incorporates.
2012
2004
2012 The Manitoba
1997 The Imperial And Sovereign Court of Winnipeg and all of Manitoba — aka the Snowy Owl Monarchist Society — is established as a volunteer- run, non-profit fundraising organization for charities and organizations that support LGBTTQ* communities.
Legislative Building is lit up in rainbow lights in celebration of the Pride festival’s 25th anniversary. PHOTO BY TREVOR HAGAN
2013 Greg Selinger
becomes the first Manitoba premier to speak at the Pride Day Rally. 2014 Pride Winnipeg expands the Festival at The Forks to two days. 2015 Mayor Brian Bowman becomes the first ally mayor in Winnipeg to march in the Pride Parade, which includes representation from Winnipeg’s three major sports teams
SEVEN OAKS 27379
2005 Bill C-38
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT
becomes law, asserting the legal marriage rights of all Canadian same- sex couples.
for the first time. PHOTO BY RUTH BONNEVILLE
2015
rights and diversity in education.
Community begins here.
Proud to stand up for all Manitobans Happy Pride!
Apprendre et grandir ensemble, ça nous regarde TOUS.
The DSFM is Proud to celebrate our diversity. Happy Pride Week to all!
Nahanni Fontaine MLA for St. Johns 204-582-1550 NahanniFontaine.ca
Rob Altemeyer MLA for Wolseley 204-775-8575 RobAltemeyer.ca
James Allum MLA for Fort
www.dsfm.mb.ca
Garry-Riverview 204-475-2270 JamesAllum.ca
Flor Marcelino MLA for Logan 204-788-0800 FlorMarcelino.ca
Jim Maloway MLA for Elmwood 204-415-1122 JimMaloway.ca
Amanda Lathlin MLA for The Pas 204-623-2034 AmandaLathlin.ca
Tom Lindsey MLA for Flin Flon 204-687-3246 TomLindsey.ca
Andrew Swan
Ted Marcelino MLA for Tyndall Park 204-421-9493 TedMarcelino.ca
Matt Wiebe MLA for Concordia
Greg Selinger MLA for St. Boniface 204-237-9247 GregSelinger.ca
MLA for Minto 204-783-9860 AndrewSwan.ca
204-654-1857 MattWiebe.ca
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PHOTO BY MARC GALLANT
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MAY 26 - JUNE 4, 2017
SHOW YOUR
Join the celebration at Pride Winnipeg and community events, from flag raising ceremonies to the two-day Festival at The Forks June 3-4 and the 30th anniversary Pride Parade down Portage Avenue on June 4. See www.pridewinnipeg.com for more options and details. (All events are free unless noted.)
FRIDAY, MAY 26
SATURDAY, MAY 27
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31
Tickets cost $9 for Rady JCC members, $11 non-members, $8 students. See www. radyjcc.com. PRIDE VIGIL 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Manitoba Legislative Building
Dame Campus Diversity Centre, Building D, Room 208
POST-PRIDE RUN BRUNCH 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. PEG Beer Co., 125 Pacific Ave. Tickets cost $30 at FrontRunners website (wpgfr. ca). A donation will be made to Reaching Out Winnipeg for each ticket sold. FESTIVAL AT THE FORKS 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. PrideMART vendors, Queer Beer Beverage Tent, Liquor Mart Patio, Rainbow Road sponsors, Blue Bomber KidZone, food trucks and concessions, live entertainment. WINNIPEG’S INAUGURAL TRANS MARCH 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Manitoba Legislative Building Rally at the Leg, followed by a march down Broadway to The Forks. HERETO STAY @ OODENA CIRCLE 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Oodena Circle at The Forks Dance, music, crafts, and talent of diverse communities.
UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG PRIDE AND TWO-SPIRIT FLAG RAISING
ROOM SERVICE #WPG: PRIDE ROOFTOP PATIO PARTY
U OF M OUTLAWS AND MBA SOGIC WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTION 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Pitblado Law, 25th floor, 360 Main St. Celebrate the contributions of LGBT lawyers and activists in promoting equality and human rights. PRIDE IN BUSINESS NETWORKING RECEPTION 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Our Own Health Centre, 286 McDermot Ave. Wine, appetizers and casual networking at one of the biggest events of the year for the Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce. Free to members, $25 for non-members. See www. mb-lgbt.biz.
SCIENCE & SUPPER:THE CONNECTORS OF DESIRE 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunshine House, 646 Logan Ave. Have a little nosh and join a discussion about the science of desire, sex-positive cultures and the BDSM community. Suggested donation of $10.
11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Campus front lawn, 400 Spence St.
