A sea of rainbow was spotted in Steinbach on Saturday. Steinbach Pride held its annual Pride parade and march Saturday afternoon in the Manitoba city, drawing thousands. “It’s an opportunity for people to see that they can be their true authentic selves, and that they’re not alone,” said Chris Plett, president of Steinbach Pride. The organization hosted its first Pride celebration in the city in 2016, and was returning following a year hiatus after last year’s event was cancelled the day before due to threats. “It’s great to have the support from our community that that’s out here, and it’s great to see the support from some of our elected officials that are out here as well,” Plett said. In addition to a higher turnout, Premier Wab Kinew and several members of the NDP caucus were in attendance and marching in the parade. “Manitoba is a province that stands together,” the premier said. “We are not a province that swings down. Manitoba is a place that lifts each other up. We are not a place that divides. And Manitoba is a province of love, not a place of hate.” Plett said the purpose for Pride is to remind members of the LGBTQ2S+ community that there is a space to belong and be safe. “You have a place here in this community, and there will always be somebody here to speak for you if you can’t speak, and there’s always a place at our table for you,” he said.
