Pride Winnipeg | 2014

May 21, 2014 • Supplement to the winnipeg free press

WITHOUT BORDERS May 23 - June 1, 2014 PRIDE 2014

2014 BUICK ENCORE

2014 GMC SIERRA

2014 CHEVROLET VOLT

FIRST PRICE, BESTPRICE 1-877-816-4172 LOCALAND TOLLFREE

birchwoodchevrolet.ca

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

www.bankapproved.ca BIGCHAD

Themost interesting salesman alive

Apply Now!

CHAD the FIRST DIVA ever!

Deep down CHAD loves GLITTER & GLITZ

CHAD loves RAINBOWS!

WE FINANCE EVERYONE NOBODY TURNED AWAY!!!! • WE FINANCE EVERYONE NOBODY TURNED AWAY!!!!

2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO LT $26,999.00

2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX LT AWD $22,999.00

We Would Love To Attend Your Big Event!!! Visit UsAt www.Bankapproved.ca

CHAD believes in Peace & Love for all humans HAPPY PRIDE DAY

2013 CHEVROLET CAMERO 2LT

2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE LT Turbo Starting at $13,888.00

CHAD really lives in a PURPLE HOUSE.

This is CHAD’s other car

WE FINANCE EVERYONE NOBODY TURNED AWAY!!!! • WE FINANCE EVERYONE NOBODY TURNED AWAY!!!!

Stay Driving, My Friends 1-888-290-4811 www.bankapproved.ca

T425 8x42 (10.375x3)

The Evolution of Pride Winnipeg

By Wren Egan P ride Winnipeg, the organization behind the popular pride festival and parade, has come a long way. Its humble beginnings in 1987 saw 250 people marching to raise accept- ance and awareness in Winnipeg, some with bags over their faces to protect their identities. Since then, people have begun to feel safer and more comfortable outwardly identifying as LGBTTQ*. The annual event has seen rapid growth with over 30,000 in attendance last year, and even more people anticipated for this year’s parade and festivities. The march has expanded to a 10 day festival with additional events and programming throughout the year. Pride Winnipeg President Jonathan Niemczak noted the incredible growth of the festival. “Even in the last five or six years, we’ve seen tremendous growth,” Niemczak says. “There were only six or seven community events [associated with the festival], mostly run by Pride Winnipeg. Now there are more than 30.” He explains that the scale of the

event has also dramatically increased, citing a budget expansion from around $20,000 then, to $180,000 in the current year. Thankfully, the organization has the backing of a number of notable sponsors who provide funding and other support, such as TD Bank, Mercedes-Benz and Fame Nightclub. Another sponsor, Half Pints Brewery, even created a “Even in the last five or six years, we’ve seen tremendous growth,” seasonal beer timed for the festival called Queer Beer, which is both sold at MLCC stores and served at the festival site. The festival was relocated from the legislative grounds to The Forks in order better accommodate the massive crowds. The movement of the festival seems appropriate, as the focus of Pride has become less of a legal battle in Manitoba and more of an issue of creating supportive community and awareness of the

issues that still effect LGBTTQ* people in the province.

Although LGBT people in Canada have had a number of legal victories to help assure rights such as marriage, adoption and job protection, many people - particularly youth - still struggle with bullying, hate and ignorance. Pride is a place for people to gather and to feel included and accepted. It is a place to celebrate how far the community has come and to raise awareness regarding issues that still affect the LGBTTQ* community, their friends and their families. The success of the festival implies that acceptance in the greater society is improving, but the struggle is often more apparent in rural Manitoba. Pride Winnipeg has begun to reach out to other Manitoba communities to assist with programming. One such effort launched this year is Pride North of 55, an LGBTTQ* celebration for people in northern Manitoba. Pride Winnipeg is lending its extensive experience and financing to help with the planning, resources, web presence and costs of northern Manitoba’s first pride festival, set to take place in Thompson this summer.

Pride Winnipeg has seen the pride festival and parade grow from 250 people in 1987 to over 30,000 in 2013. – Photo by Wren Egan

While an accepting community remains a painfully relevant issue in many parts of the province, even the legal battles won in Canada are lacking in many other places. Elsewhere in the world, LGBTTQ* people can be sentenced to life in prison or even death. To address these issues, Pride Winnipeg has also started working with Reach Out Winnipeg, an organization created to help LGBTTQ* people who are facing terrifying persecutions to seek refugee status in Canada. Niemczak explains that Pride Winnipeg helps to fund the expenses associated with challenges such as housing,

language and job training for newcomers to Winnipeg. Niemczak looks forward to the further expansion of Pride Winnipeg’s programming, citing a desire to reach out and work more closely with organizations that focus on the diverse needs of the community - particularly with respect to lesser- recognized and more marginalized groups such as transgender, two- spirited and bisexual people. “We want to try to ensure that every member of our community can find something [at Pride] for them,” he says.

