20 years of safe space and community: Keystone Rainbow Curling League

A curling league in Winnipeg dedicated to LGBTQ2S+ athletes celebrate a significant milestone over the weekend.

The Keystone Rainbow Curling League proudly celebrated its 20th birthday on Sunday.

At the Granite Curling Club, the league formally opened its 20th season with a ceremony highlighting the sport, community, inclusive athletics and connectivity with its community.

Trevor Harris, founder and first president of the league, attended the ceremony and reflected on its beginnings.

“I was new to Winnipeg and looking for ways to engage in the 2SLGBTQ community,” Harris said. “Seeing that other cities had leagues going already, I thought, ‘Oh, I’m passionate about curling. I can get something going.’ So I started the ball rolling on that.

“(I) found other like-minded individuals who were also willing to help out and started the project.”

Harris said the league’s growth to 45 teams is mind-blowing.

“At a time across Canada — where a lot of curling clubs are struggling and a lot of leagues are finding it hard to maintain memberships — to see this league growing by leaps and bounds and so much every year, I think that’s just a huge success story.”

Current league president Mark Lawson hopes to continue that success.

“We’re connected with other leagues across Canada, so having more representation at national queer events is great, and just still curling and having fun in 20 years from now,” Lawson said.

Brett Nickol, director of communication and media for the league, said the league is leaving a legacy not just in Manitoba, but on a national stage.

“We’re hosting the Canadian Pride Curling Championship in 2027. We’ll be inviting teams across Canada right to the Granite Curling Club for that bonspiel,” Nickol said. “That bonspiel will just be one weekend, but the activities surrounding that weekend will be a lot.”