Legends of Pride Speaker Series
PRESS RELEASE
Fight for rights, respect far from over
Rainbow Resource Centre’s upcoming virtual series spotlights 2SLGBTQ+ older adult issues.
WINNIPEG, May 17, 2022 – This International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), Rainbow Resource Centre’s older adult program, Over the Rainbow, invites you to our upcoming virtual series, Legends of Pride. From May 30 to June 3, tune in, free via Zoom, at noon (CT) to hear from diverse individuals whose work and advocacy have enriched Manitoba’s 2SLGBTQ+ narrative.
“The older adults of our 2SLGBTQ+ community are among the fastest growing age group in Canada,” says Ashley Smith, Older Adult Program Coordinator, and host of the series. “Just as they fought against discrimination for the freedoms we have today, we recognize that the next barrier in the fight against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia lies in a fear of a future where history repeats itself.”
During Winnipeg’s Pride Week, during the noon hour, hear the stories of five older adults who have fought for 2SLGBTQ+ rights in Manitoba. We have: Phil Graham who started Gays For Equality in the 1970s, which was the beginning of the gay rights movement in Manitoba, and what would become Rainbow Resource Centre; Syndee Thibert, of Dykes on Bikes, who lives out and proud in rural Manitoba, but finds her 2SLGBTQ+ community on the open road; Barbara Bruce, who’s award-winning work with Two Spirit and LGBT Indigenous people can help us see a path to Reconciliation; Shandi Strong, who overcame the challenges of a difficult coming out to become the first openly transgender person to run for an elected seat in Western Canada; and Allen Morrison, owner of Club 200, one of the longest open queer-owned gay bars in Canada.
“IDAHOBIT is a time to reflect on the barriers that remain for the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” says Noreen Mian, Executive Director. “One of the first steps to combatting prejudice is to immerse yourself in the perspectives of 2SLGBTQ+ folks who can teach us lessons about how to respect and support everyone in our community.”
Registration is free and simple. To learn more about the speakers and to register for the Zoom link that unlocks all five presentations, visit: https://rainbowresourcecentre.org/legends-of-pride.
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About Rainbow Resource Centre
Rainbow Resource Centre provides a spectrum of support for Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. Anchored by our Youth Program and Over the Rainbow Program (55+), we offer free short-term counselling, nine social support groups, classroom and GSA education/outreach, and diversity and inclusion training and consultations for workplaces.
Contact
Ashley Smith | Older Adult Program Coordinator
ashleys@rainbowresourcecentre.org
204-474-0212 ext. 255