Many Canadians worked bravely to bring awareness to the ignorant, and stand strong as legislation ebbed and flowed, in favour and against, the cause of queer human rights. Government, which really means ‘us’ as a society, has transformed over the years, through the persistence of many people. We saw strong movement in the diverse cultures and orientations of Canada. We watched determined Canadians seek to keep real, our mantra of being, ‘strong and free’. We pride ourselves in being one of only a hand full of countries with rights to live our lives, with significant freedom and equality with fellow citizens. In marriage, adoption, shared benefits, and growing inclusiveness in the education of new generations we are both the envy and inspiration for many in the world.

In Winnipeg, we are fortunate to have leaders in the community who act publically, at risk of negative consequences from family, work and society. They experience the sting of hate and displacement in their rightful space. Through the discomfort, they remain steadfast in their quest for a place amongst others. They inspire others to come out. Those who have, become further champions of cause, educators, politicians and people in our community who all breath the same air.

There are many Winnipeggers to acknowledge for the last 25 years of truly incredible advancement: far too many to commit to names. In fact, many don’t recognize their part in the changes. They express genuine surprise when asked about their experiences and are somewhat humble in their part of the last few decades. But, in inviting their perspective on Pride 25, thoughts of the past stir and opens their personal reality to the part they play in our journey..

Conversations with mature community members bring stories both interesting and sad. The stories rise from difficult and lonely times but also uncover times of empowerment, recognition and discovery. Many personal relationships developed from congruent experiences and the sharing fear and pain. These friendships are cherished today. The achievement of working beyond ignorance is rewarding. The result of overcoming disrespect is positive, and oddly enough, sometimes amusing, as stories of triumph over adversity unfold. When events are recalled in these conversations, the sense of nervous excitement and mischievousness is passionate. This passion drives an opportunity within Pride to relive and celebrate the achievements of the last 25 years.

Most stories include reference to past locales and old haunts integral in the origin of many relationships, good times, and memories as part of 25 years. With unspoken reminiscence creeping across their faces, a few affectionately mentioned such meeting places as: The Women’s Building, The Cha Cha Palace, The Mount Royal, YMCA, Heartland, Giovanni’s/Gio’s (OWMS), Happenings (x2 locations), Ms. Purdy’s, Club 200, the odd department store, >>>others???<<<< These are comfort zones of many ages of queers etched clearly in memories as they afforded a safe sense of growing up with ‘family’ and pursuit of self-acceptance.

Our we there yet? No. While the struggle for equality in the world will never end, we are very fortunate to live in a country built on respect, fairness and the desire to be a leader in human rights. As the future home of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, our thanks goes to those who fought for equality and made our city a desirable location for this incredible honour. Queer Winnipeggers of the past 25 years and beyond, who simply lived their lives believing they were worthy of equality, gift our future queer leaders, inspiring them to lead in an equal society.

This year, Pride Winnipeg Festival salutes you and says thanks on behalf of others for your strength and tenacity, and your contribution to our lives. Because of you, we celebrate.

Originally published in Outwords Magazine – November 2011 Issue

In 2009, the Forks Corporation invited Pride (then known as the Winnipeg Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival Inc.) to celebrate Pride Day 2010 at the Forks. This was huge! It gave Pride Winnipeg ‘big’ event status and even though it broke routine in several ways, it was exciting and justifying to celebrate at the Forks – the meeting place of all Winnipeggers and a space to morph into a ‘bigger’ city event.

Until 2009, Pride followed a routine pattern, with the Parade starting at the Legislative grounds, following the rectangle around downtown, and ending at Memorial Park. The stage, business tent and toilets were all in the usual place. Pride knows Winnipeggers like consistency and routine. Participants knew where to park and where to find their friends, just as they had every year. As a committee, Pride had the planning down, and Pride was an annual good time.

Prior to 2010, the only real source of income for Pride was the dance party. The Rendez-Vous, in particular and arguably the most memorable of Pride events, was the pinnacle money source for Pride for many years. Until 2010, the dance party’s profits were unknown until the last moment of the final event. Hopefully, they would cover the year’s expenses, and just maybe, some extra to start the next year. Noteworthy, to the common question – Why is the Pride party on Sunday? Answer: Pride always supported the opportunity for the bars to profit from one of the biggest nights of the year, Pride Saturday. Out of respect for their financial stability, Pride holds the dance party on Sunday night, to close out Pride week. You already know the date for 2012: June 3 – if you need to, book Monday off now.

Clearly, one of the challenges brought by the growth of Pride is financial. Financial backing is definitely not a given and requires negotiation and relationship building, a special talent, from a special kind of volunteer. Pride is benefiting from sponsors who have embraced us, not just as a market, but as true proponents of diversity changes for safe workplaces and dedicated supporters of the queer community.

