As long-time readers of this blog know, I came out in Winnipeg 25 years ago and lived in that city until 1998 when I moved here to Edmonton. I spent many years being active in Winnipeg's GLBTQ community and participated in a lot of Pride Marches which always culminated in front of the Manitoba Legislature. I blogged about my very first Pride March here, if you want to read about it.
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of Winnipeg Pride. Nowadays, the annual Pride March is a huge festival in Winnipeg, attended by thousands of people. Quite a contrast to the early years, LOL! To mark the 25th anniversary, the Manitoba Legislature celebrated with a spectacular night-time light display of rainbow flag colours --
Who would have thought, 25 years ago, that such a thing would ever occur? In those days, the Manitoba Legislature was not our friend. The Canadian Parliament was even less so.
It just goes to show that years of peaceful protest and patiently-conducted education of both politicians and the populace can ultimately pay off. Social change IS possible. It came to Manitoba and it came to Canada.
Once that crucial tipping point of support is reached, virtually EVERYONE wants to get on the bandwagon and change happens. No one could believe in the old days that the tipping point would ever come, but it did.
Take heart, all of you who are waiting for it to come in your own countries.
Like everyone, I was thrilled by the United States Supreme Court decision this week overturning Proposition 8, restoring same-sex marriage in California and striking down the unequal benefits provisions in the Defense of Marriage Act. The tipping point in America is getting very close. Very close!
[Photos © Bryan Scott 2012. Used by permission. Thanks, Bryan! See more of his fabulous Winnipeg photos at Winnipeg Love Hate]
what a beautifully written post, you are an inspiration you truly are,
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! Change certainly does take time. Nothing ever happens overnight, and sometimes entire generations have to depart and age for new mindsets to take root. As long as we keep moving forward...
ReplyDeletesadly, in my country gay people get beaten when or if they try to organize calm and decent parades (without the costumes and trashy stuff that are seen in German parades for example).
ReplyDeleteLoved this blog. My fingers are crossed that in time, this whole world will have moved towards peace, acceptance and tolerance. I hope I live to see it, if not, my child lives to see it.
ReplyDeleteMuah! So happy for our country!! YAY USA!
ReplyDeleteWe are extremely close in the US and it makes my heart smile. I'm looking forward to your posts, Debra!! =)
ReplyDeleteWow, beautiful photos, very dramatic.
ReplyDeleteBryan Scott's photos are wonderful. I think the American courts made some real strides this week...hopefully, they will keep moving forward.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos--the legislature should have those rainbow lights on EVERY night!
ReplyDeleteMy youngest was born right around the time that marriage equality became a reality in Canada, and I'm so thankful to be raising my kids in a country where everyone receives equal treatment under the Charter. Thank you for paving the way!
It does take many decades sometimes to make change. I love the photos.
ReplyDeleteInspiring Photos! And Huzzah to the Manitoba legislature for the display!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteYay Canada!
We must all be so virtuous, Debra, as my grandmother always said that 'patience is a virtue'!
ReplyDeleteThis was a life-changing week in the U.S. and yes the tipping point is very near.
Happy Pride!
this is awesome! why in the world would or should anyone give a hoot about who marries whom? i promote love in any form.
ReplyDeleteYay for love & marriage!!! Love it!!! It's amazing...
ReplyDeleteHere in the U.S. I am still waiting for major changes to happen. Be on the right side of history my friend. See it coming, enjoy the rise and bask in the love!!!!! I hope soon.
ReplyDeletexoxoxoxox
I've seen some major changes in the USA since I was a whippersnapper. If I live to see a state capital building lit up like this, I will smile.
ReplyDeleteNice post my dear. It will take a long, long time before we get to change our Government like that. Too many "Good o' Boys in ours.
ReplyDeleteI just love this post of yours Debra, my friend, and those photos are so lovely to look at.
ReplyDeletewonderful post...and love the photos. I'm so glad that doma is gone too.
ReplyDeletewow loving the fotos!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Pride, Debra!! Society is ever-changing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!!! Great post ;o)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It must be so heartening to see that change happen...I am impatient by nature, and here, it isn't happening fast enough, but then it's got to be coming. When I started agitating in college, virtually no one I knew supported marriage equality; and just 9 years ago, my state passed a ban on marriage equality, but now it's looking like a voter initiative creating marriage equality will be on the ballot next year. What I love, though, is how some bigots claim they aren't bigots - e.g. Arizona's governor denying domestic partner benefits "to balance the budget." Right. On the backs of GLBTQ people.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know any of that Deb. How beautiful those buildings look adorned in the colours of acceptance and free will. Wow. xxx Lisa xx
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post and photos.
ReplyDeleteI was having my doubts that our friends to the south were ever going to get rid of DOMA. As Jack Layton said, "Don't let them tall you it can't be done".
ReplyDeleteOh fuck...I am tired (just got off work.
ReplyDelete"Don't let them tell you it can't be done".
Change came about because people like yourself were very brave. Congratulations, Debra, Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteThings are starting to change quick Debs. A lovely post and very touching. The pictures are incredible and a testament that we aren't leaving anytime soon! Happy Pride to you and the rare one!!!!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Great post, Debra! I was very excited about the Supreme Court decisions that came down last week. The tide is surely turning here in the US. I have two gay nephews (one on each side of our family), and I so want a better world for them. And for all my GLBTQ friends I've had over the years. I just saw the new Star Trek movie (twice), and there was (very quietly with no ta~do) a transgendered person on the bridge! Go Star Trek! Loved the little fairy house in your yard. It was darling!
ReplyDeleteyay!
ReplyDeleteAcceptance is one of the most difficult things to implement in your life.. but possible.
ReplyDeletebeautiful illumination of the building! magical...
It's truly amazing how quickly things change. I think there is still a long, long, loooong way to go here but in the meantime I am safe and people are respectful.
ReplyDeleteGood post - great photos - and I too was delighted to hear about the change in legislation in the US last week. About bloody time too!
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting, when you've been doing something for so long, to listen to the newbies...they think they are the first...like the marches that are now taking place...love the Dance Moves...Thanks
ReplyDeleteI love this post.
ReplyDeleteAs a mom of a trans kid, I just hope for a peaceful place for everyone to just be who they are. For everyone to have love. That's all.