Everyone wanting to safely celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in our community is welcome
Residents in Selkirk will have a chance to attend the city’s second annual pride event this weekend at the Selkirk Waterfront.
“Throughout the entirety of the event there will be a handmade market where different makers [will have wares including] jewelry, food, crafting, and art will be set up there and that will take place throughout. There’s also going to be drag performances taking place from 4:30 until 6 p.m.,” said Coral Kendel, executive director for Survivor’s Hope and one of the people organizing this event.
Though she says that the drag lineup is not finalized as of press time, people won’t want to miss out.
“Otherwise, there’s going to be opening remarks, there’ll be some queer trivia, there’s going to be a queer library where folks are welcome to bring books to leave for others, or take books that are there and expand their knowledge. They’ll also be just some goodies, things like temporary tattoos, stickers and fun things like chalk. There will also be a calming colouring station, if someone wants to take a moment to get away from some of the excitement because there’s also, of course, going to be music at the other opportunities. It’s a really friendly come-and-go event. As folks want to, [they can] come through and explore and see what there is to offer,” said Kendel.
The event is being hosted by a group of community organizations which include the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network and Survivor’s Hope and has been spearheaded by the Do It Better, Do It Safer Committee. Selkirk Pride will take place at the Selkirk Waterfront on June 23 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Kendel explained that it’s very important to host events like this in communities and especially more rural communities like ours where the visibility of our queer community members isn’t as prominent.
“There’s a lot of progress still to be made with the attitudes and values [and the] beliefs that can exist that create unsafe spaces for our community members and perpetuate hatred and discrimination that is not inclusive. We were really intentional with planning this event to hold it in a largely visible space to make sure people know this is occurring, and that there is this place where folks can come and feel seen and feel heard and be valued and loved for their wonderful queerness,” said Kendel.
This is the city’s second Selkirk Pride event as last year a smaller celebration was held in Selkirk Park. With the success of that event and a good many residents heading out in their colourful attire, a larger celebration was planned for this year. The Manitoba Pride Alliance helped to make this vision a reality with a grant which is supporting the event.
This is a pride event celebrating our 2SLGBTQ+ community but you don’t have to be part of the community in order to attend the event.
“Anyone and everyone who is going to help us create an inclusive and fun environment that recognizes the value of pride as a protest for human rights and love for all is welcome to attend. Anyone of all ages and genders,” said Kendel.
Ways that residents can help spread the word about this event in our community are visiting the Selkirk Pride event page on Facebook and sharing that they are attending. They can also let their social circles know that this is an event that’s taking place in our community.
If you want to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community in our area, Kendel invited residents to attend this event and even if they can’t make it, to uphold the values of inclusion in our community.
“[Look into] the history of pride, why is pride still important, why do we need pride, and how this is still a work in progress to see our queer loved ones, friends and family getting all the same rights as everyone else. Spend that time educating yourself and being safe individuals for those in your life,” said Kendel.
She encourages residents who want to attend this event and who are going to keep it an inclusive, fun and safe space to stop by.
“We’d love to have you. It’s going to be a great time. Bring your friends and family, bring some money to support our local vendors and, of course, wear weather-appropriate clothing otherwise,” she said.
