The small Manitoba city of Portage la Prairie is getting ready to celebrate its first-ever pride march on Sat., Aug. 27.
The march is being organized by Pride Portage la Prairie, a recently formed group aiming to stand up for equality, LGBTTQ rights and human rights in the community.
Pride Portage la Prairie said it hopes to see a similar show support showcased in Steinbach last month, at that city’s first pride parade. RCMP said about 3,000 people attended.
“The hope of the Portage march is for people of all backgrounds to walk in solidarity to raise LGBTTQ awareness and express their support of diversity and individuality in our community and beyond, an area which has been known for many years as rigid and conservative-minded,” said a release sent to CTV News on Sunday.
“Coming together and showing love and respect for one another is a healthy and vital component of not only communities, but also provinces, countries, and entire societies. The intended goal of the milestone celebration is that everyone feels stronger, more confident, inspired, loved, and included in our community”.
Celebrations are kick off at 10 a.m. with a rally in front of the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation. There will also be face painting and speeches in the parking lot directly adjacent to the Herman Prior Centre. The march is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.
A community pride social will also take place at the Army Navy & Air Force at 25 3rd Street from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
“I'd like to see them there, but fully understand if they can't, as it’s a busy time of year for people as it’s the last weekend in August,” said Will Garrioch, an organizer of Pride Portage la Prairie.
Organizers said Portage la Prairie Mayor Irvine Ferris will speak at the rally, and walk in the march.
Ian Wishart, the MLA for the area, is officially not attending as he said is away on family vacation.
Premier Brian Pallister has also been invited to the event, according to organizers.
On Monday, a spokesperson from the government said Pallister will also not be attending.
"Premier Pallister and Minister Wishart are unable to attend the Portage la Prairie Pride this Saturday, but will be represented by members of PC Caucus. Our government is pleased to support events that celebrate the inclusive spirit of our diverse province. We wish the organizers a safe and successful inaugural celebration,” said the email.
A spokesperson for Conservative MP for Portage-Lisgar, Candice Bergen, was also unable to make the event.
“We commend the work done by Pride Portage la Prairie in setting up this event. While Ms. Bergen did recently receive an invitation, unfortunately she will not be able to attend due to prior commitments,” the spokesperson said.
Portage la Prairie has a population of 13,000 people.
