As more people participate in Pride events and raise awareness about issues 2SLGBTQ+ people face, it’s clear that this month is all about unity, acceptance, and celebration. From small towns to big cities, communities are coming together to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
In Churchill, Manitoba, residents celebrated their third annual Pride festival with events taking place over the weekend. Nickia McIvor-Ruiz, an organizer with the Churchill Pride committee said it’s a big deal to have a weekend dedicated to celebrating Pride in a community with a population of just under 900 people. “Pride is about being seen in your community,” they explained. “In high school, I didn’t get to see Pride all that much, but now, you know, wherever you go — my little cousins, my friends, relations – can see themselves and feel welcomed in the community.”
Churchill’s Pride events included drag bingo and a performance from Bannock Babes – a trio of Indigenous artists from Winnipeg. The weekend also featured a parade at noon on Saturday, as well as barbecue and “drag Q&A” where people could anonymously submit any questions they may have been too shy to ask through an online portal.
Meanwhile, in the face of anti-trans violence, Transgender Day of Remembrance is more important than ever. This day serves as a reminder that we must continue to stand together against hate and discrimination. “I think that sort of support … is a very necessary thing to have if we’re going to continue to maintain our rights in the face of all these sorts of attacks on us,” said Praznik, an organizer with the Transgender Day of Remembrance march.
As communities come together for Pride events and stand against anti-trans violence, it’s clear that this month is about more than just celebration – it’s about creating a world where everyone can feel safe, seen, and accepted.