(Winnipeg, MB; May 17, 2013) – After making national headlines in the debate over Manitoba’s anti-bullying bill, 17-year-old Evan Wiens will lead the Pride Winnipeg Parade through downtown on June 2, 2013 as the Honourary Youth Marshal.

Wiens became a focal point for LGBTTQ* rights in Manitoba schools earlier this year after he was denied permission to promote the gay-straight alliance he had set up in 2012. Wiens publically protested the school division’s decision, gaining national support for his campaign and eventually overturning the ruling, paving the way for the increased safety and acceptance of queer students across the province.

“Evan set an amazing precedent for LGBTTQ* youth in Manitoba and Canada,” says Jonathan Niemczak, President of Pride Winnipeg. “We’re honoured to have him lead this year’s parade. He is an excellent example of what equal rights can look like in our community.”

Past Pride Winnipeg Chair Barb Burkowski will join Wiens as the parade’s Grand Marshal. Burkowski was Chair of Pride Winnipeg from 2009 to 2012, and played an instrumental role in growing the Parade and Festival from a small event at Memorial Park to one of the largest Pride celebrations between Vancouver and Toronto.

Pride Winnipeg’s week-long celebrations begin on Friday, May 24 with the inaugural Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall. For more information about the Pride Parade and other Pride celebrations happening throughout, visit www.pridewinnipeg.com.

>>Download Media Release

A Pride Winnipeg Fundraiser – Bottoms Up!
Join us Friday, May 10, 2013 at Club 200 for the release of Queer Beer – the event that marks the final run-up to the Pride Festival! $5 cover at the door. Proceeds go to Pride Winnipeg.

The 2013 Pride Guide will be distributed to various locations throughout the city beginning this weekend.

If you would like to carry it at your location please submit a request. In the meantime, check it out by downloading it!

For a limited time only!

Pride Winnipeg was granted behind the scenes access to the production of a publication at Outwords Magazine; Manitoba’s longest running GLBT magazine. Get the inside scoop on their mission and a look at what goes into a fashion shoot.

Pride Winnipeg today announces a new partnership to build and maintain new unicorn stables, ranges, training grounds, a petting zoo and a world-class educational institute. Read the Media Release for full details.

Ultra Naté and Kristina Maria

Pride Winnipeg is continuing to show that the Pride Winnipeg Festival is being taken to all new heights with the announcement last night that they will have not one, but two major headliners this year. During Pride Winnipeg’s CabarGay fundraiser, held at Fame Nightclub on Friday night, the members of Pride Winnipeg presented a video that announced American dance-pop sensation Ultra Naté as this year’s festival headliner, quickly followed by the surprise reveal that Canadian chart topper Kristina Maria would also be taking the stage in June.

Ultra Naté is best known for her contributions to the 1998 hit single “If You Could Read My Mind,” as part of the house music collective Stars on 54. She has established a successful solo career, climbing dance charts with singles, “Free,” “Found A Cure,” “Automatic,” and “Give It All You Got.”

Ottawa’s Kristina Maria, gained instant success with the release of her 2012 debut album Tell The World, which saw three gold-selling singles: “Let’s Play,” “Our Song Comes On,” and “Co-Pilot.” During Pride Winnipeg’s headliner announcement video, Kristina Maria addressed the crowd to proclaim her excitement over performing at the 2013 Pride Winnipeg Festival.

“After 25 years we need to start delivering more to the people of Winnipeg and that’s why we secured two major headliners this year,” said Pride Winnipeg President Jonathan Niemczak. “Our festival is one of the largest LGBT celebrations between Toronto and Vancouver, and as it continues to grow so does our offering.”

The Pride Winnipeg Festival takes place from May 24 to June 2, 2013. Festivities occur throughout the city during that time until Pride Day on, June 2. Pride Day presents major events, such as the Rally at the Legislative Building, the Pride Parade through downtown, the Festival and concert at the Forks, and the Official Pride Dance Party.

The Festival and concert will also feature local talent such as country singer Jerry Sereda, and Womyn of Pride. Pride Winnipeg’s headliner reveal video is available for viewing on YouTube.

If you would like to know more about Pride Winnipeg or are interested in partnership opportunities please click here.

>> Download Media Release

It’s here! Watch Pride Winnipeg take on Festival du Voyageur in the second episode of OUT+ ABOUT now!

Here it is! Check out episode 1 of of OUT + ABOUT, our new YouTube series! Thanks to everyone who came and made this project possible.