Members of the Winnipeg Local were among the 10,000 people who took part in the Winnipeg Pride Parade. This year’s theme “Transcend Together” embodies the collective strength and unity within the queer community. This theme embraces inclusivity, highlighting the diverse spectrum of identities within the queer community and fostering solidarity among all members. It emphasizes the empowerment and resilience of trans individuals, advocating for the protection of trans rights and the celebration of their unique identities.
Why do we celebrate Pride Month?
It’s a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, Two-Spirit, asexual and agender (LGBTQQIP2SAA or 2SLGBTQ2+) communities. Ensuring peoples freedom to live their lives authentically. It’s a time to recognize the rights and achievements of people belonging to this community: the right to marry, right to adopt, and legal equality.
Celebrating Pride Matters because People are still attacked because of their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. Threats, violence, and harassment against 2SLGBTQ2+ people happen every day. There are 64 countries around the world which still criminalize same sex relationships (12 in which you can be given the death penalty), and the people their still live in fear. Celebrating Pride is the embodiment of that sense of belonging that comes from moments similar to seeing a pride flag or sticker hanging in a window of a business or home. You know Pride is a safe space, you are free from judgment and that can be yourself.
As unionists, we stand behind the motto: “An injury to one is truly an injury to all.” We know how important it is to centre our advocacy around the most marginalized groups. Pride events are about human rights; they empower 2SLGBTQ2+ individuals to reclaim the rights and freedoms they are denied, and the public spaces they are often excluded from. Visibility is crucial, especially when some government representatives and opposition groups go to considerable lengths to put 2SLGBTQ2+ people at the margins of society. Everybody should feel comfortable and safe being themselves wherever they are.