Legislature to install Pride crossing: deputy premier

A rainbow crosswalk is being installed near the front steps of the Manitoba Legislative Building for the first time in the province’s history, the deputy minister announced Friday.

“We are going to have a pride crossing here on the grounds, right outside the building,” said Uzoma Asagwara, who uses they/them pronouns, to a crowd gathered to celebrate Pride month inside the building.

“So that you will know during Pride and outside of Pride… as you enter this space, you will be able to walk through and pass through a reminder that this building is for you and that you belong here.”

Asagwara said they are hopeful the symbol will be ready ahead of Pride Winnipeg’s parade on Sunday. The event is scheduled to kick off with a rally on the legislature grounds at 10 a.m.

The provincial government’s second annual Pride event at 450 Broadway drew hundreds of people, some of whom dressed up in drag for the occasion, on Friday.