The operating budget from 2009, approximately $10000, grew to approximately $100000 in 2010. A 1000% increase. In 2010, Pride stepped out of the uncertain money shadow of the dance party and discovered sponsorship, supporting big name talent on the Forks Stage. It also brought income from the long awaited beer tent and the introduction of Queer Beer, made by Winnipeg’s own Half Pints Brewery. In 2011, in preparation for our 25th Pride, spending was cut back but still produced one of the biggest and best Pride Days ever.

To date, Pride has not received money from any level of government, although it is a prime desire of future funding and a strong indication of societal support. Locally, working relationships and contributions from city departments and council are essential to plan the mass movement of Parade participants through downtown Winnipeg, crossing major routes safely into the Forks. To benefit from all levels of government resources, Pride needs grant writing expertise and approved accounting and auditing practices.

But money for Pride is not the greatest challenge.

The biggest challenge of rapid growth for Pride is Human Resources. Pride’s organizational chart requires professionals – graphic designers, communication experts, financial gurus, and marketing specialists to operate effectively. Lawyers, accountants and business people are keys to accommodating expansion and ensure the wellness and future of Pride. Many people bring their talents as committed volunteers. And, we need volunteers on other levels. Pride Guide distribution, hospitality, tourism coordinators are needed to ensure the important details come together during Pride week. On Pride Day, the volunteer core of parade marshals, ground crews and beer tent servers, all led by an exceptional Volunteer Director are essential for a safe and fun experience.

‘Big’ city Pride is possible in Winnipeg. One day we may graduate to having an Executive Director and every year Pride’s direction will progress with new ideas and opportunities. For now, volunteers are the primary component in the production of ‘big’ city Pride and they are truly great people.

It’s a great year! This is the 25th year of our Winnipeg queer history, and most importantly, Pride honours the contributors of our past achievements while continuing progress in human rights for all. Get involved and share in the incredible excitement and ownership of bringing the biggest gathering of queer and diverse people between Vancouver and Toronto to our city – The Pride of the Prairies.

(Originally published in Outwords Magazine – October Issue)

Below are a list of positions we have available:

STREET PARTY DIRECTOR

Coordinate with local Area Biz organization to produce Pride Kick Off Street Party on the first Sunday of Pride Week, including beer tent and stage entertainment. Work with Grounds, Sponsorship, Beer Tent, Volunteer and other Directors to engage all aspects of the event. Communicate with city and provincial officials to ensure permits are in place and compliance with regulations.

BEVERAGE TENT COORDINATOR

Work with Grounds Director at the Forks and Street Party Director to produce beverage tents at the two noted Pride Events. Apply for applicable city and provincial permits and ensure all regulations are followed. Coordinate with sponsors to utilize and promote products sold in the beverage tent. This position reports to the Grounds Director.

PRIDE25 HISTORY COORDINATOR

Contact organizations, community members, and archive sources from the last 25 years to develop historical data, information and media as part of the Pride Winnipeg 25th anniversary. Organize historical information with the help of volunteers for optimal flexibility and use during Pride Week. Develop display options including possibilities like a parade float, transportable display board and Pride Day tent to showcase the history of the last 25 years. Gather members of the first Pride Parade to lead this year’s parade as honorary parade marshals.

STAGE MANAGER

Position filled!!

PARADE DIRECTOR

Position filled!!

DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Position filled!!

VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR

Position filled!!

TOURISM COORDINATOR

Position filled!!

RAFFLE COORDINATOR

Position filled!!

DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Position filled!!

VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR

Position filled!!

Internship Positions

We are also looking for interns to assist our existing directors with their efforts on the 25th Anniversary events. Interns will work with experienced directors, assist with their efforts, and learn the job of the director with the intent of taking that leadership position in following year. Please inquire by contacting chair@pridewinnipeg.com to find out more.

The Forks – Winnipeg’s historic meeting place – was packed with colourful revelers who came out en masse to celebrate the city’s diversity. Crowds were rewarded for their enthusiasm with gorgeous weather – sunny and 25 C – despite a cool and cloudy start to the day.

Thank you to the many volunteers who put in countless hours to make our Pride celebrations a huge success – it would be impossible to pull it off without your support.

Thanks, also, to our many sponsors who help pay the bills and help make our vision become a reality: TD, Delta Hotel, Half Pints Brewing, Siku, Fame, Multimedia Risk Inc., GLBTT Health Coalition, Sandbox, Hot 103, and Homorazzi, as well as the contributions of Cruiseline, Chocolate Zen Bakery, Gio’s, Club 200, and Don Pedro’s.

Let the countdown to our 25th anniversary celebrations in 2012 begin! If you have any ideas for our theme, suggestions for new community events, or if you’d like to get involved, please send an email to info@pridewinnipeg.com and someone will get in touch with you.

If you would like to offer financial support leading up to our 25th anniversary, please click the Donate button on the upper right of this page.

Thanks for your support!