Pride put on hold for pandemic

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This article was published 14/06/2021 (1974 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Steinbach’s annual pride march will not go forward this year amid COVID-19 restrictions, organizers say of this year’s festivities.

The March for Equality which has grown in popularity since 2016 when it debuted in the streets of downtown Steinbach will not be putting on any events to mark pride month, Chris Plett tells The Carillon.

“Steinbach Pride used fundraising money to make the event happen each year and we recognize that many businesses and friends of Steinbach Pride have been having a tough last year and we don’t want to add to any stress in the community,” said Plett, president of Steinbach Pride.

“There is no way it could be possible with the restrictions we have in place at this time. As well, there is no sign of the restrictions loosening any time soon.”

In 2019, the last iteration of the march before public health orders barred mass gatherings to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, nearly 500 residents, business owners and community groups lined the sidewalks and streets to show their support for the LGBTQ2S+ community. Speeches focusing on mental health and wellbeing for marginalized groups were echoed throughout K.R. Barkman Park as part of the festivities.

Plett said while there will be no rainbow flags waving in city streets this year for the annual event, the organization will continue to fundraise money for next year’s event — their fifth anniversary — which Plett says will be ‘big’.

“This year we want people to stay safe and take care of themselves and each other, so we can all see each other next year. That’s the biggest and most important thing of all.”

 

With files from Grant Burr