1670 Portage Ave.

www.viscount-gort.com | 204-775-0451

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

Pride Parade Grand Marshal

By Holli Moncrieff P ride Winnipeg’s 2014 Pride Parade Grand Marshal is grateful to be alive. Hamed was forced to flee his home in Iran four years ago to avoid being executed. His crime? Hamed is gay, and in Iran, being gay is a death sentence. “When I left Iran, I had no idea what was in my future. I had no plan,” says Hamed, who prefers not to use his last name in order to protect his family back in Iran. “There is an unbelievable amount of hatred towards homosexuals there.” Hamed, 29, made his way to Tehran and eventu- ally to Turkey, where he managed to scrape by for 17 months while he waited for his refugee status and move to Canada to be approved. The United Nations in Turkey put Hamed in touch with a group of men in Winnipeg who wanted to sponsor a refugee. Known as the Group of Five, the men are connected to the lo- cal Rainbow Resource Centre. “Refugees aren’t allowed to work in Turkey, so I ran out of money and was in a horrible situation,” Hamed recalls. “I was just making my life harder than before, living in a foreign country with no money.” Mark Rabnett and his partner Horst Backe were Hamed’s main contacts from the Group of Five. The three men spoke several times a week on Skype for almost a year, and when Hamed finally arrived in Winnipeg, Rabnett and Backe gave him a home. “We knew there were a lot of Iranian refugees in Turkey, and that these refugees were in a

state of dire need. Their plight is very real—gay people are being executed in horrific ways in Iran,” says Rabnett. “This is a serious problem that is not going to go away.” While Hamed always knew he was different, he didn’t realize he was gay until he was 20 years old. His problems began when his boyfriend of five years decided he could no longer live a lie. Hamed will ride in the lead car during the Parade and have the chapce to tell his story. “It was difficult to lie to our families, our cowork- ers, our friends. Lies get confused in your mind and become this big heavy thing on your shoul- ders,” Hamed says. “My boyfriend decided to tell his family that he’s gay to make himself feel better. And that was the start of a fight between his family and me—they thought I was the cause of him being gay.” Faced with constant pressure from his boy- friend’s family, who threatened to tell Hamed’s mother and his boss, Hamed felt he had no other choice but to leave Iran. “It’s not just me. If they killed me and that was the end of the story, I wouldn’t have been so

worried, but there would have been very bad re- percussions for my family,” he says. “They would have had a label on their foreheads. Every time someone in my family tried to get a job or get married, it would come up. ‘What have you done wrong that you have a gay son?’” Ryan Zacharias, Pride/Rally Director, says that Hamed embodies the spirit of this year’s theme ,Without Borders. “We’re shining a light on an issue that’s not as prevalent in Manitoba. It’s about overcoming adversity because of your country’s laws—look what’s happening in Russia right now,” Zacharias says. “It’s more common than people think.” As Grand Marshal, Hamed will ride in the lead car during the Parade and have the chance to tell his story. “All my life, I’ve been trying to hide my sexuality and pretend I’m something different, and now I’m talking to newspapers and in a parade,” Hamed laughs. “Living here has been a really great experience. I feel like I’ve been here forever.” After two years in Winnipeg, Hamed has his own apartment, a full-time job as a homecare support worker, and a few friends, but he’d love to meet more people in the LGBTTQ* commun- ity. Aside from his younger sister, his family still doesn’t know that he’s gay. “All my life I’ve been lying to my family, my coworkers, and my friends, and I love these people. Even when I’m talking to my family, I am trying to lie a little less,” he says. “My mother may know I’m different, but that doesn’t mean she wants to put a label on it.”

Hamed, an Iranian refugee, embodies the spirit of this year’s Pride Winnipeg ‘Without Borders’ theme.

Horst Backe, left, and Mark Rabnett, right, sponsored Hamed and helped him settled into life in Canada.

B-Fabulous. B-Spontaneous. Sometimes you just want to see where the night takes you. But no matter where you venture in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class, the turbocharged 208 horsepower engine and advanced systems like COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and Agility Control will help you reach your destination. Visit your local dealer or mercedes-benz.ca/b The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Starting at $30,500*.

Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg, 2554 Portage Avenue, 204.667.2467, www.winnipeg.mercedes-benz.ca

© 2014 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. 2014 B 250 shown above. *National MSRP pricing is shown and is intended for information purposes only. Prices do not include taxes, levies, fees, freight and delivery charges, insurance and license fees, as well as any other products or services not listed that may be available to you through your selected Mercedes-Benz dealership. Vehicle prices subject to change without notice. Dealer may sell for less. These prices do not apply in provinces with total/all-in pricing requirements. Please contact your local dealership directly by phone or in person for exact pricing details and total prices applicable in those provinces.

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

New to Pride? Recommended events for the first-time Pride-goer: PRIDE FLAG RAISING CERE- MONY Friday, May 23 Pride Week kicks off at 12:15 with the official rainbow flag-raising ceremony. Join city council and show your pride at this free, all-ages event and watch the rainbow colours fly high over City Hall. RAINBOW RESOURCE CENTRE OPEN HOUSE & COMMUNITY BBQ Wednesday, May 28 A leading organization in the Win- nipeg LGBTTQ* community, the RRC has been a hub for community services, education, outreach, pol- itical awareness and activism since the 1970s. Stop by to meet the team, tour the centre and learn how to get involved - all while enjoying a beef or veggie hot dog. PRIDE VIGIL Sunday, May 25 Yes, we’ve come a long way, baby. But never before has the global LGBTTQ* struggle for equal rights and social treatment been as visible as it is today. Pride Winnipeg’s 2014 ‘Without Borders’ theme responds by imagining a world united by justice and equality, both personally and internationally. Coming together to remember those who came before

us and whose lives advanced us to this point in our history is a next step toward realizing that new reality, and serves as a reminder of the true

