National Rainbow Week promotion in Manitoba

Dozens of demonstrators gathered at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Sunday for the Rainbow Equality Rally in support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The rally capped off National Rainbow Week, a movement organized by Momentum Canada that aims to draw attention to the rise of hate speech and advocate for freedom and equality across the country.

It comes just days after May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

“As 2SLGBTQI+ people, our rights and lives are a hot topic of political debate right now,” said rally organizer Mikayla Hunter. “We need to encourage elected officials and other constituents to make sure they take that stance as we head into election season.”

Several Canadian political leaders have come under fire for their stances and policy proposals regarding the queer community, particularly trans youth. Conservative leader Pierre Poillevre has also faced backlash for his comments on transgender women in women's space and sports.

“We have to make sure that we're still vigilant about what's going on nationally, internationally,” Hunter said.

Organizers also talked about representation at the provincial level, citing 2SLGBTQ+ members of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, such as Logan Oxenham, the province's first transgender MP, and non-binary Uzoma Asagwara.

“When Wab Kinew (Asagwara) was deputy premier and health minister, I honestly cried because I've never felt safer in Manitoba than I did then,” Hunter said.

While Hunter acknowledged the provincial government's support, he said Manitobans should be reminded that anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate is still on the rise in other parts of the country, especially as Canadians prepare to celebrate Pride Month in June.

“If allies want to come to Pride and have a good time with us, we want them to be able to come to the polls with us and show their loyalty to us on the ballot.”