Rainbow community members and their allies gathered in Altona on Saturday for the first Pride March and Rally organized by Pembina Valley Pride.
The day began with the welcome and hoisting of the Pride flag at the Altona Civic Center, followed by a nearly two-kilometer march to the Centennial Park where the celebration continued with parliaments and live music.
As Pembina Valley Pride President Peter Wohlgemut explained, Pride parades have evolved over time. It first begins as a form of protest or statement that the Rainbow community exists. Since then, the event has become more of a celebration. Saturday’s local event included items from both, Wohlgemut said.
“There’s a bit of seeing, of being seen as part of the community. Sometimes there’s the feeling that reluctantly people will tolerate rainbow identities as long as they never have to see them. “You can’t be part of the community if you’re invisible,” Wohlgemut said.
In addition, Wohlegmut says there is also an aspect of Allied involvement.
“In our area, again, if you’re an ally, how do you prove it? And for rainbow community members, if you don’t know someone is an ally, your safe assumption is usually not But an event like this is an opportunity for the Allies to come out and show that support as well. “
As someone who lives and works in Altona, Wohlgemut, who identifies himself as them, said that it is very important to have this local celebration.
“Ten years ago, I couldn’t have imagined having a Pride Parade right here. Having the support of the town hall has been huge. That really sends a message. It creates the feeling that the identities of the rainbow Martí are part of this community and not just well tolerated, have an event like this that says, ‘yes, you are part of our community, they value you as part of our community, they celebrate you as part of the community. our community ‘, that’s the message of encouragement … I’m not even sure how to describe it. “
Wohlgemut added, seeing the Pride flag waving at the Civic Center cemented that message.
“This is a very, very clear and highly valued message.”
On May 10, 2022, Altona City Council passed a resolution stating that the Pride flag would be hoisted on the municipal flag pole of the Altona Civic Center in support of the March of Pride and associated events, coordinated by Pembina Valley Pride.
“When Pembina Valley Pride brought us closer to Altona to host its annual parade, we heard the request spoke of our vision of being an attractive and safe community for all,” said Mayor Al Friesen in a statement.
As a member and ally of the Rainbow community, Brandy, who identifies as a pansexual and uses the pronouns she / she says, said she participated in the Saturday march to show other members of the community that they have love. and the support they deserve.
“I originally came from Winnipeg, and it sounds very strong there, but when I moved here it was a little worrying, because the community was pretty quiet and I didn’t realize we had such a big community here.”
Accompanied by her husband and children, for Erin Funk-Wieler, Saturday’s event was a family affair. As a teacher in the local school division and a member of the staff of a local church, Funk-Wieler thought it was important to show people that there are safe people and places for them to be in the community.
LJ Barquilla identifies herself as a transgender and was one of the speakers at the parties in the park.
“My message to the community is that the rainbow community is not dangerous people, or where people should be afraid of them. We’re just people like you, like everyone else, and our needs are basically the same. “
Barquilla thanked all the allies, companies and organizations that support Pride and offered a suggestion on how to further help the Rainbow community.
“Think of inclusive toilets. It’s simple, just like in our homes, but it’s something that’s very important to the Rainbow community.”