8 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tavern United, 260 Hargrave St.
The party animals at Room Service #WPG present DJs, dancing and drag shows. Advance tickets sold out. Limited number available at the door ($15 before 10 p.m., $20 after 10 p.m.)
MONDAY, MAY 29
PRIDE WINNIPEG FLAG RAISING AT CITY HALL 12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. City Hall, 510 Main St. Join Mayor Brian Bowman and Pride Winnipeg for the official rainbow-flag raising ceremony. WINNIPEG’S FIRST TWO-SPIRIT POWWOW 1:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. The Forks BEST INTERNATIONAL LGBTTQ* COMMERCIALS: 2017 EDITION 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.
CAFE CONVERSATION -THE POWER OF PRIDE 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Red River College, Roblin Centre Downtown Room P107
LGBTQ SINGLES MEET AND GREET 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd.
LA MACHA: THE ANDROGINIE BALL
TUESDAY, MAY 30
10 p.m. - 3 a.m. 3C - 91 Albert St.
Drinks in the Skylight Lounge and group activities and team challenges in the WAG galleries.
Twerk it. QPOC Winnipeg is throwing an underground party, with competitions,
OUT ONTHE STREETS — REFLECTIONS OFTHE 1ST ANNUAL LESBIAN & GAY PRIDE DAY, 1987 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. University of Winnipeg - Room 2M70 Two-Spirited People of Manitoba Inc. sponsors a panel discussion with some of Winnipeg’s first marchers. Participants include Heather Bishop, Judy Wasylycia-Leis, Trevor Thorkelson and Tom Johnson. LESBIAN LUBE WRESTLING 4:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Club 200, 190 Garry St. Wrestling action begins at 8 p.m., but the party starts early. Admission $10.
$30 admission includes complementary drink.
music and more. Admission is $10.
FRIDAY, JUNE 2
SUNDAY, MAY 28
The Park Theatre, 698 Osborne St.
READ BY QUEENS 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. West End Library, 999 Sargent Ave. Storytime with queens and kings.
ZOMBA DANCE PARTY FOR ALL
PRIDEYOUTH DANCE PARTY 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. West End Cultural Centre, 586 Ellice Ave.
Catch one of two screenings, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., of the best LGBTTQ* commercials from around the world at the annual fundraiser for Winnipeg’s Reel Pride Film Festival — which marks its 32nd anniversary this October. Tickets cost $10 at www. myparktheatre.com. TREASURE PETERSON IN CONCERT - PRIDE 30YEAR CELEBRATION! 8 p.m. - midnight Joe Black Coffee Bar, 2037 Portage Ave. Tickets cost $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
12:05 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. University of Manitoba, Bannatyne campus, Joe Doupe Recreation Centre
Peer Project for Youth, Queerview and QPOC
Winnipeg present a free, dry dance party for LGBT2SQ+ and allied youth ages 13-26. WINNIPEG INTERNATIONAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL: WHO’S GONNA LOVE
DATING IN COLOUR 7:15 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fools and Horses, 379 Broadway Cocktails, games, socializing and conversations about MSM dating.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
LEZ EATTACOS! 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
WINNIPEG FRONTRUNNERS PRIDE RUN 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Pride Moves! Fun, non- competitive event for runners and walkers. Fundraiser for Reaching Out Winnipeg, which sponsors and supports sexual and gender minority refugees and newcomers.
Plug in Institute of Contemporary Art, 460 Portage Ave. A rooftop party featuring Chef Natalie Davis and DJ Two Topping, with tequila cocktails and all-you-can-eat gourmet tacos. Advance tickets cost $25 plus fee at www. eventbrite.ca.
ME NOW? 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, JUNE 1
Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd.
CAFE CONVERSATION -THE POWER OF PRIDE 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Red River College, Notre
A young HIV-positive man in London longs to reconnect with his family in Israel.
MAY 26 - JUNE 4, 2017
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and more. Tickets cost $10 in advance at the Good Will, $15 at the door (or pay what you can).
COCKTAILS OFF BROADWAY 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
FESTIVAL AT THE FORKS 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. PrideMART vendors, Queer Beer Beverage Tent, Liquor Mart Patio, Rainbow Road sponsors, Blue Bomber KidZone, food trucks and concessions, live entertainment featuring performances by Hidden Cameras, William Prince, Lanikai, The Pack A.D. and more.