ing downtown and at The Forks to participate in the Pride Winnipeg celebrations. These include tons of free entertainment at an extended two-day festival at The Forks, a dy- namic rally at the Legislature, a pride- bursting parade through downtown and the official dance party at the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre. For the sports stars of the week: PITCH FOR PRIDE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 Nothing brings people together like a good baseball tournament. This two- day slo-pitch tournament at the Old Exhibition Grounds is open to players of all skill levels and features prizes and trophies for the winners. Free to watch; $100 per team to register. PRIDE POOL TOURNAMENT Sunday, May 25 Rack ‘em up - this three ball tourna- ment at Club 200 features prizes and even some lessons, making it a fun event for new and experienced bil- liard players alike. Top picks for the Culture Club kids and social networkers: PRIDE IN BUSINESS NET- WORKING RECEPTION Tues- day, May 27 The Manitoba LGBT Chamber of

Commerce cultivates, contributes to and promotes a thriving community of LGBTTQ* owned and allied busi- nesses and professionals. Mix and network with like-minded business people at this after-work event on the 31st floor at Portage & Main. RSVP is required. COCKTAILS UNDER THE STARS Saturday, May 31 Outwords Magazine’s second annual fundraiser at the Paterson Global Foods Institute will feature entertain- ment from Winnipeg’s DJ J Jackson, delicious hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, dancing and a silent auc- tion showcasing local businesses and artists. IN FLIGHT: THE PRIDE WIN- NIPEG 2014 OFFICIAL DANCE PARTY Sunday, June 1 The 747 of all Pride parties, this official shaker takes off at 9 PM. Leading the cabin crew are special guests DJ/Producer/Remixer Guy Scheiman from Tel Aviv and RuPaul’s Drag Race and Celebrity Apprentice alumnus Mimi Imfurst. The night will also feature DJ Lisa Delux and DJ J Jackson, whipping the crowd into a dance frenzy. Bump up to first class and get a boarding pass to a pre- flight cocktail party on the Metropol- itan Entertainment Centre’s rooftop flight deck with champagne.

meaning behind Pride Week. Fun for the whole family:

Rainbow Harmony Project’s 15TH ANNUAL SPRING CON- CERT Saturday, May 24 Start off Pride Week with the fabulous Rainbow Harmony Project. The award-winning community-based chorus of over sixty voices is equally well known for presenting both an impressive repertoire and a talented, fun side of Winnipeg’s vibrant LG- BTTQ* community. THE 14TH ANNUAL WINNIPEG PRIDE COFFEE HOUSE Friday, May 30 A legendary Pride event, the an- nual coffee house has grown and developed its own unique personality over the years. Enjoy live music and spoken word presented by LGBTTQ* artists of Winnipeg, all while inhaling delicious treats from event sponsors Stella’s, Lilac Bakery, Starbucks and Chocolate Zen Bakery (don’t worry, you’ll dance off all those calories on Sunday night). Pride Winnipeg 2014 Festival Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 Join the thousands of people gather-

By Arthur Liffmann W ith over two dozen events, the 2014 Pride Winnipeg Festival is loaded with enough diverse options to make even the most seasoned drag queen flip her wig. Whatever your style - Crocs, high tops or ruby slippers - get out and get ready to show your pride as we profile just a small sampling of what this year’s festival has to offer. Complete details for all events available at www.pridewinnipeg.com

From your friends at

Grant Park Shopping Centre | www.a1nutritiongrant.com 204-475-7522

Innovative solutions that meet your needs.

Collaborative Family Law, Negotiated Settlements,

the NookDiner WINNIPEG

Assisted Reproduction Agreements, Spousal and Cohabitation Agreements

Greg Evans Lori Ainemer James Pullar

204.992.3242 204.992.3247

204.992.3244 Richard Pollock 204.992.3246 Chau Tran 204.992.3250 190 Sherbrook Street | Winnipeg, Manitoba www.evansfamilylaw.ca

43 SHERBROOK, WPG 204.774.0818

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

Proudly serving Winnipeg for 23 years, Photo Central promises you a different kind of shopping experience. Start with a FREE coffee, espresso or latte, and stay as long as you’d like! Photo Central is just a great place to be!

Need a new Canon camera or lens for the summer? Need a flash? Come see what Photo Central has to offer!

CanonEF 70-300mm IS ONLY $449.95!

▲

CanonEF-S 55-250mm IS ONLY $249.95!

Canon EOS 7D digital SLR Camera ONLY $1099.95!

CanonEF 50mmF/1.4 ONLY $349.95!

PowerShot Digital camera bundle with camera bag and gorillapod Hybrid Tripod ONLY $399.95!

Canon Bundle Speedlite-600EX-RT with case and RC-6 wireless remote control ONLY $569.95!

PLUS, receive a FREE 3 year foto care protection plan worth $270!

Have some pictures you would like to print? Come check out our custom print lab, and let us get you a print you will be proud to put on your wall. Powered by the latest in Canon printer technology, we offer the best photo printing you can find, whether you need a simple 4x6 or 40x60, or anything in between. We guarantee it! Sales in effect until May 31, 2014, or while supplies last.

