Participants march in the annual Pride Winnipeg parade downtown on Sunday, June 14, 2015. (MAURICE BRUNEAU / CHRISD.CA FILE)
The Pride Winnipeg Festival is all about being yourself, so this year’s theme to “Be Authentic” just fits.
“No matter your gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, abilities, culture; be real, be true, be outspoken, be a person who affects change, be someone who lives each day unapologetically,” said Jonathan Niemczak, president of Pride Winnipeg.
Niemczak says the Pride Festival is a safe place for anyone to be themselves without judgements or negativity.
But with that openness still comes social stigmas that need to be overcome, such as those discriminating against LGBTTQ* people or preventing individuals from coming out and openly identifying.
This year’s Pride Festival is May 27 to June 5. Several events are planned across the city, including the Pride Outdoor Concert & Festival at The Forks June 4-5, and the Pride Parade on June 5.
“Year over year we’re seeing larger crowds at The Forks and to accommodate the demand we are increasing our operating hours,” Niemczak added. “This increase will see all Pride Day weekend services extended right until 8:00 p.m.”
The complete festival schedule is available by visiting PrideWinnipeg.com.