Join the Snowy Owl Monarchist Society at a fun fundraiser for its scholarship/bursary fund program for LGBTTQ* students. Suggested donation of $15. THE PACK A.D.WITH SOLHOUNDS ATTHE HANDSOME DAUGHTER 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. The Handsome Daughter, 61 Sherbrook St. Admission is $15. A.W.E. (A WOMEN’S EVENT) PRIDE 30 9:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Pyramid Cabaret, 176 Fort St DJ Mama Cutsworth and special guests. Proceeds go to Nine Circles Community Health Centre. Tickets are $15 in advance at www.eventbrite. ca, $20 at the door. LADIES NIGHT BLACK PARTY 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art, 460 Portage Ave. Wear black, dance, look and feel divine. Admission is $10.
COLOUR ME QUEER DANCE PARTY 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
The Good Will Social Club, 625 Portage Ave. Featuring DJ C8E, DJ Louie Lovebird, DJ Jordan, QPOC dancers, in support of LGBTTQ* refugees. Admission is $10.
QTPOC DROPTHE MIC 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
The Good Will Social Club, 625 Portage Ave. Open mic event featuring special guest Vivek Shraya, with Adrienne Yeung, Tharuna Abbu
VIVEK SHRAYA PHOTO BY TANJA-TIZIANA
HAPPY 30 TH ANNIVERSARY! CELEBRATING SEXUALITY WITH PRIDE
Congratulations Pride Winnipeg!
LIVE GREEN LIVE WELL
SUNDAY, JUNE 4
PRIDE PANCAKE BREAKFAST 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Club 200, 190 Garry St. Youth volunteers serve up pancakes and Pride. Donations help support youth initiatives through the Rainbow Resource Centre. PRIDE SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 9:30 a.m. Memorial Park Augustine United Church, 444 River Ave. Windsor Park United Church, 1062 Autumnwood Dr.
serc.mb.ca
PRIDE RALLY 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Manitoba Legislative Building
LIVE GREEN LIVE WELL
PRIDE PARADE 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Following the rally, the parade moves north along Memorial Boulevard to Portage Avenue and on to The Forks.
greenactioncentre.ca
9th Floor - 400 St. Mary Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4K5 p: 204.949.1312 w: tmlawyers.com Pride.
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MAY 26 - JUNE 4, 2017
Creating Positive Housing for Seniors By Jennifer McFee
Nobody should spend their golden years in the closet. That’s one reason a Rainbow Resource Centre committee is working to fill a housing gap for LGBT2SQ* seniors. Volunteer chair John Kletke says the Positive Spaces Initiative aims to create affirming and affordable housing, reviving a concept that was originally developed in the 1990s. I know of people who’ve gone into nursing homes and had to go back into the closet. That’s why we’re finding that this is so important.” “I’ve travelled a lot and I’ve lived in quite a few places in Canada and I’m seeing the same thing everywhere — there’s no seniors housing for us,” says Kletke, who will turn 60 this year. “I fought the battle back in the ’70s. I don’t
want to fight it again when I am 70. I know of people who’ve gone into nursing homes and had to go back into the closet. That’s why we’re finding that this is so important.” The group has hosted several town hall meetings and has determined there is enough demand to make the initiative viable. The vision is to build one or two buildings that will offer 90 to 120 accessible suites, ranging from about 330 to 1,000 square feet to meet the needs of different budgets. Approximately 55 per cent of the space will be residential, with the remainder committed to commercial and communal areas. It’s important to include amenities that will encourage seniors to socialize and stay active, Kletke notes. “We found that a lot of older gay people stay in their apartments because there’s no activities for them,” he says. “We’re going to have crafts rooms,
gardens, computer rooms because we want to get people out.” The project might also include apartments for students who would pay a reduced rent in return for helping out the older tenants. “The students could be very helpful with attending to us older people, maybe taking someone for a walk or just sitting and talking to them or helping with laundry,” Kletke says. “And we can pass on our life experience to the younger people.” Another idea is to offer temporary housing for LGBT2SQ* refugees or new Canadians. “Sometimes people come from countries where they’ve run away because they’re gay. We’re going to have a few rooms where we can put maybe six to 10 people at time for three to six months. We can help them and show them around so they’re not just coming here and having to live on the streets,” Kletke says. “We’re trying to do
something different.” The committee hopes construction will be underway within two years, in a central location with easy access to transit. For now, the focus is on raising funds, through public and private sources. “We’re looking at roughly $50 million for land and building and all the work. There’s a lot of fundraising that has to go on, from little to big,” Kletke says. “Anyone is more than welcome to get in touch with us for anything — if they want information, if they want to volunteer, if they have ideas. We’re very open.”
To learn more about the Positive Spaces Initiative, email ps@rainbowresourcecentre.org.
Honoured to Support the 2017 Pride Winnipeg Festival
www.ufcw832.com
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