What’s up: Celebrate Pride

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/05/2024 (871 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Join Kendall Gender’s Kenaissance at the CMHR

Bonnie & John Buhler Hall, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Friday, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $20

Are you ready for the Kenaissance?

Canadian drag sensation, LGBTTQ+ activist and Canada’s Drag Race finalist Kendall Gender is bringing her immersive drag show inspired by Beyoncé’s iconic Renaissance tour to the CMHR.

She’s slayed with this electric show in Edmonton, Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, and promises on Instagram that Winnipeg will see the biggest version yet.

Tickets include pre-show access to the blockbuster exhibit Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change. Doors and exhibition open at 8 p.m., show is at 9 p.m., and an afterparty will follow at 10:30 p.m.

Friday night’s event isn’t the only Pride event happening at the CMHR this weekend.

On Sunday, May 26, a few tickets remain for Beyond the Rainbow Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Boreal Bistro (tickets are $20, excluding food). Later that day, the Beyond the Rainbow Storytime will feature local drag artists reading uplifting tales celebrating inclusivity and Pride in Stuart Clark Garden of Contemplation from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Admission to that event is free.

For more information, visit humanrights.ca/pride2024.

— Jen Zoratti

 

Pride in the Park

Saturday and Sunday
The Leaf and Zoo, Assiniboine Park
Various times

Usual entrance rates, with 15 per cent of the Zoo admission price on Saturday and 15 per cent of The Leaf admission price on Sunday to be donated to Sunshine House and Rainbow Resource Centre.

There’s a host of family-friendly activities taking place this weekend at the Zoo and the Leaf to kick off Winnipeg Pride.

At the Zoo on Saturday guests are invited to leave a colourful design or write a Pride message in chalk along the pathway leading up to Aunt Sally’s farm.

There will be face painters from Heather’s Pretty Parties at the farm who will be creating bright designs for children and adults alike.

Those with an eye for design are encouraged to create their own Pride Rock with paints and river stones. Spread kindness by leaving them somewhere in the park — although you are advised to keep them out of any buildings.

Another way to show off your artistic skills is at the button- and souvenir-making station, where you can pick up or customize a button for a suggested donation of $2 with all funds going to Sunshine House and Rainbow Resource Centre.

The same activities are on offer on Sunday at The Leaf. For more information, visit assiniboinepark.ca.

— AV Kitching

 

A trio of Gorge-ous parties

May 24, 26 and 31
Various times and locations
Visit synonymartconsultation.com for more information

The fourth annual Gorge Festival, hosted by Synonym Art Consultation, kicks off tomorrow and runs throughout Pride week with three events celebrating the local drag-based art scene.

On Friday, head over to Willow Press (214 Osborne St.) between 5 and 8 p.m. for a free, interactive, all-ages art party. Bring your own garment or poster board for screen printing. The event includes DJ and drag performances by Local Honey and Contessa Lestrange.

On Sunday, Gorge takes over the Common food hall at The Forks for a free, all-ages drag brunch beginning at noon. Performers include Prairie Sky, Cake, Hari Vijaijay, Special K and others.

Next Friday, Gorge and Cluster Festival have teamed up for Let’s Have a Kiki, a multifaceted event featuring discussions about drag history, a community ball, dance battles and catwalk competitions. The fun runs from 7 to 11 p.m. in The Forks event space and wraps with an audio-visual set by DJ Konjo. Come dolled up in your best Queer Future-themed attire for a chance to win the title of Best Dressed Spectator. Tickets are $20 plus fees at Eventbrite.

— Eva Wasney

 

Poster-making at the Rainbow Resource Centre

Monday
545 Broadway
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

On the second and fourth Monday of every month, LGBTQ+ people 16 years and older are invited to Crafting Queerly at the Rainbow Resource Centre. With Pride around the corner, participants will be provided with blank poster boards and crafting supplies to help share messages of love, joy and support at the upcoming parade and other events (see above) around the city.

Make something alone or collaborate with new friends. Space is limited, organizers say, and doors will be closed when — not if — the craft area reaches full capacity, so get there on time.

— Ben Waldman