Winnipeg Pride, Rainbow Resource Centre, and LGBTQ+ History

Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ community has a rich and vibrant history marked by resilience, advocacy, and celebration. From the annual Winnipeg Pride Festival that brings thousands together in celebration to the Rainbow Resource Centre—the longest continuously running 2SLGBTQ+ resource centre in North America—Winnipeg has been at the forefront of supporting and celebrating diversity. As hosts, we are proud to welcome guests from all walks of life, embracing the values of inclusion, respect, and belonging that are central to both Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ community and Airbnb's commitment to creating a world where anyone can belong anywhere.

The Birth of Winnipeg Pride: A Historic Moment

On August 2, 1987, approximately 250 individuals gathered at the Manitoba Legislative Building in anticipation of a momentous decision. The provincial government was set to vote on including sexual orientation in the Manitoba Human Rights Code—a crucial step toward legal protection for LGBTQ+ individuals in Manitoba. When the government voted in favour of the amendment, the gathering erupted in celebration, and what followed was Winnipeg's first Pride Parade, a march through downtown that marked the beginning of an annual tradition that continues to this day.

This historic moment was more than just a parade—it was a declaration that LGBTQ+ Winnipeggers deserved equal rights and recognition. The successful inclusion of sexual orientation in the Manitoba Human Rights Code was a significant victory for the community, and the celebration that followed demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of visibility.

Winnipeg Pride Festival: A 10-Day Celebration

What began as a single parade in 1987 has evolved into the Winnipeg Pride Festival, a 10-day celebration held annually from late May to early June. The festival includes community-organized events, a Dyke March, a rally, the Pride Parade, an outdoor festival, and a closing party. Organized by Pride Winnipeg, a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization, the festival has become one of central Canada's largest organized Pride events.

In 2014, Pride Winnipeg was honoured with the Manitoba Human Rights Commitment Award for its dedication to affirming the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. This recognition reflects the festival's ongoing commitment to creating spaces where everyone can celebrate their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging.

Record-Breaking Participation

By 2023, the Winnipeg Pride Festival had reached new heights, with a record-breaking 10,000 participants registered to march in the Pride Parade. This remarkable growth demonstrates not only the festival's success but also the strength and visibility of Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The festival brings together people from all backgrounds, creating a vibrant celebration of diversity that reflects the inclusive spirit of Winnipeg.

The festival's diverse programming ensures there's something for everyone—from family-friendly events to evening celebrations, from educational workshops to community gatherings. The Pride Parade itself is a spectacular display of colour, music, and joy, winding through downtown Winnipeg and creating an atmosphere of celebration and solidarity.

Rainbow Resource Centre: Five Decades of Support

The Rainbow Resource Centre has been a pillar of support for Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ community for over five decades, making it the longest continuously running 2SLGBTQ+ resource centre in North America. The centre's history is a testament to the resilience and dedication of Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ community, evolving from a small student group to a comprehensive resource centre that serves thousands of people each year.

From Campus Gay Club to Rainbow Resource Centre

The centre's origins date back to the early 1970s, when it began as the Campus Gay Club at the University of Manitoba. In 1973, the organization rebranded as Gays for Equality, reflecting its broader mission beyond the university campus. During these early years, the centre offered essential services including a telephone information line, peer counselling, and a resource library—services that were desperately needed at a time when LGBTQ+ individuals had few places to turn for support and information.

Over the decades, the organization continued to evolve, eventually becoming the Rainbow Resource Centre in 1999. This name change reflected the centre's commitment to inclusivity and its recognition that the community it serves includes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The centre's growth and transformation mirror the broader changes in society's understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.

A New Home: The Move to 545 Broadway

In 2023, the Rainbow Resource Centre reached a significant milestone with its relocation to 545 Broadway, in the historic Wilson House. This move was more than just a change of address—it represented the centre's growth and its vision for the future. The new location has facilitated the development of "Place of Pride," Canada's first 2SLGBTQ+ campus, which includes affordable housing for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors, ensuring they can age in a supportive and affirming environment.

The Place of Pride initiative is groundbreaking, addressing a critical need for safe and affordable housing for LGBTQ+ seniors—a population that often faces unique challenges as they age. This project demonstrates the centre's forward-thinking approach and its commitment to serving the community at every stage of life.

Comprehensive Services and Support

Today, the Rainbow Resource Centre offers a wide range of services and programs for individuals ranging from children to those over 55. The centre provides counselling, education, and programming for LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as support for families, friends, and employers of 2SLGBTQ+ people. This comprehensive approach recognizes that creating an inclusive society requires supporting not just LGBTQ+ individuals but also those who care about them.

The centre's services include peer support groups, educational workshops, resource libraries, and community events. Whether someone is coming out, seeking support, looking for resources, or simply wanting to connect with the community, the Rainbow Resource Centre provides a safe and welcoming space.

Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ History: A Legacy of Resilience

Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ history is marked by both challenges and triumphs, reflecting the broader struggle for equality and acceptance that has taken place across Canada and around the world. The city's LGBTQ+ community has faced discrimination, fought for rights, and worked tirelessly to create spaces where everyone can live authentically and safely.

Early Advocacy and Community Building

The 1970s were a pivotal time for Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ community. The establishment of the Campus Gay Club (later Gays for Equality) at the University of Manitoba provided one of the first organized spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, share resources, and advocate for their rights. This early organizing laid the groundwork for the community infrastructure that exists today.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the community continued to grow and organize, with the Rainbow Resource Centre expanding its services and Pride celebrations becoming an annual tradition. The inclusion of sexual orientation in the Manitoba Human Rights Code in 1987 was a significant legal victory, but the community's work was far from over.

