UWinnipeg is excited to celebrate our 2SLGBTQ+ community with extended Pride Week activities, starting May 13 and ending with the Pride Parade on June 2.
This year, UWinnipeg Pride Week kicks off with a Drag Workshop Series and Showcase hosted by the Queer Student Association (QSA), Rainbow Lounge, and the University of Winnipeg Student Association.
“We had a lot of students throughout the year asking for more drag events,” said QSA Co-President, Indie Dufour. “It’s really exciting! And the amount of support that we’ve received from drag artists, from UWinnipeg, and from people in our community, it’s just been incredible to see.”
The first workshop (May 13) focuses on navigating the local drag scene, including booking, branding, and performing advice. The second workshop (May 15) features make up tips, tricks, and tutorials. On May 16, it’s a drag Q&A followed by a meet-and-mingle event.
All sessions are hosted by local drag performers, and workshop attendees will have a chance to show off what they’ve learned at a Pride Week Drag Showcase event on Saturday, June 1 from 2 t0 5 p.m. in the UWSA Bulman Centre.
“We would love everybody and anybody to come,” Dufour said. “I think doing drag, especially for the first time, is really scary, so if we can get as many people in there as possible I think that would be incredible.”
There is no entry fee for the workshops or drag show; however, donations are encouraged. All funds raised will support the QSA.
For more information on the Drag Workshops, please email: events@uwqsa.ca or rainbowlounge@theuwsa.ca
2SLGBTQ+ People and Ceremony
On May 21, the Office of Indigenous Engagement‘s Lunch and Learn series is hosting a talk called 2SLGBTQ+ People and Ceremony.
Event moderator and Interim Associate Vice-President – Indigenous Engagement, Dr. Chantal Fiola, said it’s important to center 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC perspectives and events in Pride celebrations.
“As a member of the Two-Spirit (2S) community, I always look forward to Pride month,” Dr. Fiola said. “Most Indigenous societies recognized multiple genders, as evidenced by oral history and terms in Indigenous languages for folks like us. Despite ongoing colonialism, we’re still here – and increasingly reclaiming our place in community!”
The Lunch and Learn event features Elders Barbara Bruce and Charlotte Nolin, who will discuss their journey as Two-Spirit people, Two-Spirit discrimination in ceremonial spaces, and why ceremonies are important for 2SLGBTQ+ and gender diverse people.
“They conducted the first sweat lodge ceremony for 2SLGBTQ+/gender diverse UW community a couple weeks ago,” said Dr. Fiola, “so it will be a great opportunity for more folks to get to know them and perhaps participate in future 2S sweats.”
Registration for 2SLGBTQ+ People and Ceremony is open until May 16.
Pride Parade!
Pride Parade, 2023
All are invited to join UWinnipeg as we walk in the Pride Parade on Sunday June 2! The parade is a fun and exciting way to celebrate our diverse community and to show your support for all the 2SLGTBQ+ folks in your life.
RSVP for the Pride Parade by May 24. Pride T-shirts will be available for students who register for the parade (while quantities last). We hope to see the UWinnipeg community show up in big numbers to celebrate!
More Pride
UWinnipeg is pleased to be hosting several excellent events in honour of Pride Week. There is something for everyone, and all are welcome to attend the events listed below. More info on all events and registration details available on our website.
Drag Workshop & Performance: May 13, 15, 16 and June 1
Flag Raising: May 16
WHAT WE MAKE IV Closing Reception: May 16
2SLGBTQ+ People and Ceremony: May 21
2-Spirit Archives Display: May 24 – May 30
Beading Workshop: May 27
Queer Media Show & Tell: May 28
Deep Cuts + Future Projections with Noam Gonick: May 29
Pride Parade: June 2