957 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R2 (Ph) 204-774-4343 (Fax) 204-774-6344 www.photocentral.ca

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

A Story of Truth and Reconciliation OCT 01 - 05 / 20 14

Cinderella FEB 07 / 20 15

20 14 / 15 SEASON

The Faerie Queen A Ballet Based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream APR 29 -MAY 0 3 / 20 15

La Bayadère: Kingdom of the Shades + Ballet Vignettes MAY 21 - 23 / 20 15

QDance JUN 10 - 12 / 20 15

SwanLake MAR 04 - 08 / 20 15

Nutcracker DEC 20 - 28 / 20 14

Celebrate 75 years of Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet SUBSCRIBE TODAY + SAVE UP TO 30%! rwb.org

204.956.2792 T

REEL PRIDE a Great Onscreen Partner for 27 years

The REEL PRIDE film festival shares the same “frame” as Pride Winnipeg, as they both started 27 years ago. Today, REEL PRIDE is the largest GLBTTQ* film festival between Toronto and Vancouver. Every October, the festival goes beyond borders by bringing local and international films that would not normally be screened in Manitoba, and gives them a home in which to shine. As REEL PRIDE has grown, it has added art exhibits, live music, industry days, galas and increased opportunities to talk with film makers

and actors. REEL PRIDE is hosting an after Pride film event on Sunday, June 8, at the Gas Station Arts Centre. This is in collaboration with the Rainbow Resource Centre's LGBTT55+ Posi- tive Space Initiative. At 2 PM there will be a showing of Gen Silent, an extraordinary docu- mentary by award winning director Stu Maddux that follows six LGBT seniors. It explores the challenges of the first “out” generation as they deal with homecare and aging. It is both

tragic and triumphant. A discussion panel will follow the screening of Generation Silent. Later that Sunday, REEL PRIDE will re-show the best of international GLBTTQ* commercials. This is a collection of funny, sexy, sometimes bizarre commercials that will make you laugh, cry and maybe even “boo” at the screen with fellow audi- ence members. It’s a sure bet, and the last chance to see this collection before it is put into the REEL PRIDE vaults.

We Can Help! First Time Buyer Program No Credit Needed WAVERLEY AUTO CREDIT Call for more info 1-888-821-8237

2014 REEL PRIDE Film Festival October 14 - 19 Follow us on facebook to be aware of all REEL PRIDE events facebook.com/ReelPrideWpg www.reelpride.org

Gen Silent June 8, 2pm, free (donations gratefully accepted) Best of international GLBTTQ* commercials June 8, 7pm, tickets are $10 and can be reserved by emailing tickets-reelpride@outlook.com

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

Camp Aurora This year, the 14th Annual Pride Coffee House will be collecting donations ($10 suggested) for Camp Aurora. Camp Aurora is a four-day subsidized summer camp for LGBTTQ* youth and allies (ages 14-19). The camp is hosted at a beautiful spot up in the Whiteshell, thanks to support from the Variety Club. The aim of Camp Aurora is to help youth meet new friends, learn about themselves and the community, and have fun along the way – all without facing the day-to-day challenges of being an LGBTTQ* youth or ally. The environment is accepting, supportive, safe and welcoming, as those running the camp understand and have lived similar experiences to the campers. The camp packs four days with activ- ities like canoeing, swimming, crafts, talent shows, obstacle courses, adven- tures, campfires, bunk beds, hot dogs and s’mores. It is camp, just how you would picture it, but specifically with the company of peers and allies. More information is available at cam- paurora.ca. M any events during the Pride Winnipeg festival raise money to support causes that are relevant to the LGBTTQ* community. The following are just a few of the important groups that benefit from monies raised at Pride Week celebra- tions.

Snowy Owl Monarchist Society of the largest celebrations between Toronto and Vancouver of LGBTTQ* (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and two-spirited, intersex, and queer/ questioning) people and their allies, supporters and friends. Its mission is to affirm the lives of everyone by generat- ing and participating in events that celebrate the history, culture, spirit and pride of people within the Winnipeg community. Supporting the Community Pride Winnipeg Community events also directly sup- port Pride Winnipeg itself. Pride Winni- peg – The Pride of the Prairies – is one

Rainbow Resource Centre As host for a Community BBQ on May 28, the Rainbow Resource Centre will be taking donations and welcoming all with an open house. The RRC has roots back to the early 1970’s, where it began as a student group at the University of Manitoba. Following a few transformations, the organization became the Rainbow Resource Centre in 1999, taking on the goal of “serving Manitoba’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and Two-Spirited Communities.” The RRC is a not-for-profit organization that provides community support services including counselling and peer groups. It also hosts a variety of educational programs, including presentations and workshops for groups like schools, non-profit agencies, crown corpora- tions, private businesses, faith organ- izations, and healthcare institutions. It also runs community programs for people of all ages (from youth to 55+), and is involved in community events like Pride Golf. For more information, visit the open house on May 28, or rainbowresource- centre.org.

The Imperial Sovereign Court of Win- nipeg and All of Manitoba (ISCWAM), also known as the Snowy Owl Mon- archist Society (SOMS) Inc., is a chap- ters in the second largest LGBTTQ* organization in the world known as the International Imperial Court System. The main goal of the organization is to raise funds for various local charities through events. Club 200 will host “Booty Call,” an energetic show and dance party, on May 23, with proceeds going to SOMS. More information is available at courtofwinnipeg.ca

The rainbow flag flies high alongside a Canada flag at Camp Aurora, one of the many commun- ity organizations supported at Pride Winnipeg events. – Photo by Camp Aurora

A rainbow flag bears greetings from happy youth at Camp Aurora. – Photo by Camp Aurora

Camp Aurora packs four days with activities like canoeing and fishing for LGBTTQ* youth and allies. – Photo by Camp Aurora

Proud to support and celebrate diversity and understanding.

