PRIDE WINNIPEG
MAY 23 – JUNE 1 • 2025
Inquiries: 1-866-611-5546 View online at winnipegfreepress.com/fp-features
Proud sponsor of the 2025 Pride Winnipeg Festival.
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RISE TOGETHER AT Pride Parade BY ERIN DEBOOY
Rising together in unity and strength is the focus of this year’s Pride Winnipeg Festival, celebrating both resistance and joy in the face of oppression happening across the world. “Rise in Pride, Stand in Strength” is the official theme of the annual 2SLGBTQIA+ cultural festival — a call to action for communities to stand together.
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SANDRA MORTON, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS WITH PRIDE WINNIPEG Photo by Darcy Finley
IN OUR HERD, EVERY BISON IS WELCOME. JOIN US AT THE PARADE ON JUNE 1.
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“With everything that’s going on across the world and across the country, it’s about standing together, rising together and staying strong together to fight all the battles that everyone has to go through right now,” says Sandra Morton, director of special events with Pride Winnipeg. “Whether it’s our community, allies or people outside the community, it’s just about being there together to celebrate strength.” Festival themes are based on community recommendations and selected by Pride Winnipeg’s board. When “Rise in Pride, Stand in Strength” was put forward, Morton said it was a pretty quick decision. “A few (theme ideas) were put forward, but this was the one that felt the best — the one that felt the most empowering,” Morton says. Last year’s Pride parade was the largest in Winnipeg so far, with record-breaking attendance to the parade and the festival. Morton expects a similar turnout — and possibly more — this year. “Attendance-wise, we're probably going to have a lot more people enjoying (the parade) from the street and from our accessibility areas — which we’re making bigger and better every year — and I think a lot more people will be walking to the festival site, which is going to be great,” Morton says. "Last year’s parade was such a tremendous success with an incredible number of entries. It was truly a celebration to remember. This year, I’m working to keep the parade a bit shorter so that everyone has plenty of time to also enjoy all the exciting, very well organized festivities happening throughout the festival — continuing the spirited and well-deserved celebration into the late part of the day."
“Rise in Pride, Stand in Strength”
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Photos by Donovin (top), Benjamin (bottom)
Happy Pride Month! Proud supporter of Pride Winnipeg
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Photos by Benjamin (left), Donovin (right)
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Still, support for the Pride parade and festival are strong, Morton says, with a variety of organizations — ranging from large companies to small non- profits — showing up and getting involved. “It’s really great to see so many allies,” Morton says. Safety is also a top priority, Morton notes, with more volunteers being added to the parade route to keep attendees on the sidewalk. “I’m adding some volunteers called ‘hype people’ to add a little more hype and make sure everyone is having fun, with safety in mind,” Morton adds. The parade will kick off on Sunday,
June 1 at 11 a.m. starting at Memorial Boulevard and Portage Avenue, following a 10 a.m. rally at the Manitoba legislative building. “The staging area at the start of the parade is one of the best areas to be. The rally starts, which gets the energy going with that sense of togetherness, and it just becomes this little party with everyone blasting music and having a great time as they wait to start in the parade,” Morton says. “The festival area is also great. We have so many food vendors, wonderful markets and tons of events going on and things to see. But my favourite is just the energy at the start of the parade.”
Make a difference. For Good. Forever. Visit wpgfdn.org
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The Pathway to Pride is a special two-week event that runs until May 30 to celebrate inclusion, diversity and community support. The event is designed to showcase 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly businesses and events leading up to the Pride Winnipeg Festival. To participate, please pick up an “Out & About” pass at participating businesses and events, collecting stamps along the way. You can choose to fill the pass or only visit a few places. All passes will be eligible for a prize draw. Out & About passes must be turned into the Pride Festival info tent by the end of Sunday, June 1 for a chance to win a prize package. Winners will receive prizes, including Pride merchandise and giveaway items from participating businesses and more. This event is all about supporting local businesses, increasing visibility for Pride Winnipeg year-round and celebrating Pride without a price. Anyone can join the pathway to pride. Pathway to Pride
Here is a list of the participating businesses where you can find more details, pick up passes, get stamped and receive some exclusive Pride deals at these locations only until May 30:
• BLACK MARKET PROVISIONS • RAVEN'S END BOOKS • LITTLE BROWN JUG • CAPITAL GRILL AND BAR • PRAIRIE SKY BOOKS • HUMAN BEAN COFFEE & TEA • MUST BE THE PLACE • GOOD NEIGHBOUR BREWING CO. • HIGH TEA BAKERY • VICTORY PINTS GAMES
• MODERN ELECTRIC LUNCH • KILTER BREWING CO. • VINTAGE VANTAGE • ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY
• OH DOUGHNUTS • FETE ICE CREAM • CLUB 200
• SOUTHSIDE GOLF COURSE • BEAR FACE GENERAL STORE
And don't forget to turn the pass in at the Pride Festival info tent to be eligible for the prize draw. A limited amount of Out & About passes are available.
