Winnipeg is all about inclusion and is ready to celebrate diversity while bringing plenty of culture to your next meeting or convention.
Located on Treaty No. 1–the original lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininiwak, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation–this city at the heart of the continent continues to grow as one of Canada’s most-diverse cities.
More than 100 languages are spoken here, while we’re the home of countless cultural institutions from Folklorama (July 31-August 13, 2022)–the world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival later this month, to Manito Ahbee–one of the biggest gatherings on Turtle Island of its Indigenous peoples, which just kicked off summer in June.
Winnipeg also just finished successfully hosting Canada Pride, which featured many celebrations of the Indigenous two-spirit community, to rave reviews. Featuring dozens of events from May 27 to June 5, Pride Canada Winnipeg was attended by thousands from our city and across Canada, being the sort of city-wide celebration you’d expect from the city that was the first in North America to elect an openly gay mayor (Glen Murray, who served from 1998-2004).
The Pride of our 2SLGBTQ+ Community
With a rich history of inclusion, support and recognition, Winnipeg has staged Pride annually since 1987.
Pride Canada Winnipeg operated in the most accessible, inclusive and diverse fashion yet, providing ASL services, family friendly areas, and accessible entrances. On the sustainability front, alternative transportation was promoted while the distribution of compostable products, increased placement of recycling bins while it was also a plastic water bottle-free event.
And while we’ll have to wait until 2023 for our next huge parade, Winnipeg continues to do all it can for our GSRD (Gender, Social and Relationship Diverse) community, via resources, support centres and events throughout the Pride month of June. As we like to say, Winnipeg is always out there–and proudly so.
Plus, our attractions are always ready to pass this Pride on to your delegates.
Can’t-miss inclusive-focused attractions
To quote Brian Webb, writing about the city for Homoculture, "This city is truly a haven for the social justice-minded gay traveller, who seeks out more than just a beautiful landscape or lively nightlife scene."
At the gender-inclusive Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) staff takes part in mandatory training on bias and discrimination, new leadership roles are held by 2SLGBTQ+ employees, while its new CEO–human rights attorney Isha Khan–has set out to correct past failings from the CMHR with new in-person exhibitions and tours.
Within the Museum you’ll find no shortage of 2SLGBTQ+ content, from the iconic same-sex wedding exhibit “Taking the Cake” exhibit in the Canadian Journeys gallery, to the new major project by the Museum focused on exposing the LGBT Purge in Canada.
Upon request, your delegates can also be led through private tours of the CMHR that focus on 2SLGBTQ+ content. At Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq, the city’s newest cultural institution that has seen plenty of praise by the likes of The New York Times, Smithsonian, TIME and Forbes, works by 2SLGBTQ+ artists are at the forefront.
This world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art contains a multitude of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and two-spirit artists, all of whom were brought together by the all-Inuit team that debuted INUA, Qaumajuq’s opening exhibit. As you’ll read here in CBC, several members of INUA’s curatorial team are queer or non-binary, while they’ve taken pains to highlight queer Inuit history and artistry throughout Qaumajuq’s snow-drift like exhibits.
Local businesses waving the Rainbow Flag and more upcoming events
Winnipeg has so many businesses that are also Community members.
For nightlife, look no further than Club 200 and Fame. The former has been serving the Community for more than two decades, while Fame slays with nightly events sure to get your delegates moving.
At a glance on the culinary scene: Greg and Wayne from Capital Grill (275 Broadway & 3116 Roblin Boulevard) have created two lovely rooms where you can always count on inspired food and service; Little Brown Jug has produced this year’s official Queer Beer along with supporting numerous of events per year; Good Neighbour Brewing’s owners Morgan and Amber are always waving the Rainbow flag outside the Taproon at One Sixteen; Oh Doughnuts’ owner Amanda Kinden is always advocating while allowing customers (like Justin Trudeau! #Doughnutgate) to taste the rainbow; and plenty of bakeries, markets and makers have you covered when it comes to always serving up inclusivity.
Of particular note is Sherbrook Street’s Tallest Poppy, a frequent host for Drag Brunch and events. They stage these events with Synonym Art Consultation, a group of young creatives that continue to make Winnipeg a much more vibrant city be it through events like their Wall-to-Wall Mural & Culture Festival.
For hotels, you’ll find a friendly and supportive reception wherever you go.
The Fairmont Winnipeg is also a TAG Approved property, with several other hotels all taking part in TAG prior to the pandemic, while according to this brand-new Winnipeg Pride review from Brian Webb of Homoculture, “The ALT Hotel Winnipeg is the Best Kept Secret For LGBTQ+ Travellers.”