On behalf of the Manitoba Liberal Party, I wish the very best for Manitoba’s LGBT Community and we look forward to another successful Pride Parade & Festival this year! As Liberals, we continue to stand up for true equality as we work towards a better province for all Manitobans. Rana Bokhari, Manitoba Liberal Party Leader

Jon Gerrard • MLA for River Heights jongerrardmla.ca • 204-945-5194

204-988-9380 www.manitobaliberals.ca

Happy Pride Winnipeg!

www.lovenestonline.com

Festival & Events 2014 Pride Winnipeg

FRIDAY, MAY 23 Flag Raising Ceremony

Pride Forks Festival 12:00 - 6:00 pm, The Forks Winnipeg Dyke March Gather at 1:00 pm, march at 3:00 pm; River Osborne Community Centre, 101 Pembina Hwy. In Conversation: Paul Mgapi Sepuya & J.J. Kegan Mcfadden 2:00 – 3:00 pm, PLATFORM, 121-100 Arthur St. 4th Annual Pride Youth Dance 7:00 – 10:00 pm, The University of Win- nipeg – Bulman Center Cocktails Under the Stars 7:00 pm – Midnight, Paterson Global- Foods Institute – 504 Main St. – Cost: $75 per person; ($50 per student AWE (A Women’s Event) 8:00 pm, The Chill, 423 McMillan Ave.– Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at the door Colour Me Queer 10:00 pm, The Windsor, 187 Garry St.– Cost: $5 SUNDAY, JUNE 1 Peer Project 4 Youth Pancake Breakfast 9:00 – 11:00 am, Club 200 – 190 Garry

4:00 -7:00 pm, 626 Sargent Ave RHP’s 15th Annual Spring Concert 8:00 – 10:00 pm, 525 Wardlaw Ave – Cost: $15 Pride Daze 9:00 pm – LATE, Union Sound Hall, 110 Market Ave.; Academy Lanes, 394 Acad- emy Rd. – Cost: $10 SUNDAY, MAY 25 Pride Pool Tournament 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Club 200, 190 Garry St. – Cost: $2 Pride Vigil 8:30 – 9:30 pm, Manitoba Legislative Grounds TUESDAY, MAY 27 Pride in Business Net- working Reception 5:30 – 7:30 pm, RBC Dominion Secur- ities, 3100-201 Portage Ave. – Cost: $20 Lesbian Lube Wrestling 7:00 -11:00 pm, Club 200 – 190 Garry St. – Cost: $10 WEDNESDAY, MAY 28 Rainbow Resource Cen- tre Open House/Com- munity BBQ 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Rainbow Resource Cen-

tre, 170 Scott St. Cost: By donation

St. – Cost: By donation Rally at the Legislature 11:00 am, the Manitoba Legislature Grounds (Broadway & Memorial) 6th Annual Big Fat Queer Pride Party 10:00 pm, The Windsor, 187 Garry St.– Cost: $7 Pride Parade 12:00 pm, Beginning at the Manitoba Legislature Grounds (Broadway & Memorial) Pride Forks Festival 12:00 - 6:00 pm, The Forks IN FLIGHT: The 2014 Dance Party Cocktails at The Met: 7:00 - 9:00 pm Official Dance Party: 9:00 pm to 2:00 am The Metropolitan Entertainment Cen- tre, 281 Donald St. General Admission Boarding Pass: $30 Flight Deck Boarding Pass: $60

Two Spirit Cabaret 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm, Circle of Life Thunderbird House, 715 Main St. THURSDAY, MAY 29 Gen Silent Documen- tary Screening 6:30 pm, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave. (The Hive). Venue is fully accessible. Cost: By donation (proceeds to Pride Winnipeg) FRIDAY, MAY 30 Paul Mgapi Sepuya – Studio Work Opening Reception: 7:00 pm, PLAT- FORM, 121-100 Arthur St. 14TH Annual Pride Cof- fee House 7:30 pm, Exchange Community Building, 75 Albert St. at McDermot Ave. (2nd floor; stair access only) Cost: Suggested donation $10+ (pro- ceeds to Camp Aurora) Breaking Borders Pride Roller Derby Invitational 8:00 pm, Fort Garry Curling Club, 696 Archibald St. – Cost: $10 SATURDAY, MAY 31

at City Hall 12:00 pm, City Hall

Writing Trans Genres: Emergent Literatures and Criticisms 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, University of Win- nipeg, 515 Portage Ave. Cost: Salaried/FullTime: $120; PartTime/ Contract: $40; Underemployed: $10 Written Up 3:00 – 6:00 pm, Millenium Library, 251 Donald St. An Unbecoming Caba- ret 8:00 pm, The Pyramid Cabaret, 176 Fort St. Booty Call 9:00 pm, Club 200, 190 Garry St. Cost: $5 (Proceeds to the Snowy Owl Monarchist Society) SATURDAY, MAY 24 Pitch for Pride Baseball Tournament 9:00 am, Old Exhibition Grounds – Duf- ferin and Sinclair St. Free to Watch; Registration is $100 per team Everybody Dance Now

(Tickets available at pridewinnipeg.com)

Celebrating the world & all its diversity! rating the world & all its

Happy Pride Winnipeg We bring the Big Kid out in You

Discover the world from another angle…

Contact Travel Roots for off the beaten track tour experiences that support socially responsible travel.

www.travelroots.org 204-996-9030 | info@travelroots.org

www.e-rc.ca | 120 Higgins Ave. | 204-947-2865 or 1-800-870-6346

VIA RAIL

YORK AVE.

