Rainbow’s New Pride provides critical sense of community to 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers
Co-facilitated by Moe Twaha (pictured), Rainbow Resource Centre's community group New Pride provides advice and friendship to 2SLGBTQ+ folks dealing with the challenges of moving to Canada.
Despite the rise in hate and discrimination toward queer and trans people in recent months, Canada has some of the most progressive queer rights in the world. For people fleeing countries where their sexual orientation and gender diversity may lead to imprisonment, torture, or death – Canada can be an oasis while they grieve, recover, and start again.
Many have no choice in where they end up in Canada, and hundreds of refugees a year arrive in Manitoba. Because new Canadians don't have a choice about accommodation, they may find themselves in challenging communities — sometimes in the same neighbourhood as those who oppressed them at home. For 2SLGBTQ+ people, finding an inclusive community is critical to survival. That's where Rainbow Resource Centre's New Pride comes in.
New Pride is a community-led support group that supports 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers to Canada. Most participants are immigrants, international students, or people with refugee experience who are a minority within their minorities.
Co-facilitator Moe Twaha (they/them), a gender-fluid person from Bangladesh, all too often sees bureaucratic housing decisions negatively impacting vulnerable people.
"Most of our participants are new here, renting an apartment in areas of the city that are not very safe," says Moe. "Many new Canadians start our journey here supported by governmental and organizational projects that involve local third-party nonprofits. Winnipeg may have some special pockets, known for being friendly, but new people arriving every month end up in neighbourhoods with high crime rates. Our newcomers are survivors of war-torn countries and are already traumatized. For many, we're bringing them to Canada and damaging them emotionally by making them feel like Canada is unsafe."
New Pride is a diverse group with representation from all over the world. "Folks are well-travelled, open-minded, and educated," Moe says as they prepare to welcome a group to an evening at the Centre. "While mainstream media covers big news topics, we discuss issues that often get ignored at New Pride. We share our experiences as new Canadians, but, most of all, we help each other get to a safe place."
Recently, through the group's advocacy, a newcomer couple won a legal battle against a difficult landlord. When their place felt unsafe, the couple moved. But, by breaking their lease, the matter had to go to Small Claims Court, which could negatively impact their citizenship applications. With the help of Legal Aid Manitoba, the couple was able to win the battle. "It was a learning experience for the whole group," Moe says, "but now it will be much easier for all of us to repeat in the future."
Veronika (she/her), from Ukraine, joined New Pride in January as Russian forces advanced on her home. She found the group shortly after arriving in Winnipeg. Though Winnipeg is home to the largest Ukrainian community outside Europe, because of her queer identity, she felt like she needed to find like-minded people. "I came here to make new friends who would accept me, and that worked just fine. I felt very welcome," she says. "With time, I met more people who were new to Canada, so I started to share my knowledge and experience. I believe groups like this are highly important for the community as you don't feel alone and can grow in a supportive environment. I'm glad to be part of it."
New Pride, which meets the fourth Friday of every month, may support folks through tough times, but it's also about having fun. They host movie nights, craft nights, and, coming up on July 8, they're hosting tango lessons on the veranda of 545 Broadway. The tango instructor, who recently arrived from Ukraine, is bringing the European craze to Winnipeg.
Moe found Rainbow during Covid when they decided to participate in training for facilitators. The experience taught them about their rights, and they felt more confident exploring their gender. "The change caused me some losses," they say, "but Rainbow came to my rescue and connected me to what I needed. I have been so grateful ever since, and will be forever."
To learn more about New Pride, the tango night, and how you can support 2SLGBTQ+ new Canadians, contact Moe at newpride@rainbowresourcecentre.org.
Support Rainbow Resource Centre today! Donations like yours support New Pride, and many others groups, as they provide as sense of community to many 2SLGBTQ+ folks.