'We're not going away': rural Manitoba Pride march participants ask community for acceptance

Manitobanscame toa rural town's Pride march this weekend in droves to support the local 2SLGBTQ+ community as people who were there affirmed they will not go back into the closet.

Pembina Valley Pride said earlier this week three food trucks pulled out of festivities at Altona'sCentennial Parkafter one of the businesses received online threats they would be vandalized for their participation.

Hundreds of people participated in the town's Pride march on Saturday, which began at around 2 p.m.

The event went off without a hitch, though about a dozen people silently stood near the end of the march, holdingsigns quoting biblical scripture.

Members of the motorcycle group Dykes on Bikes, who were providing some security at the event,stood in front of the demonstrators.

The group's Syndee Thibert, who's lived in southeastern Manitoba for more than a decade, said they'rehappy the festival has grown in size even if some people still don't accept the community.

'I'm asking you for acceptance'

"I know we are not very welcomed at times," Thibert said. "But the fact is we're not going away.

"I'm not asking you to be a believer. I'm not asking you to come and wave our flag. But I'm asking you for acceptance."

Pembina Valley Pride president Pauline Emerson-Froebe saidit was important to show up despite the previous threats.

"We are not going to back down. We're not going to go back into the closet," she said. "We're going to be ourselves. We're going toparty. We're going to be here for each other."

AltonaElksLodge 447 says it decided to step up after hearing about the food trucks' withdrawal.

On Saturday, the Elks hosted a barbecue, offering hot dogs, chips and meals while raising money for children's charities.

The Elks' Guy Mullen said members were "horrified" when they heard about the situation.

"We feel like we're supporting our whole community, because there's nothing better than doing the right thing," Mullen said. "I don't understand why we can't be kind, gentle and loving."

'A safe space'

Meanwhile, people who participated at a church service ahead of the event on Saturday told CBC News they want 2SLGBTQ+ to feel welcomed.

"Many people in the queer community don't feel safe entering a church building," said Erika Enns, who ministered the service Saturday morning at the Altona United Church.

"To explicitly have an affirming service as part of the Pride weekend gives them a safe space to participatein church."

Karen Tjaden came from Homewood, Man.,about 70 kilometres north of Altona, which is 115kilometres southwest of Winnipeg, for the service.

"I wanted to show my support as a person of faith, a Christian, for the work that's happening here in Altona and the great work that Pembina Valley Pride has done," said Tjaden, who's also a minister with the United Church.

Tjadensaid it's "critical" for Christians to express a message of love, and that coming to the service was a way of"living it out."