FINISH HERE

PARTICIPANTS TO MEMORIAL PARK

VIA RAIL

BROADWAY

EMPTY FLOATS BACK TO MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE BUILDING

DOG STOP WATER OASIS

START

HERE

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE BUILDING

RALLY AT 11:00 a.m.

More information on events, as well as the 2014 Pride Guide, is available at pridewinnipeg.com.

INFOLINE: (204) 989-4656 † JAZZWINNIPEG.COM THEATRE SERIES TICKETS ALSO AT TICKETMASTER ONSALE NOW!

FROM NEW YORK CITY LE1F

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

More Festival Means More Headliners

A fter announcing the expansion of the Pride Winnipeg Forks Festival, Pride Winnipeg announced that there will be four major headliners this year. In March, after a round of competing audi- tions were held to determine which local acts

winning vocalist. Austin is best known for her participation in the German Eurodance project, SNAP! She was the powerhouse singer behind the second biggest selling single of 1992, “Rhythm is a Dancer.” In 1999 Austin topped UK charts again with the hit “Can’t Get Enough” as part of the Soulsearcher collective.

would grab coveted spots in this year’s lineup, the members of Pride Win- nipeg announced that The Voice’s Beverly McClellan and hip-pop-dance-rock trio PRTY H3RO, will perform on Saturday May 31; followed by Eurodance diva Thea

Dubbed the UK Electro Princess, Luciana has been gracing the charts since 1994 with her seductive vocals. Some of her hit singles include “We Own the Night,” “I Like That,” “I’m Still Hot,” and “U B The Bass.” She’s

Our theme this year is WITHOUT BORDERS

Austin and UK electro-dance icon Luciana on Pride Day, Sunday June 1. Beverly McClellan is best known for being a contestant in the first season of The Voice where she placed in the top three. Her most memorable performance was “Beautiful” featuring Christina Aguilera. Toronto-based PRTY H3RO, featuring members Natasha Zimbaro, Dizzy Overhill and Mark Luon- go, cracked the Billboard Canadian Hot 100’s top 40 with their debut single “Life of the Party,” which became a favorite song last summer. Thea Austin is an international, Grammy Award

also been a collaborative force behind other hit singles from artists such as Tiёsto, Bodyrox, deadmau5, Dave Audé and Taio Cruz. “Our theme this year is WITHOUT BORDERS and we’re demonstrating our dedication to this theme by having expanded the Pride Forks Festi- val and bringing in international talent,” said Pride Winnipeg president, Jonathan Niemczak. The Pride Forks Festival will also feature local talent such as Take Flight Aerial & Acrobatics, hip-hop artist Ro Walker Mills, and pop-rock group Take Me to the Pilot.

Toronto-based PRTY H3RO is one of four headliners at the two-day Pride Winnipeg festival – Photo by Pride Winnipeg

Cordially invites you to the Pride in Business Networking Reception

Date: May 27, 2014 Time: 5:30 – 7:30 Location: 31st floor – 201 Portage Ave Cost: $20 (Free for members) RSVP: www.MB-LGBT.biz/events Come and meet like-minded business people. Appetizers and refreshments to be served. RSVP required.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

EVENT SPONSOR

UK electro princess Luciana headlines June 1 at The Forks – Photo by Pride Winnipeg

Be sure to visit PrideMART from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, June 1 at The Forks and support all the LGBT-friendly businesses! 0 ses!

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

WE ARE PROUD TO STANDUP FORALL MANITOBANS HAPPY PRIDE!

Greg Selinger

Jennifer Howard MLA for Fort Rouge 204-946-0272 JenniferHoward.ca

Jim Rondeau MLA for Assiniboia 204-888-7722 JimRondeau.mb.ca

Erin Selby MLA for Southdale 204-253-3918 ErinSelby.ca

Nancy Allan MLA for St. Vital 204-237-8771 NancyAllan.ca

MLA for St. Boniface Premier of Manitoba

204-237-9247 GregSelinger.ca

Dave Gaudreau MLA for St. Norbert 204-261-1794 DaveGaudreau.ca

Melanie Wight MLA for Burrows 204-421-9414 MelanieWight.ca

Andrew Swan MLA for Minto 204-783-9860 AndrewSwan.ca

Peter Bjornson MLA for Gimli 204-642-4977 1-866-253-0255 PeterBjornson.ca

Sharon Blady MLA for Kirkfield Park

204-832-2318 SharonBlady.ca

Ron Lemieux MLA for Dawson Trail 204-878-4644 Ron-Lemieux.ca

Kerri Irvin-Ross MLA for Fort Richmond 204-475-9433 KerriIrvinRoss.ca

Theresa Oswald MLA for Seine River 204-255-7840 TheresaOswald.ca

Deanne Crothers MLA for St. James 204-415-0883 DeanneCrothers.ca

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

Toronto Proud to Host WorldPride

By Kathryne Cardwell F rom June 20 – 29, 2014, Pride Toronto will present World- Pride 2014, an internationally- recognized event celebrating and promoting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, asexual, and ally (LGBTTQ*) com- munity, while showing off cultural highlights of Canada’s largest city. WorldPride is a growing celebra- tion that blends activism, educa- tion, and the history and culture of global LGBTTQ* communities in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. Hosting WorldPride gives local pride organizations the

