Neepawa Celebrates Its First 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride

Neepawa and Area Pride was formed in January of 2024 as a way to create a space for people to be their authentic selves, said organisation president Rhian Beever. It held its first gathering at the Neepawa Public Library in January of 2024 and since then has organised a sidewalk painting event, a mailout to all members of the Chamber of Commerce, and the upcoming Neepawa’s Got Pride event to be held at ArtsForward.

Because 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride has not been celebrated in rural communities very widely or for very long, Beever began by offering a history of the movement, from its origins as a protest in the late 1960s to the first Pride event in Manitoba in 1987 to today. She stressed that a big part of the importance of Pride is that it is a visible event, and that “2SLGBTQIA+ people have always been a part of the very fabric of our community” but that hasn’t always been obvious. 

Rotarians were invited to ask questions, even difficult ones, and some topics that came up were how to know what language to use when it feels increasingly complex, and how to navigate the sense of loss when a child or grandchild transitions while still being supportive. Beever was able to speak from personal experiences, and direct people to many other resources that exist in the Westman area for individuals and families. 

Neepawa’s Got Pride will be held on the afternoon of September 15th and is open to everyone. Activities will include children’s crafts and games, music, food, drag performances, and a free movie at the Roxy theatre.

Rrain Prior - Local Journalism Initiative