Winnipeg, Manitoba – February 6, 2024
In May 2023, the Manitoba Provincial Government announced that long overdue funding would be provided to Pride Winnipeg to further our 2SLGBTQ+ community initiatives. As one of Pride Winnipeg’s long-term goals, we are excited to announce the creation of the Manitoba Pride Alliance, the first of its kind in Canada.
The Manitoba Pride Alliance (MPA) will strive to promote a culture of inclusion for Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other gender and sexually diverse individuals throughout the province of Manitoba. Purpose Statements:
- Créer une communauté provinciale pour les organisations 2SLGBTQ+ qui organisent des événements de la Fierté, tels qu'un défilé, une marche, un rassemblement, un festival, une activité artistique ou culturelle, un événement social ou une activité organisée pour les personnes qui s'identifient comme 2SLGBTQ+.
- Établir et soutenir des communautés manitobaines 2SLGBTQ+ dynamiques et fortes grâce à la collaboration, au soutien, au réseautage, au partage de ressources et à la défense des droits.
- Encouragez l'apprentissage mutuel en partageant les expériences, les connaissances et les meilleures pratiques concernant les activités et les événements 2SLGBTQ+.
- Renforcer l'unité au sein du mouvement de la fierté partout au Manitoba grâce à l'éducation, la programmation, les ressources, le réseautage, la représentation et les possibilités de financement.
As part of Pride Winnipeg’s funding agreement with the province, the Manitoba Pride Alliance is required to provide educational workshops and training for its members, as well as allocate funding amongst Pride organizations in Manitoba to support MPA’s mission and purpose.
“After holding an initial introductory meeting in January with representation from Pride organizations across the entire province, it became clear to all in attendance that growing the Pride movement in our province can only be done one way — together.” says Jenn Rands, the Vice President of Advocacy with Pride Winnipeg and the newly
appointed Chair of the Manitoba Pride Alliance. “Bringing together the voices and experiences of rural and remote Pride organizers will further the progress of equity and visibility for all 2SLGBTQ+ Manitobans.”
“The formation of the Manitoba Pride Alliance has been something Pride Winnipeg has envisioned since 2017, and to see it come to light is truly remarkable.” says Barry Karlenzig, President of Pride Winnipeg. “Myself and the entire Board of Directors are excited to see what the MPA team creates to ensure that 2SLGBTQ+ community voices are heard and the Pride movement continues to grow. We also hope the funding from the Province of Manitoba continues for years to come to ensure this important organization can build and expand as a model for other provinces in Canada.”
For more information, contact:
Jenn Rands
Chair, Manitoba Pride Alliance
VP of Advocacy, Pride Winnipeg
jrands@pridewinnipeg.com
Barry Karlenzig
President, Pride Winnipeg
bkarlenzig@pridewinnipeg.com