Thousands march in Winnipeg’s Pride parade

Surrounded by thousands of rainbow-clad strangers, Mira Kopiova and Jamie Komarniski celebrated their historic wedding — the first of its kind to kickoff Pride Winnipeg Festival — over the weekend.

The pair tied the knot in a surprise ceremony on The Forks main stage on Saturday.

Less than 24 hours later, the newlyweds led the 39th annual parade in celebration of Manitoba’s LGBTTQ+ community.

“We hope we’re going to inspire people — more gay, lesbian and different-identity couples,” Kopiova said as she and her wife fulfilled their grand marshal duties on Sunday.

The 27-year-old described the weekend’s events as “therapy,” as well as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights violations in her home country.

Ukraine does not legally recognize same-sex marriage, although its Supreme Court recently upheld a landmark lower court decision that recognized a gay couple as a de facto family.

Kopiova fled Ukraine — where she said she was hospitalized when she told her parents she liked girls and, after she was released, thought she’d have to live the rest of her life in the closet — in 2023.

“In Canada, I finally understand I have nothing to lose. It’s actually very important for me to slay, shine, be part of community,” she said.

Kopiova and Komarniski were met with cheers and congratulatory remarks at a pre-parade rally in front of the Manitoba Legislative Building.

The morning event drew more than 10 times the number of people who participated in the inaugural gathering on the grounds.

“We’ve come a long way,” Jim Kane told the crowd as he reflected on how much has changed since he and 249 others marched in 1987.

“It’s gone from a Pride Day to a Pride Week to a Pride Month.”

This year, the legislature is officially recognizing June as a month dedicated to celebrating LGBTTQ+ history, dignity, equality and visibility.

The Pride Month Act, introduced by NDP MLA Tyler Blashko, received royal assent in the fall.

History was also made this weekend when a painter was hired to create two pride-themed crosswalks in front of the steps at 450 Broadway.

Manitobans in drag, multi-coloured capes and rainbow socks gathered around the symbolic walkways for speeches on Sunday.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca