2SLGBTQIA+ Events, Programs, and Resources

Gay Pride, also known internationally as LGBTQ+ Pride, traces its roots back to the Stonewall Uprising of June 28, 1969, in New York City. In response to ongoing police harassment, patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, fought back in a series of protests. This event sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and catalyzed activism for equality.

One year later, in 1970, the first Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to commemorate the anniversary of Stonewall. These marches celebrated LGBTQ+ identities and demanded equal rights, growing into annual global events. Over the years, Pride has evolved into a celebration of diversity and a powerful platform for LGBTQ+ advocacy, symbolized by the iconic rainbow flag created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978.

Today, Pride events are held worldwide, continuing the fight for equality and inclusion, while honoring the history and struggles of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Canada has a significant connection to the history of Gay Pride. Following the momentum of the Stonewall Uprising in the U.S., Canada's 2SLGBTQIA+ community organized its own marches and protests, contributing to the global Pride movement.

In 1971, Canada saw its first-ever 2SLGBTQIA+ demonstration with the "We Demand" protest on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Activists called for changes to discriminatory laws and policies affecting 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians, marking the beginning of organized 2SLGBTQIA+ rights advocacy in the country.

The first official Pride march in Canada took place in 1979 in Vancouver, followed by Toronto's first Pride march in 1981. That same year, Toronto became a pivotal location for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights after a series of police raids on gay bathhouses known as Operation Soap. The raids sparked massive protests, similar to the reaction to Stonewall, and strengthened the local 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement.

Over the years, Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have hosted some of the largest and most inclusive Pride celebrations in the world. Canada has also become a leader in 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, being one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide in 2005.

Today, Pride events across Canada celebrate diversity, raise awareness about ongoing issues, and honor the contributions and struggles of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The following is a listing of celebrations across Manitoba:

• Pride Winnipeg – https://pridewinnipeg.com/

• Dauphin Pride – https://www.facebook.com/northwestmetiscouncilinc/

• Pride Portage la Prairie – https://www.facebook.com/PridePortage/

• Brandon Pride – https://www.facebook.com/BdnPride

• Pride Winnipegosis – https://www.facebook.com/groups/403903644882798

• Selkirk Pride - https://www.facebook.com/events/selkirk-water-front/selkirk-pride/871092784736917/

• Steinbach Pride - https://www.facebook.com/SteinbachPride/

• Northwest Interlake Pride (Ashern) - https://healthproviders.sharedhealthmb.ca/wp-content/uploads/Northwest-Interlake-Pride-2.pdf

• Pembina Valley Pride (Altona) - https://www.pembinavalleypride.ca/

• Pride North of 55 (Northern Manitoba) - https://www.facebook.com/PrideNorth/

To learn more about the history of Pride:

https://www.history.com/topics/lgbtq/pride-month

https://youtu.be/Q1D65SxzojI?feature=shared

https://www.them.us/story/who-threw-the-first-brick-at-stonewall

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20th that honors the memory of transgender people whose lives have been lost to acts of anti-transgender violence. Founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, the event began as a vigil to remember Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was murdered in 1998. Her death, like many others in the transgender community, was met with insufficient media coverage and a lack of justice.

Since then, TDOR has grown into an international day of mourning, reflection, and activism. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing violence, discrimination, and stigma faced by transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color who are disproportionately affected. TDOR also raises awareness of the need for greater protections, social acceptance, and policy changes to address the violence and systemic challenges the trans community faces.

Vigils, events, and ceremonies are held worldwide to commemorate the lives lost, with many communities reading the names of those who have died in the past year due to transphobic violence. It is a solemn occasion that underscores the importance of fighting for the safety, dignity, and rights of transgender people. 

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) holds relevance in the Canadian context, as the transgender community in Canada faces challenges that reflect the global experiences of discrimination, violence, and marginalization, but with nuances shaped by Canada’s unique social, legal, and political landscape.

Violence and Discrimination in Canada: Though Canada is considered a leader in 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, transgender individuals—particularly transgender women of color, Indigenous, and Black transgender people—continue to face high levels of violence, harassment, and discrimination. In many cases, this violence goes underreported, and the perpetrators are rarely held accountable. 

Indigenous and Two-Spirit Experiences: TDOR is especially significant in recognizing the unique experiences of Two-Spirit people, an Indigenous term for those who embody both masculine and feminine qualities or who hold special roles related to gender diversity within their communities. Colonization disrupted the acceptance of Two-Spirit people in many Indigenous cultures, leading to their marginalization. Today, Two-Spirit individuals are often at the intersection of transphobia and racism, making TDOR an important day to honor their lives and struggles.

Legislative Progress and Gaps: Canada has made strides in legal protections for transgender people, such as the passing of Bill C-16 in 2017, which amended the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code to include gender identity and gender expression as protected grounds. However, despite these legal advances, TDOR highlights the gap between policy and the lived realities of many transgender Canadians who still face barriers in healthcare, employment, housing, and education.

Advocacy and Community Building: TDOR in Canada serves as a call to action for increased advocacy for transgender rights and better services. Canadian cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal hold annual TDOR vigils, which are often organized by local trans advocacy groups, 2SLGBTQIA+ centers, and community organizations. These events not only memorialize those lost to violence but also bring together communities to foster solidarity and resilience.

By observing TDOR, Canada acknowledges the ongoing violence faced by the trans community and amplifies the voices of those advocating for systemic change, both within the nation and globally. The day also underscores the importance of continued education, policy reform, and support for transgender individuals.

Government of Canada - Statement by Minister Marci Ien on Transgender Day of Remembrance

https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/news/2023/11/statement-by-minister-marci-ien-on-transgender-day-of-remembrance.html

For Winnipeg TDOR events click the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/7200966467/

To learn more about the history of TDOR:

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-transgender-day-of-remembrance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySkXGCQtkTk

The Two-Spirit Pow Wow is a powerful cultural celebration that honors the unique identities and traditional roles of Two-Spirit people within Indigenous communities. Rooted in pre-colonial history, the term "Two-Spirit" refers to individuals who embody both masculine and feminine qualities or hold distinct spiritual roles related either/or both gender and sexuality. Although the term was officially coined in 1990 at a conference in Winnipeg, the concept has existed for centuries across many Indigenous nations.

Pre-Colonial and Colonial Impact

Before European colonization, Two-Spirit people were respected and held important roles as healers, mediators, and leaders in their communities. However, colonization introduced rigid gender norms and Christian moral values, leading to the suppression of Two-Spirit identities and the marginalization of Indigenous LGBTQ+ people.

The Revival of Two-Spirit Identity

In the late 20th century, Indigenous LGBTQ+ people began to reclaim the Two-Spirit identity as part of a larger movement to restore cultural traditions disrupted by colonization. The term "Two-Spirit" emerged to describe the gender and sexual diversity that existed across Indigenous cultures, reflecting a broader effort to decolonize gender norms and create spaces of inclusion.

The Birth of the Two-Spirit Pow Wow

The first public Two-Spirit Pow Wow was held in San Francisco in 2012 by Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits (BAAITS). This groundbreaking event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Two-Spirit movement, providing a space where Indigenous LGBTQ+ people could participate fully in traditional powwow activities, including dancing, drumming, and singing. It celebrated the intersection of queer and Indigenous identities while honoring cultural traditions that have survived colonization.

Expanding Across North America

Since 2012, Two-Spirit Pow Wows have spread across the United States and Canada, including cities like Winnipeg, Toronto, and Vancouver. These powwows foster a sense of belonging and community for Two-Spirit people, offering a space to celebrate both their cultural heritage and their sexual and gender identities. The events have become symbols of resilience, resistance, and healing, bringing together Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities in powerful displays of unity.

Today, the Two-Spirit Pow Wow is more than just a cultural gathering—it is a celebration of the strength and diversity of Two-Spirit people. It plays a vital role in the ongoing movement for decolonization, visibility, and inclusion, while reminding us of the rich history and traditions of gender and sexual diversity within Indigenous nations.

The Two-Spirit Pow Wow continues to grow in prominence, honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building a future of greater understanding and acceptance for all Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ individuals.

History of the Two-Spirit Pow Wow: https://www.facebook.com/groups/7200966467/

For local events: 
●    https://twospiritmanitoba.ca/
●    https://www.facebook.com/twospiritpowwow/
 

Rainbow Resource Centre - www.rainbowresourcecentre.org

A hub for 2SLGBTQIA+ support in Manitoba, offering counseling, youth programs, education, and advocacy. It also includes Place of Pride, Canada's first 2SLGBTQIA+ campus, providing community spaces and affordable housing for older adults.

Two-Spirited People of Manitoba - https://twospiritmanitoba.ca

Two-Spirited People of Manitoba promotes the interests of Two-Spirit individuals through education, cultural awareness, and community-building, while addressing systemic challenges.

Sunshine House - https://www.sunshinehousewpg.org

A drop-in and resource center focusing on harm reduction and community engagement, with programs like Like That, a social space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals to connect and build community.

Queer People of Colour Winnipeg (QPOC) - https://www.facebook.com/qpocwinnipeg/

QPOC creates events for Queer and Trans Identified Black, Indigenous & People of Colour

Our Own Health Centre - https://www.ourownhealth.ca

A healthcare clinic providing comprehensive services 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals (with a focus on gay, bisexual and queer men), ensuring affirming and inclusive care.

Pride Winnipeg - https://pridewinnipeg.com

Organizes the annual Pride Festival and other events celebrating diversity and inclusion, while advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. Visit Pride to connect with other Pride celebrations throughout the province.

Winnipeg Public Library 2SLGBTQ+ section - https://guides.wpl.winnipeg.ca/bookedpicks/2SLGBTQ

Offers a dedicated collection of books, resources, and events to support and celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ stories, histories, and identities.

Sexuality Education Resource Centre (SERC) - https://serc.mb.ca

SERC provides sexuality education, training, and resources across Manitoba, addressing topics such as sexual health, gender identity, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.

For additional resources, visit the City of Winnipeg’s website https://guides.wpl.winnipeg.ca/2SLGBTQQIA/organizations for additional organizations and support groups, resources for Two-Spirit people (both local and national), youth focused organizations and national organizations outside of Manitoba

●    UMQueer: A group of faculty, staff, and students working together to celebrate and advocate for diversity and inclusion at the University of Manitoba.

●    Rainbow Pride Mosaic (RPM): An UMSU student group that proactively works to improve the quality of life at the U of M for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Offers a drop in lounge and additional resources.

●    Student Counselling Centre: Offers free counselling and mental health support, including services tailored for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.

●    Gender-Inclusive Washrooms: The university provides gender-inclusive washrooms and facilities across campus. Click this link to know where the gender neutral/inclusive washrooms are located: https://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2021-07/washroom-audit-july-714.pdf

We recognize that the nearest gender-inclusive washroom may not always be close to your classroom or workspace, which could present challenges, particularly during class breaks. If this poses a barrier to your participation or comfort, we encourage you to reach out to your instructor or program coordinator to discuss accommodations that support your needs.

Instructors are also encouraged to proactively support inclusive practices by:
1.    Familiarizing themselves with the locations of gender-inclusive washrooms.
2.    Including this information in their syllabi or course materials.
3.    Offering flexible break schedules where possible.

• SafeWalk Program: Available 24/7, providing secure escorts across campus to ensure your safety.

• UM Safe App: A mobile safety app that enhances the safety of students, staff, and faculty on campus by sending safety alerts and providing instant access to campus safety resources.
  
   

If you are a Two-Spirit, Indiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ student, pursuing your education at the University of Manitoba, a range of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to support your academic goals are available. These opportunities acknowledge the importance of honoring Indigenous identities and cultural heritage while easing financial barriers. For more details, visit the Indigenous Student Awards page by clicking here https://umanitoba.ca/financial-aid-and-awards/indigenous

The Lambda Scholarship is awarded annually to a University of Manitoba student conducting research or pursuing studies in LGBTQ+ issues, sports, or human rights. This prestigious award celebrates academic and community contributions to the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. Learn more and apply by visiting the Lambda Foundation Scholarship page by clicking here.

●    Bill 7 Award - https://bill7award.ca/
The Bill 7 Award is available to LGBTQ+ post-secondary students in Ontario, with a focus on financial need. Although Ontario-based, it offers insights into similar opportunities for students in other provinces.

●    Pride Foundation Scholarships - https://pridefoundation.org/
Open to LGBTQ+ students in Canada and the United States, these scholarships support a diverse range of academic pursuits and honor leadership in advancing equity for LGBTQ+ communities.

●    Canadian Women & Sport LGBTIQ2S Inclusion Grant - https://womenandsport.ca/spotlight-grant/
Available for LGBTIQ2S students involved in sports or athletic programs, this grant emphasizes the intersection of sports and gender/sexual identity. Check the organization's website for application details.

●    The Freddie Scholarship for Students
https://www.gofreddie.com/

https://www.gofreddie.com/magazine/freddie-scholarship-for-lgbtq2s-students-2024
Freddie, an online health service dedicated to LGBTQ2S+ communities, offers Freddie Scholarships to support LGBTQ2S+ students pursuing post-secondary education in Canada. The scholarship awards $1,000 each to four recipients—two full-time undergraduate and two full-time graduate students. Applicants must be part of the LGBTQ2S+ community and submit proof of enrollment, a resume, and a 500-1,000 word essay or alternative format (e.g., video, art) addressing their background, community involvement, and resilience. The scholarship prioritizes applications from Black, Indigenous, people of colour, and Disabled individuals. Dates for applications and deadlines vary annually. For more information visit the Freddie website.