This blog was written by Kimberly Nicolasora
Introduction
June is all about celebrating people’s identities. Pride Month embraces the wonderful diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and being true to yourself! Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or are an ally, everyone can join in the celebration of love.
While Pride Month is often associated with rainbow flags and colourful parades, it is most notably about recognizing and remembering the struggles that the LGBTQIA+ community has faced throughout history. The Stonewall Riots, which took place in New York City in June of 1969, was a launch pad for the Gay Pride Movement triggering protests and demands for equal rights. A year later, the first Gay Pride parade took place. It is always important to remember our history, and why we can celebrate Pride Month today because of the fight and struggles of all those who came before.
Celebrating Pride
Societal norms were been built to cater to a heteronormative, cisnormative world. While we have made great strides since the Stonewall Riots in 1969, we still have a long way to go in the struggle for equal rights, as many members of the LGBTQIA+ community still encounter injustices and subtle discrimination that often are an unavoidable part of daily life.
Back in March of 2022, I was fortunate enough to attend the Howard Morry Leadership Conference, and witness many incredible speakers as they share their stories of navigating their intersecting identities in the professional world. One of the speakers, Robb Ritchie, the Regional Director of Communications for RBC Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, & Western Ontario, guided the attendees through an exercise to tell the person sitting next to us a story. Afterwards, our partner has to repeat the same story but use the opposite pronouns originally used. To us, it was a minor inconvenience for a short period, but in Robb’s reality, it was a constant performance to hide his partner’s identity. He would vacation with his partner but relay the story to his coworkers with the idea that he had a heterosexual relationship in fear of judgment. It wasn’t until a senior manager who outwardly came out that he felt welcomed to be his honest self.
Asking a person if they have a boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife based on their gender expression may appear harmless at face value to people, especially those with privilege. However, these subtle discriminations, commonly known as “microaggressions”, can do considerable damage as the impact of words and actions matter more than the intent. It is all too easy to hurt and insult others without exercising vigilance in interacting with those whose lived experiences are different than our own. Microaggressions question one’s presence in a space and magnify your difference in ways that can be alienating and incite stereotype threat, which is the debilitation that can arise from the constant fear of validating a stereotype about people from your identity grouping.
Progress has been made for LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially in the past several years, but the fight for people to love who they love continues all around the world. Educating one’s self is the most impactful way to increase understanding, and in return brings peace, compassion, and causes social change.
Business Spotlight of the Month
Known as THE LGBTQIA+ owned and operated bakery in Winnipeg, Chocolate Zen Bakery recognizes and encourages its staff and customers to be their authentic selves! Co-owners, Barbara, Betty, and Doug voice how, “[This welcoming atmosphere] makes [their] Bakery a much happier, and more productive environment to work and do business in!”
Besides designing beautiful wedding cakes, Chocolate Zen Bakery was the founding Bakery that initiated the annual cake cutting at City Hall during the Flag Raising Ceremony. They coordinate with numerous local businesses to participate in this event, such as Beyond Flowers, Joe Black Coffee, High Tea Bakery, Justin Couture Events and many others, to create an amazing experience for attendees.
While Pride month ends on the 30th day of June, Chocolate Zen Bakery continues to donate and participate in numerous LGBTQIA+ organizations since its early beginnings. The co-owners elaborate how “as an LGBTQIA+ owned and operated business, it’s imperative that [they] continue to participate in supporting human rights in an ongoing manner as this affects [them] personally. [They] appreciate and recognize [their] loyal customers who, because of their continued business, allows [them] to remain open and thriving, and are able to support extremely important human rights activities on an ongoing basis.” As proud LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, Chocolate Zen Bakery is a role model in creating a safe and inclusive working environment that is still much needed today.
Summer Belongs To You!
We may no longer have one hundred and four days of summer vacation, but have no fear! Skip the annual problem for our generation, and this list will help you find a good way to spend it in Winnipeg.
1. Red River Ex
To kickstart our list, begin your summer vacation today by heading to the Red River Ex! After a two-year break, the world’s largest travelling Exhibition returns to Winnipeg from Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 26. From thrill seekers to food truck connoisseurs, the Red River Ex has a place for everyone!
2. Exchange District Walking Tours
Once the third-largest city in the country, Winnipeg was the gateway between eastern and western Canada. Due to its economic growth, Winnipeg was coined the “Chicago of the North”, thus, drawing inspiration from the windy city to build massive stone and brick warehouses, elegant terracotta-clad buildings, narrow angled streets, as well as cobblestone paths and alleyways. For students, a mere $6 (and a student ID!) allows you a guided tour around the heart of Winnipeg.
3. Winnipeg Folk Festival 2022
Founded in 1974, the Winnipeg Folk Festival allows you to immerse yourself for four days in excellent music, lush nature and an enjoyable time with friends and family. Previous lineups included stars like Sheryl Crow, Elle King, and Kacey Musgraves! Located at Birds Hill Provincial Park, the Winnipeg Folk Festival 2022 will take place from Thursday, July 7 to Sunday, July 10. 
4. Winnipeg Goldeyes Game
A baseball fan or not, a day at Shaw Park is intoxicating! The cheers, laughter and stadium food makes everyone enjoy themselves at the ball game. Visit the Official Winnipeg Goldeyes Schedule to plan your trip!
5. Cirque du Soleil 2022
From Wednesday, August 3 to Sunday, August 7, Cirque du Soleil is back! A must-see show with wonderful staging, music and acrobatics; even the most inexpensive seats will provide you with a wonderful time.
6. Folklorama 2022
In celebration of Winnipeg’s diverse cultures, Folklorama is returning from Sunday, July 31 to Saturday, August 13. To kickstart the events, Folklorama will have an opening ceremony on Saturday, July 23rd at Assiniboine Park’s Lyric Theatre from 4:00-10:00 pm! It’s a free event with food trucks, performers, and a Pavilion Expo. Search through the Folklorama Directory to find many wonderful pavilions across the city!