Building a community of belonging starts with our team. We believe our employees should reflect the communities we serve. That’s why we’re proud to share that 7% of ACU employees are self-identified members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. This is just one way we demonstrate our commitment to providing members with advice and expertise that is welcoming, inclusive and respectful for all. JoinACU.ca
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With Pride season here, these have been busy days for Barry Karlenzig and the team at Pride Winnipeg as they fine-tune plans for the annual events. Since 1987, Pride Winnipeg has been serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through wide-ranging resources and activities. The annual Pride Winnipeg Festival includes cultural events that celebrate the diverse population that supports or identifies with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The 2025 Pride Winnipeg Festival runs from May 23 to June 1. Festivities take place at The Forks throughout Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. The Pride rally starts at 10 a.m. at the Manitoba legislative grounds on Sunday, June 1, followed by the much-anticipated parade. PREPARING FOR PRIDE BY JANINE LEGAL
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Karlenzig has been part of it for 15 years, starting out as a driver and working his way eventually to the position of president of Pride Winnipeg, the first officially noted bisexual chair on the board. “When I started, it was a male-dominated organization,” he says. “Now it’s non-binary, female — the board has become more diverse. Year after year, we try to diversify more.” Over time, Karlenzig has seen significant change, including the creation of the Manitoba Pride Alliance, an increase in rural Pride events and virtual Pride events during the pandemic, as well as a move to a downtown office with a community meeting space. He is grateful to his supportive husband and thankful to his equally supportive employer to be able to take time away from his full-time job to dedicate to Pride. And he’s proud to emphasize that Pride Winnipeg is a 100 per cent volunteer-run organization. There are 16 board members, 30 managing
We are the fourth- largest Pride in Canada
and one of the few Prides that is 100 per cent free.”
members who help organize Pride Winnipeg’s year- round activities and approximately 200 additional volunteers who help deliver the colourful and lively Pride Week activities, all of it fuelled entirely by their commitment. “We have 80,000 to 90,000 individuals,” Karlenzig says. “We are the fourth-largest Pride in Canada and one of the few Prides that is 100 per cent free.”
– Barry Karlenzig
He’d like to see more core funding in place to be able to pay out honorariums and ensure that the festival remains admission-free. The festival continues to evolve, and organizers have increased their focus on comfort, accessibility and environmental sustainability over the last couple of years.
TDS is proud to support Pride Winnipeg. As one of TDS’s Core Values, diversity is at the forefront of all that we do.
While we are celebrating the rights and freedoms that 2SLGBTQ+ persons enjoy today, we continue to reflect on those barriers that exist for 2SLGBTQ+ persons, both in our community and abroad.
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This year’s festivities return with three main stages, a kids’ zone, a job fair, an expanded community zone and a 55+ trailblazer lounge.
BARRY KARLENZIG Photo by Darcy Finley
“We understand that large crowds can be stressful for people. We have a quiet room at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights that has the festival piped in,” he says. “Canada Life Centre has an accessible viewing area inside and an outside barricaded area. Last year we had the Pride parade live-streamed.” From a sustainability perspective, Karlenzig says they encourage the parade floats to keep the greenhouse gases down. In addition, plastic water bottles have been banned, and composting is done with all food trucks.
In partnership with Recycle Everywhere, all garbage is sorted on site. Accessibility is another priority for organizers, and considerable work has been done to ensure that continues to expand. “We are working to try and secure live closed
This year’s festivities return with three main stages, a kids’ zone, a job fair, an expanded community zone and a 55+ trailblazer lounge. Perhaps most notable is that the impacts of Pride season are far-reaching and life-changing for many. Manny Calisto and his husband Bradley West have been attending Pride events for decades. “Our Pride parade has always been, and will always be, a protest march. That is more true today than ever with the never-ending attacks on trans members of our community,” Calisto says.
captioning and have ASL on all events,” Karlenzig says. “For all press releases,
everything is in English and French. We have 40 to 45 per cent French performers; we have Indigenous, queer, people of colour, and it’s very Manitoba-focused.”
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JUST LIKE OPERA, LOVE COMES IN ALL DIFFERENT COLOURS HAPPY PRIDE FROM
WHEN INCLUSIVITY THRIVES,
Happy Pride, Winnipeg!
