The small Manitoba city of Portage la Prairie is making history, hosting its first Pride March on Saturday.

With a population of 13,000 people, it’s a coming out celebration many could only dream of a generation ago.

William Garrioch came of age surrounded by doubt, self-hate and bullies.

Growing up openly gay, let alone celebrating it was virtually unheard of in his home town of Portage la Prairie. In high school, he said he couldn’t walk down the hall without being called names.

“It really pushed me into the closet," said Garrioch.

Garrioch, 27, has moved past the torment, and is embracing the man he is today. He's a documentary maker, a drag queen entertainer and an organizer with Pride Portage la Prairie.

"I think people need to realize now more than ever that diversity exists within their communities, even small communities," said Garrioch.

He said after the success of the Pride March in Steinbach, it was time for his city to stand up for equality and LGBTTQ rights.

Unlike Steinbach, which never officially endorsed the July 9th parade, Portage la Prairie’s mayor is joining the celebration.

“Very important to me,” said Mayor Irvine Ferris. “We want to be known as an inclusive, caring, welcoming city, and this goes a long way.”

Another step in Manitoba was Bill 18, passed in 2013, which allows students to form clubs at school, known as gay-straight alliances.

Having a gay-straight alliance at Portage Collegiate Institute made coming out a lot easier for the next generation, providing a safe space for students to be who they feel they truly are.

Kirsten Trimble, 18, said her involvement at school helped her come out as bisexual at 15.

"I've never had issues with people calling me names, harassing me in anyway online, in person. For that reason, nothing,” said Trimble.

Garrioch and Trimble are both excited and proud their city will celebrate its first formal pride, even if Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister can't be there in person.

“I'm honoured to get the invitation. It's my hometown so I wish the organizers tremendous success,” Pallister said.

The Premier said members of the Progressive Conservative caucus will attend this Saturday’s march.

Festivities start at 10 a.m. and the march begins at 11 a.m. – 1000 people are expected to attend the celebrations.