Diversity event strives for healthy conversations

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This article was published 01/11/2024 (192 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A pair of speakers invited by Steinbach Neighbours for Community will present in a bid to give attendees a deeper understanding of 2SLGBTQ+ experiences.

Scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the event sponsored by Southern Health and Healthy Together Now will take place at the Steinbach Curling Club.

Organizer Darren Reimer said in a press release that they’re hoping to see some new faces.

“We would love to be joined by our dedicated allies but also by those who have reservations or uncertainty about how to include others whom their faith or community may exclude,” he wrote. “We hope for this event to be a safe and welcoming space to which allies could invite any family, friends or co-workers who express a desire to be inclusive but also feel conflicted by ‘teachings’ in other areas of their lives.”

Reimer adds they hope to look for common ground to plant seeds for a healthier and more compassionate community.

In an interview with The Carillon, Reimer said their goal is to have healthy conversations with people who may not necessarily agree but are hoping to find understanding.

“I think some of us have gone through that process ourselves, myself included,” he said. “It just takes time and often exposure to other ideas, to other people that brings about change.”

Reece Malone from Diversity Essentials in Winnipeg and Alba Lopez Gomez, a wife, mother and worker at Klinic Health in Winnipeg will speak at the event.

Malone will endeavor to help participants navigate different perspectives, especially when they’re rooted in deeply held beliefs.

Reimer said he’ll explore the psychological barriers that people might put up and how to make those people more comfortable in those conversations.

Gomez will share her own story that will illustrate intersectionality, emphasizing why representation matters.

“(She) has lots of experience working with people who are marginalized because of race but also gender as well,” Reimer said. “She has a unique experience both working as an advocate and also who’s (herself) part of a minority community.”

Reimer said there’s lot of people in Steinbach open to discussing these issues.

“I think sometimes Steinbach comes across as this monolithic culture but there’s actually quite a diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints,” he said. “We do find that Steinbach is changing. Even if it is slowly, it is still changing.”

Reimer said the queer community is estimated to be seven to 10 percent of the population.

“So, there’s people out there who are your coworkers, and part of your church and part of your family that are part of this community,” he said. “It would seem to behoove us to try to have ways of communicating and being open that can benefit all of us.”

The event on Saturday is open to all with no registration required.

Go to steinbachneighboursforcommunity.com for more information.