Movie night explores trans issues

A movie night hosted by Steinbach Neighbours for Community will be a safe space for those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and their allies to explore trans issues.

The group which has a mission to promote understanding and acceptance of diversity in society will show the movie Will & Harper in the Fireside Room at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre on Friday.

Starring Harper Steele and Will Ferrell, the documentary comes with a ‘R’ rating.

“When Will Ferrell’s good friend Harper comes out as a trans woman, they take a road trip to bond and reintroduce Harper to the country as her true self,” the description states.

Darren Reimer, chair of Steinbach Neighbours for Community, said they’re excited to present the film.

“It shows the struggles and joys of someone who’s trans and also how a relationship that was going before any changes and stays the same through the process,” he said.

Steinbach Neighbours for Community is also the recipient of the Healthy Together Now grant from Southern Health.

The $2,000 grant will be used to cover operating expenses, host education events in the fall and create safe spaces for things like the movie night planned for Friday.

The organization has existed for 11 years, but Reimer said the need to promote understanding and acceptance of diversity is at least as important and maybe more so than when they started a decade ago.

“We’re bridging gaps between the queer community and broader community of Steinbach and the surrounding area,” he said. “Healthy communities is a public health priority with Southern Health, and we feel this is a public health focus and it shouldn’t be drawn into the political arena and into the space of morality or anything like that.”

The group is also looking for more members.

Anyone interested is asked to email neighboursforcommunity@gmail.com.

Doors open on Friday at the Pat Porter Fireside room at 6:45 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m.

More information can be found at steinbachneigbboursforcommunity.com.