The Pembina Valley Pride (PVP) March and Rally took place in the Morden Park Bowl on Saturday, bringing together the Rainbow Community to celebrate each 2SLGBTQIA+ person with allies cheering and showing support.
PVP President Peter Wohlgemut described the day.
"Wow! It was an amazing day. The whole vibe felt like a big family gathering-festival. It was very friendly, very joyful, there was just so much joy. There were smiles everywhere. There were very diverse speakers, very diverse messages, but also very powerful, very different, but very, very powerful. Each one had an important piece to add to the puzzle, to educate people about what life is like here, what their experiences are. For people to share so deeply about their experiences, their lives, it's brave beyond belief."
Pembina Parish Minister Carrie Martens spoke to the crowd, as a member of the queer community, and as a minister of an affirming church.
"There are a lot of religious messages in the Pembina Valley. There are a lot of Christian churches, and predominantly the message they have for the queer community is one of judgment, and that is not the message our church, which is a United Church, wants to have for the queer community. We want people to know there are other ways to read the Bible. There are other ways to be people of faith. and they don't have to give up their faith because they're queer. There is a way to be queer and Christian at the same time, and that's largely not known around here."
Jessica Yorga spoke briefly to the crowd to let people know about a support group for the supporters, giving parents and guardians of transgender people a place to speak without judgement, advice, or shame.
She shared what the day meant to her.
"I think, when we have experiences of hate in our life, we start to doubt the love that does exist. Pride is such a great reminder of how much love there is in our community, the true love, the unconditional love, the, 'I'm here for you as you are' kind of love. And that's why it means a lot to me today to see that, as an ally and a supporter."
Those interested in joining the support group can reach out to Pembina Valley Pride for more information.
Cheering, laughing, singing and dancing, even tears were shared throughout the afternoon as people shared their talents, stories and walked a route throughout Morden for this year's Pembina Valley Pride parade.
Wohlgemut said, while there are still concerning issues in the community, there is so much love and support.
"There are so many people here that are so welcoming and so loving, and so supportive. We heard a number of times how that has changed over the last few decades, and how different it is now. And for the young people here, that is such an important message. You don't have to look forward to leaving here to be yourself. Their support right her,e we heard it right from teachers and the school division and community leaders. All saying, 'You are a part of our community. You belong here. You don't have to leave if you don't want to leave, but if you do, you're welcome to come back. You will always be a part of this community.' And that is such an important message for young people. They are supported, they are loved, they are accepted for who they are, and celebrated, like today. It was just such a wonderful celebration."