chance to celebrate in their home city while inviting the wider com- munity to participate in fun events like parades, parties, festivals and live theatre, as well as confer- ences and seminars that discuss the promotion of human rights. Many cities across Canada and the world have their own pride organizations, which belong to InterPride - an organization that promotes sharing, teaching and learning amongst its members. InterPride selects the communities to host WorldPride. The three previous celebrations were held in Rome (2000), Jerusalem (2004) and London (2012), which makes Toronto the first North American

city to host WorldPride. Madrid, Spain will host WorldPride in 2017. “We’re part of an international movement celebrating LGBTTQ* rights,” says Kevin Beaulieu, Exec- utive Director of Pride Toronto. Pride Toronto puts on the city’s an- nual Pride Week, which attracted 1.2 million visitors in 2013. “WorldPride is a celebration - an opportunity to meet and celebrate openly and freely. It’s a chance to showcase Toronto, Ontario and Canada to the world, and open up a dialog for human rights. There’s so much going on around the world that it’s important for us to stand up for who we are,” he adds. World Pride 2014 kicks off with an opening ceremony on June 20. The 10 days of the festival include the WorldPride Gala and Awards, an arts and cultural festival, a family zone with children’s per- formers and activities, drag artists, burlesque and dance shows, the WorldPride parade, youth pro- grams and the WorldPride Human Rights Conference. Several well-known artists will be performing over the 10 days, such as k.d. lang, Tegan and Sara, and Lois Etheride. Events take place at different venues across the city and on different dates and times. The event has also partnered with major organizations such as Ryerson University, University of Toronto, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Art Gallery of Ontario to support large-scale operations such as a human rights conference being held at the University of Toronto. The event is a great opportunity to show off Toronto on an internation- al scale, and it is already attracting visitors from across the country to take part, says Beaulieu. While WorldPride has fairly recent beginnings, it comes about after

years of struggle for recogni- tion and respect on behalf of the LGBTTQ* community, and as the result of many local pride cele- brations. Another Canadian city well-known for its pride festivities is Montreal, which will be hosting their own celebration from August 11-17. Jean Sebastien Boudreault, Vice- President of Montreal Pride, says their seven-day celebration fea- tures over 80 events including a parade, human rights conference, movies, poetry exhibitions and a special Kids’ Day. The event is be- ing held in Montreal’s Gay Village located on St. Catherine’s Street, one of the largest LGBTTQ* com- munities in the world. The Montreal event is unique as all activities and documents are produced in both French and English. Boudreault stresses that celebrations are open to everyone except hostile individ- uals. The event already draws a varied crowed includes families, older people and children, and Boudreault estimates that around 50% of individuals who attend the annual pride parade are straight. Boudreault says that pride celebrations give the LGBTTQ* community a chance to celebrate everything they have achieved - not just legal rights, but social acceptance too. It is also an op- portunity to work for maintaining and furthering the gains that the community has made so far. “It’s so important for the rest of the world. Not every city can do something like this and a lot of them look up to us,” says Boud- realt. “It’s important to show that it’s normal to be gay, it’s okay to be gay.” For more information, visit worldpridetoronto.com.

Pride parades can draw millions of visitors from all backgrounds. – Photo by Andre Bilodeau

Montreal Pride visitors congregate under a lavish pink canopy on Community Day. – Photo by Carl Éthier

Not every same-sex couple feels comfortable showing affection in public. Pride celebrations promote equality and respect for all relationships. – Photo by André Bilodeau

Gilbert Baker, creator of the rainbow flag, marches in Montreal’s Pride Parade. – Photo by Andre Bilodeau

Happy Pride Winnipeg

from your friends at

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

��

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has started work on an oral history project, featuring community-based interviews about Pride in Canada. – Photo by Canadian Museum for Human Rights

204.985.9200 OUTNABOUTTRAVEL . COM Toll Free: 1.800.254.5552

spa+yoga Check-in to THE FORT GARRY Hotel and enjoy some well deserved relaxation. spa + yoga OVERNIGHT WELLNESS PACKAGE S , from $ 270 * , includes an overnight stay at The Fort Garry in downtown Winnipeg, breakfast, service or credit at ten Spa and class passes for yoga public . 204 . 942 . 8251 1 . 800 . 665 . 8088 www. fortgarryhotel hotel .com overnight wellness packages * BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS APPLY.

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

Pride Featured in Museum's Oral History Project

all eager to tell their unique stories and their connections to the various groups that bond under the Pride banner. Stories will be gathered through interviews, which will be played in the museum in coming years. Part of the proposal that Pride Winnipeg brought

By Carolyn Kosheluk

Earlier in 2014, Winnipeg was host to the Fierte Pride Canada/Interpride annual conference – a meeting of more than 25 Canadian Prides from across Canada. Those in attendance were presented with a project idea for the Canadian Museum for

forward also included the production of a documentary, at the end of the project.According to Reilly, this has not been confirmed, but is an idea that is open for discussion. Work on the oral history project will be ongoing for a few years before it’s ready to be integrated into the museum. Until then, after CMHR opens its doors to the public on September 20, 2014, it will feature other LGBTTQ* content throughout

Human Rights (CMHR) – a community-based oral history project focused on the 45 year history of Canadian Pride. The idea was first brought to CMHR by Pride Winnipeg president Jonathan Niemczak and executive secretary Barbie Rudiak. Pride Winnipeg was compelled because no one had yet done a large-scale history profile on the national Pride movement.