Continued Progress and Visibility

In the decades since 1987, Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ community has continued to make progress. The growth of Pride Winnipeg from a single parade to a 10-day festival reflects both the community's strength and society's increasing acceptance. The Rainbow Resource Centre's evolution from a small campus group to a comprehensive resource centre serving thousands demonstrates the community's commitment to supporting one another.

Today, Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ community is more visible and integrated than ever before. LGBTQ+ individuals hold positions of leadership in government, business, and community organizations. The city's institutions, from schools to healthcare facilities, increasingly recognize the importance of creating inclusive environments. This progress is the result of decades of advocacy, education, and community organizing.

Embracing Diversity: Our Commitment to Inclusive Hosting

As hosts, we believe that everyone deserves to feel welcome, respected, and valued. This commitment to inclusion is not just a personal value—it's aligned with Airbnb's Community Commitment, which requires all members to affirm that they will not discriminate against others based on race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.

Airbnb's Non-Discrimination Policy

Airbnb's commitment to inclusion is clear and comprehensive. The platform's Community Commitment explicitly states that hosts cannot decline guests based on protected characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity. This policy reflects Airbnb's vision of creating a world where anyone can belong anywhere—a vision that we wholeheartedly share and actively work to realize in our hosting practice.

Airbnb's non-discrimination policy is not just a set of rules—it's a reflection of the platform's core values. The company recognizes that discrimination has no place in a community built on trust, respect, and belonging. By requiring all hosts to commit to non-discrimination, Airbnb creates a platform where LGBTQ+ travelers can book accommodations with confidence, knowing they will be welcomed and respected.

Creating a Welcoming Space for All

Our commitment to inclusion goes beyond simply following Airbnb's policies—it's about actively creating a space where everyone feels comfortable, respected, and valued. We recognize that LGBTQ+ travelers, like all travelers, deserve accommodations where they can be themselves without fear of discrimination or judgment.

We are proud to host guests attending Winnipeg Pride, visitors connecting with the Rainbow Resource Centre, and anyone who wants to experience all that Winnipeg has to offer. Our Airbnb in Crescentwood is a safe and welcoming space for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds. We believe that diversity enriches our community and makes Winnipeg a more vibrant and interesting place to visit and live.

Supporting the Community

Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond our hosting practice. We recognize the important work done by organizations like the Rainbow Resource Centre and events like Winnipeg Pride, and we're proud to support a community that values diversity, inclusion, and respect. By providing welcoming accommodations for Pride attendees and community members, we hope to contribute in a small way to the vibrant and inclusive Winnipeg that these organizations have worked so hard to create.

Whether you're visiting Winnipeg for Pride Festival, connecting with the LGBTQ+ community, or simply exploring the city, you'll find that Winnipeg is a place where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is valued. Our Airbnb is part of that welcoming community, and we're committed to ensuring that all our guests feel at home.

Winnipeg: A City That Celebrates Diversity

Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ history is a testament to the city's resilience, advocacy, and celebration of diversity. From the historic first Pride Parade in 1987 to today's 10-day festival with 10,000+ participants, from the early days of the Campus Gay Club to the comprehensive Rainbow Resource Centre serving thousands, Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ community has built a legacy of inclusion and support.

As hosts, we are proud to be part of a city that values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to creating a welcoming space for all guests, regardless of their background, identity, or reason for visiting. In line with Airbnb's Community Commitment, we embrace diversity and welcome guests from all walks of life, recognizing that inclusion makes our community stronger and more vibrant.

Whether you're visiting Winnipeg for Pride Festival, connecting with the Rainbow Resource Centre, or simply exploring the city, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates diversity and values every individual. Our Airbnb in Crescentwood is part of that community, and we're honoured to provide a safe and welcoming space for all our guests.

Planning Your Visit

If you're planning to visit Winnipeg, whether for Pride Festival, to connect with the LGBTQ+ community, or simply to explore the city, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive environment. The Winnipeg Pride Festival typically takes place from late May to early June, with events throughout the city and the Pride Parade in downtown Winnipeg. The Rainbow Resource Centre at 545 Broadway is open year-round, providing resources, support, and community connections.

Our Airbnb in Crescentwood offers the perfect base for your Winnipeg visit. Located just minutes from downtown and the Rainbow Resource Centre, and in a neighborhood known for its welcoming atmosphere, our home provides a comfortable and inclusive space where you can relax, recharge, and be yourself. We're proud to host guests from all backgrounds and identities, and we're committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued.

A Legacy of Inclusion and Celebration

Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ community has built a remarkable legacy of resilience, advocacy, and celebration. From the historic first Pride Parade in 1987 to today's vibrant 10-day festival, from the early days of the Campus Gay Club to the comprehensive Rainbow Resource Centre, the community has created spaces where everyone can belong, thrive, and celebrate their authentic selves.

As hosts, we are proud to be part of this legacy. We embrace diversity, welcome guests from all walks of life, and are committed to creating a space where everyone feels respected, valued, and at home. In line with Airbnb's Community Commitment, we do not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age. We believe that inclusion makes our community stronger, and we're honoured to provide a welcoming space for all our guests.

Winnipeg's LGBTQ+ history is a story of progress, resilience, and celebration. It's a story that continues to unfold, with new chapters being written every year as the community grows stronger and more visible. We're proud to be part of a city that values diversity and inclusion, and we're committed to doing our part to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all our guests.