Over 6,000 people take to the streets at the 37th Pride Parade

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In 1988, Barbara Bruce took part in the very second Pride Parade, although like many others at the time she was not yet comfortable coming out, especially not in public. Bruce could hardly have imagined that almost four decades later she would be one of the Grand Marshals for the now annual event.

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“I stood here with a paper bag over my head because I was too ashamed to come out or come into the circle, and here I am many years later, a strong, outspoken advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+,” the Two-Spirit Métis elder recalled after speaking at a rally on the steps of the Manitoba Legislative Building that preceded the Pride Parade.

“I never thought I would be Grand Marshal. I didn't even know until they sent me an email asking, 'Do you accept the position of Grand Marshal along with Charlotte (Nolin, also Grand Marshal and a Two Spirit Métis woman)?' I was shocked. I was so excited.

“This is the most important recognition I have ever received because it is recognized by my peers,” added Bruce, who was recognized and honored for her work by the Manitoba Human Rights Commission for her significant contributions to advancing the rights and equality of Indigenous peoples.

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Organizers estimated that more than 6,000 participants took to the streets on Sunday for the 37th annual Pride Parade. The parade began at the Legislature, went through downtown and ended in The Forks, where other Pride Festival activities took place.

Sunday's rally and parade had special meaning for Dennis Persowich, who was among the 250 people who participated in the first Pride Parade in 1987. Among them were some – like Bruce – who carried paper bags to conceal their identities for fear of reprisal or backlash.

“After the law was passed in 1987 (to include sexual orientation in Manitoba's human rights code), an (organizing) committee was formed. It was a small, close group of friends that got the ball rolling.”

“It’s amazing to see how it has grown after so many years,” added Persowich, 74.

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“It's wonderfully encouraging (to see so many young people participating). Awareness has grown and I can tell you that even for young people, it's still difficult to come out. There's still internalised homophobia and that's just out there in the world. I struggled a lot when I came out. Celebrations like this are really necessary.”

Persowich said he was not one of those who tried to disguise himself, but his partner at the time went so far as to wear a clown costume with makeup so he could not be identified.

“There were educators and public figures who could not afford to be outed at that time,” he said.

Last week, Manitoba's parliament passed a bill declaring March 31 as Two-Spirit and Transgender Day of Visibility. The final vote came with unanimous support from the governing New Democrats and most of the opposition Progressive Conservatives in parliament. Four Tory MPs voted against the bill, drawing the ire of Premier Wab Kinew in parliament and during his speech on Sunday.

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“I hope you see yourself here when you look at your provincial government,” Kinew said, singling out Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara, the first nonbinary MP in Manitoba's parliament, and Logan Oxenham, a transgender NDP backbencher who introduced the Two-Spirit and Transgender Day bill. “I hope you see yourself here, all Manitobans. And kudos to Logan for passing a bill this week recognizing Two-Spirit and trans visibility.

“It's his first law, so it's a huge milestone, but also so fundamental. Do you see Logan? Do you see transgender people? Do you see two-spirit people? It's such a fundamental thing, and yet at the same time such an important step, and we're so proud of Logan for moving this forward.”

The motto of this year’s Pride Festival was “Transcending Together” and embodied the collective strength and unity within the queer community.

“Today is about celebration, awareness and love. And about sending that message to the rest of Manitoba and to everyone who is here today or who may be back home and think they're not ready to be in a place like this,” said Oxenham, who first participated in the Pride Parade in 1999. “Today is about celebrating, being visible, while also recognizing that there is more work ahead.”

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X: @SunGlenDawkins

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