Photos by Benjamin
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
“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
Powered by FlippingBook