Editorial sponsored by, Schawarma Khan

Two men kiss at an interactive CMHR display, tied to the Champion Human Rights campaign during the Vancouver Olympics – Photo by CMHR

The oral history project format was chosen as a way to allow the communities involved to speak about their experiences with human rights, says Sharon Reilly, coordinator of the project. With a focus on community-based stories instead of individuals, the project aims to document the history of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, intersex and two-spirited Pride groups from across Canada. Reilly explains that the reaction at the annual conference was instantly favourable. “The communities from across Canada wanted to collaborate with us on this,” she says. “They saw this as a way to engage community members in their own history.” With the help of these groups, CMHR has collected a lengthy list of volunteers from across Canada,

its 11 galleries. Maureen Fitzhenry, CMHR media relations manager, says that LGBTTQ* stories begin with the introductory gallery, which features an immersive multimedia experience. “It’s people telling stories,” says Fitzhenry. “The first is a teenage girl, talking about her experience with gay/straight alliances.” Fitzhenry explains that CMHR’s galleries are broad and varied. Other LGBTTQ*-specific content includes the ‘pink shirt story’ as part of a youth gallery, and an exploration of the significance of gender-neutral washrooms. CMHR welcomes contacts from new people who want to be involved with the oral history project. Contact information is available at humanrights.ca.

BUILDINGA BRIGHTER FUTURE The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba will be a national and international destination—a centre of learning that will encourage and educate the next generation of human rights champions. Your support will help create exhibits and programming that will inspire our children and grandchildren to build a better world. Their passion for furthering human rights is our hope for a brighter future. PLEASE DONATE

September 21, 2014 Gather your Pride Team and come out and support Manitobans living with HIV! Make the commitment to walk, volunteer or donate today! Central Park, Winnipeg MB

www.aidswalkforlife.ca

www.ninecircles.ca

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

Pride North of 55 Launched

Couresy of Pride Winnipeg F or the first time in Manitoba history, Pride festivities will take place above the 55th parallel. Pride North of 55 officially launched their festival theme – Colours of Pride - at the Manitoba Legislature for their first annual Pride Festival, set to take place June 28th, 2014 in Thompson, MB. In attendance were Chair of Pride North of 55 Michelle Smook, President of Pride Winnipeg Jonathan Niemczak, MLA for St. Vital Nancy Allan, and MLA for Thompson Steve Ashton. The first Pride North of 55 Festival will be held in MacLean Park and will be free to the public to attend. It will feature a ceremonious Pride flag raising, picnic and other fun activities with an official dance party to cap off the night. After attending the 2013 Pride Winnipeg Festival, Michelle Smook became driven to advocate for a Pride event in the north. With the resource support of Pride

Winnipeg through Community Liaison Director Jason Douglas, Smook was able to form a committee to organize the first northern Pride festival.

of judgement. “The struggle for equality has been long and difficult for LGBTTQ* folks and today there is so much to celebrate," said Nancy Allan, MLA for St. Vital. "But we must not forget that there are still many people, particularly the young, who face discrimination because of their sexual identities. It's important that we don't give up the fight to ensure all Manitobans, regardless of sexual identity, feel safe and welcome anywhere in our province." “This is a momentous event for LGBTTQ* in the north who have waited years for their chance to celebrate Pride with friends and families,” Says Steve Ashton, MLA for Thompson. “I congratulate everyone involved in planning the Pride events in Thompson and wish them all the best on this historic day. We will be with you in Thompson with unity and pride.”

“After receiving overwhelming community support it really gave us the confidence to push forward and plan a successful Pride event,” says Smook. Events such as Pride provide a safe space for those identifying as LGBTTQ* to celebrate their identities without fear

P ROUD toS UPPORT PRIDE

portageplace.mb.ca

��

870 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3G 0P1 Tel. 204-784-4090

WINNIPEG 200 - 226 Osborne St. N. Winnipeg, MB R3C 1V4 Tel. (204) 982-7800

BRANDON 161 8th Street Brandon, MB R7A 3W9 Tel. (204) 727-0417

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

pride Winnipeg | Supplement to the winnipeg free press

May 21, 2014

We take Pride

CAA Travel is a full-service travel agency and part of North America’s largest leisure travel organization. At CAA Travel, we take pride in planning a warm and welcoming vacation for all of our clients. We can customize a vacation package, find you the ideal LGBT-friendly resort, create a perfectly- designed group getaway, or simply book a cruise or all-inclusive holiday. CAA Travel can get you going anywhere. And nowhere else will you find such a wide selection

of travel savings, benefits and rewards than with us. Your LGBT-friendly travel agency. Contact CAA Travel to learn more and book your next holiday!

204 262.6000 1 800 992.8143

caamanitoba.com/travel

2211 McPhillips St. > 501 St. Anne’s Rd. > 870 Empress St. Brandon 204 571.4100 > Altona 204 324.8474

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20