July 9, 2016 was a memorable day for the LGBTQ community of southeast Manitoba. Steinbach’s first annual Pride march went off without a hitch. Concerns about protestors, or the presence of individuals who had uttered threats toward the event, weren’t realized. For a community where many people’s religious beliefs run contrary to the LGBTQ cause, Steinbach appeared a welcoming place.
Though organizers anticipated a modest attendance, initially estimating several hundred, the crowd swelled into the thousands, filling E.A. Penner Park to overflowing. The march was delayed by a half-hour to accommodate the miles of bumper-to-bumper traffic trying to make its way into the city. Police and organizers estimate marchers totalled between 3,000 and 5,000.
The event quickly took on a Woodstock-style atmosphere with shoulder to shoulder displays of colour, flamboyance, and joie de vivre. Among the marchers were many allies to the LGBTTQ community, family and friends and supporters who showed up by the car and busload.
“We have several direct connections to the LGBTQ community within our family and circle of friends and [we] were at the Steinbach Pride March to show our support,” says Hank and Marie Dueck of Niverville. “We have long felt that no one should have to wait for their human rights until others feel comfortable with them. There was a tremendous feeling of unconditional acceptance and an incredible sense of caring community among the marchers and bystanders. We are proud to be LGBTQ allies.”
Homespun signs among the marchers read “I’m straight but love is love” and “We want roll kuchen, somma borscht, zweibach, kielke, perogies, equality.” A fitting message for a Mennonite community.
The peaceful parade was led through the streets by a contingent of military personnel and RCMP in red serge.
Representation from the local Liberal, NDP, and Green parties stood in stark contrast to the absence of Conservative representatives. Local leaders like MP Ted Falk, MLA Kelvin Goertzen, and Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen were all absent. One Steinbach city councillor, Cari Penner, did attend in a display of personal support.
“The parade was a peaceful and beautiful demonstration of community,” says Ruby Wiens, Hanover School Division trustee for Niverville. “People gathered to show their care and support for one another. I felt incredibly privileged to walk alongside so many gay friends, neighbours, and students as well as many, many allies. Steinbach Pride gave our LGBT friends a voice and a place where they could feel safe to tell their stories and enjoy a strong sense of belonging. Although we heard of deep hurts, we also heard unmistakeable messages of forgiveness and hope. I left the parade inspired and grateful to have been a part of something truly special.”
“I’m going to say something I never thought I’d get to say in a million years,” said Chris Plett, a local farmer who also happens to be gay. “Happy Steinbach Pride, everybody!”
Plett professed his love for his Mennonite heritage and the Christian faith he still holds dear. Like many who spoke, he said that growing up in a conservative community meant torment, self-denial, and fear of physical threats because he was different. As a young adult, the church he attended and youth centre where he volunteered required him to renounce his sexuality to serve in a leadership role.
Support for the march trickled down from the highest levels of government. Liberal MP Dan Vandal delivered a message from Prime Minister Trudeau: “I look forward to many more celebrations of our diversity in Steinbach for years and years to come. Thank you to the organizers of this amazing event, in their dedication to promoting unity, inclusion, and awareness of sexual and gender diversity.”
McHale herself delivered a poignant final message to the Hanover School Division (against whom McHale and her partner have filed a human rights complaint), non-supportive civic leaders, and the people of the southeast. “When the leaders say, ‘It is safe here,’ the response is no, you do not get to deny my experience because it is unlike your own. And no, you do not get to avoid action to rectify this situation because it is uncomfortable. When the leaders of the communities in which we live openly cite personal views and state values of faith, family, and community as the reasons they choose not to be in the same location as LGBTTQ people… the response is no. You do not get to imply that we are excluded from the faith community… you do not get to imply that we are not included in families… you do not get to imply that we are not part of this community because of your beliefs, personal views, or opinions. We will work until this language is never again tolerated from our elected officials.”
