Winnipeggers invited to come out and “Grow With Us”

Download Media Release - June 1, 2009

Winnipeg, MB – The face of Winnipeg Pride is changing, and 2009 marks the last chance for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and two- spirit (GLBTT) community – and their allies – to experience Pride in its current
form.

“Pride has grown steadily in the last few years, with increasing numbers of participants and increasing support from the community at large,” says Pride committee chair Barb Burkowski. “This year, that evolution will continue to be noticeable to participants and spectators alike, and next year’s Pride festival will be virtually unrecognizable as we move towards bigger and better things. I encourage everybody to join us as we embark on this journey of change.”

This year’s Pride celebrations take place June 5-14, culminating with a rally at the Manitoba Legislature on June 14 at 12:30 pm with a parade through downtown Winnipeg and free festival in Memorial Park to follow. At this year’s rally, we will announce our plans for the future, as well as acknowledge the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

The Stonewall riots were a series of violent demonstrations against police in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. The riots are considered to be the first time gays and lesbians fought back against a government-sponsored system that persecuted homosexuals, and they mark the start of the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

“Things have changed dramatically in the last 40 years, but we need to remember the struggles of our predecessors – and be inspired by them – as we move forward,” says Barb. “Recent developments like Proposition 8 in California remind us that equality can be fleeting.”

To acknowledge the struggle and achievements of Winnipeg’s GLBTT community, and in recognition of the city’s diversity, the rainbow flag will once again fly high over city hall. It will be raised at a special ceremony on June 12 beginning at 12 noon. All are invited to attend.

Fusion: The Garden of Eden – the biggest dance party of the year – brings a close to this year’s festivities at Blush, 323 Portage Ave. Doors open at 8 pm and tickets ($40) can be purchased online at www.ticketweb.ca, or in person at Gio’s, McNally Robinson Booksellers, or Adonis Spa.

For more information about this year’s Pride events, please visit our official website at gaypridewinnipeg.com. 

Media contacts:
 
English media:
Scott Carman, Media Coordinator
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Phone: (204) 803-1914
 
Contact Française:
Marie-Line Lacerte, Pride Committee Past Chair
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Phone: (204) 231-4636