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
Photos by Benjamin
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“I’ve marched in every Pride parade since 1997. Every year I think the same thing: this parade is someone’s first and someone’s last. For many members of our local 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the Pride parade might be the one day of the year where they feel safe and celebrated for who they are.” West has been involved with Pride since 1995, both in Winnipeg and across the country. “During these divisive times, when I take part in Pride I am mindful of those on whose shoulders I stand, honour those who are standing on my shoulders now, and the calls for us to do better. Being proud of our lived experiences is essential to building a culture of inclusion and belonging. Pride is an important part of that journey,” West says. “I often get asked ‘Why do you always take part in the Pride parade?’ My answer is always the same — I walk for all those who yet
can’t march.” For the younger generation, Pride offers hope and a sense of belonging. “Winnipeg’s Pride parade has always been inspiring for me to see as a young queer person,” Emily Henry says. “I think it is important to display that queer joy and community outwardly for all generations, future and past, to see. My hope would be that it gives people a positive perspective on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and reminds people to be proud of who they are.” Henry’s non-binary partner Brooke Apperley echoes those sentiments. “Pride is important to me because I want to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” Apperley says. “Pride is a time that reminds us that we are loved just as we are — and a time to celebrate with our friends and loved ones.“
2Spirit Consultants of Manitoba Albert McLeod, Director 2Spirit History - TRC Calls t o Action - MMIWG2S Calls for Justice Indigenous Art History - HIV/AIDS Awareness & Prevention 2spiritconsultants.ca
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PLAN YOUR PRIDE WEEK The best way to keep up to date with Pride events and activities is to download the Pride Winnipeg app. Details are also posted on the Pride Winnipeg website at pridewinnipeg.com. Check back often to keep tabs on new additions to the excitement.
HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS THAT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS. Events are subject to change.
SUNDAY, MAY 25
SUNDAY, JUNE 1
MEMORIAL PARK: • 6 to 8 p.m. – Our Beautiful Becoming: Vigil by Pride Winnipeg
MEMORIAL PARK: • The Pride rally starts at 10 a.m. at the Manitoba legislative grounds. The parade starts at 11 a.m. KIDS STAGE AT THE FORKS: • Jessee Havey and the Banana Band • Big Broadway Sing-Along • Drag Story Time • Giinawind Riverbend Community School Abinoojiiyag Nagamog • Act It Out! with MTYP MAMAWI STAGE AT THE FORKS: • Rein • Tinge • The Haus of Wolves • ZOON • Haus of Lube • M.C. LUV & Wanda G MAIN STAGE AT THE FORKS: • Big Broadway Sing-Along • Lady Muse and The Inspirations • Satina Loren & 25th Imperial House • KAOS • Ami Cheon • NADUH • Bannock Babes • Sebastian Gaskin • House of Gold Diamonds
SUNDAY, MAY 31
KIDS STAGE AT THE FORKS: • Art City Workshop • Act It Out! with MTYP • Drag Story Time • Jean van der Merwe as Beaux the Clown • Mama Cutsworth MAMAWI STAGE AT THE FORKS: • Werk It Out: Drag Bingo Bootcamp with Anita Stallion • The Rangers • November Underground • DJ Kilusan • Hold on Surely • Dreyden’s Fashion Show MAIN STAGE AT THE FORKS: • Winnipeg Trans March — Meet at Manitoba legislative building at 10 a.m. and march down Broadway to The Forks for performances at the Main Stage. • The Band at the Bottom of the Sea • The Carabiners • Bicycle Face • Hera
• Bobby Dove • The Kaptain
Your pride is our pride. The WCB proudly supports diversity, equity and inclusion.
SEBASTIAN GASKIN Photo by Norman Wong
SEBASTIAN GASKIN How does an emotional aftermath evolve into a creative epiphany? For Juno Award-winning Toronto-based Tataskweyak Cree Nation multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer Sebastian Gaskin, he first gets comfortable with the outcome and then gets to work sculpting his experience into a song. Intentionally genre amorphous, Gaskin’s music is grounded in bold intuition and gut instinct — at once conjuring the timeless spirit of Bill Withers and the musical virtuosity of John Mayer with the mischievous wordplay of Post Malone and Pro Era. A dynamic producer and arranger, Gaskin’s ear for collaboration has led him to work with Evan Miles (dvsn, renforshort) and Milano (Icona Pop) to reimagine the potential of each genre he explores.
Happy Pride
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month — honouring the strength, creativity, and passion that inspire us all.
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PROUD SUPPORTER OF PRIDE WEEK
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