United in colour

Pembina Valley Pride brings colour, courage and community to Carman

Hundreds gathered under cloudy skies in Carman on June 7 for the Pembina Valley’s most vibrant Pride event yet—a full-day celebration capped by the town’s first-ever Pride parade.

The day began with a Rainbow Church Service at the Carman Legion Auxiliary Hall, led by Rev. Harold Kenyon from Carman United Church. Outside Ryall Park, the Rainbow Makers Market opened at noon, featuring local vendors, food booths, raffles, and a rainbow auction. Pembina Valley Pride merchandise was on offer, and the Carman Wellness Connection provided lunch by donation.

The main stage at Ryall Park drew a large crowd, where local and visiting speakers addressed identity, safety, community and belonging in rural Manitoba.

“We are what freedom looks like”

Pembina Valley Pride president Pauline Emerson-Froebe opened the program with a firm statement of purpose.

“If you’re here to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community—as a member or an ally—you’re welcome,” she said. “We are not here to debate our existence or our place as part of the Pembina Valley community.”

She reminded attendees to report any harassment, noting past incidents where individuals had approached youth with literature or verbal intimidation.

The parade, led by Emerson-Froebe and community member Morty, looped through Carman and returned to Ryall Park. Though a small group of protesters displayed Bible-verse signage along the route, the event remained peaceful and well-supported by the community.

Drag performer and Paul’s Place co-owner Melissa Emerson-Froebe (drag name – M. Westwood described their immigration to Canada after the 2016 U.S. election and the difference they found living openly as a queer person here.

“I am a rebel yell creation of the anti-drag laws being passed in the United States. I pay American taxes—I can say this—land of the free doesn’t try to erase a culture,” they said. “Canada protects its 2SLGBTQIA+ people under law. That is what freedom looks like.”

M. Westwood also announced they had recently passed the Canadian citizenship test.

“We are real, and there’s nothing wrong with that”

Board member Xander Schieman spoke about the meaning of courage and identity.

“It doesn’t mean we’re not afraid—it means we still do it,” they said. “We’ve always been here and we will continue to be here until the end of time. We are not confused, or going through a phase. This is simply who we are.”

Local speaker Morty, a Carman Co-op employee, shared their experience coming out as trans and embracing their identity.

“Despite being told how homophobic Carman is, I’m not afraid of being here,” they said. “I love myself—and I love this community.”

One of the most emotional moments came from Emersyn Foxx, a trans woman originally from the Pembina Valley and now living in Winnipeg. She shared her journey of gender discovery, mental health struggles and ultimate transformation.

“This past eight months has felt like the longest decade of my life,” she said. “The fact that I’m standing here, confident and strong, is only possible because of a community that extended arms to catch me, embrace me, and support me. That was this community. The gays, theys, queens, queers and allies of the Pembina Valley.”

Fox described living for decades behind a hardened projection of masculinity, built to mask deep insecurity and internal conflict. She referred to it as “chasing the masculinity avatar”—a performance that stripped her of her sensitivity and kindness while reinforcing the illusion of control.

“I had built a fortress,” she said. “But inside was a prisoner—a sweet girl who did not deserve to be kept there.”

That girl, she revealed, was herself. Fox candidly described the moment her inner world collapsed under the weight of gender dysphoria and emotional turmoil.

“Despite my efforts, there was no putting her back in the box,” she said. “She should have let me die… Instead, she offered forgiveness, kindness, and the strength to stand again.”

Through her healing, Fox reclaimed her identity and shared the moment she welcomed that girl—herself—into a space of safety and warmth.

“She is so incredibly happy here. I know this with certainty,” she said. “Because I am her. And I am home.”

She closed with an original poem titled We Suffer the Same, honouring the shared resilience of the queer community and offering support to anyone “falling through the cracks of their own identity.”

We Suffer the Same

I have suffered myself to be sufficiently broken,

Then healed my self strong,

To share in the weight that burdens your soul.

As I suffered, while you suffer, we suffer the same.

Your eyes, they move me.

They stir my convictions and chill my bones cold.

So I will offer my wisdom in words softly spoken,

Holding space open as your story unfolds.

To find myself worthy to watch you glow old.

Mac Rogers, a board member of Canmore Pride in Alberta, also shared a powerful poem about the trans experience. Rogers spoke candidly about growing up without representation, fearing for their safety during a 13-hour solo drive to Carman, and the emotional toll of being visible in rural spaces.

“Being trans isn’t hard because we’re trans—it’s hard because of what the world is doing and saying about us,” they said. “But being trans is also sacred. Holy. Because I carved myself out of a mould that didn’t fit and found what’s sacred in me.”

“You don’t have to earn your place here”

Prairie Soundscape, an inclusive community choir, brought music and joy to the stage with songs themed around self-acceptance and courage.

Dr. Shane Reitmeier, the event’s presenting sponsor and a provider of gender-affirming care in the region, offered encouragement.

“Pride in rural settings is always a statement of resiliency,” said Reitmeier. “Today, we’ve chosen each other over fear and silence. You are not alone. You are seen. You already belong.”

As the afternoon wrapped up, Emerson-Froebe reminded attendees to visit Paul’s Place—a quiet and safe space during the event—and thanked the mental health workers, sponsors and vendors who helped make the day possible.

“This day is for all of us,” she said. “Live your light and know that you have a place in this rainbow garden.”