In Crisis? 
Within the overstimulating buzz of the excited PRIDE crowd, while happily dodging the countless rainbow flags and prancing unicorns, I experienced a moment which brought me an immense sense of hope for what the world could be.
In many ways PRIDE is the ultimate expression of SERC’s vision of a diverse society which celebrates sexuality throughout life. Literally thousands of people from various backgrounds, ages, orientations & gender identities come together for ten days’ worth of festivities in which all expressions of our identities are embraced and valued.
It is beautiful and it is profound. And we want it to be like this everyday.
Winnipeg Pride’s tagline this year was to #beauthentic. Authenticity is a key component of our sexual and holistic health – embracing ourselves and our bodies, loving ourselves for who we are and for the unique gifts we offer to the world.
It is such a struggle to live authentically in a world which is so solidly based on inauthenticity. Every movie, ad and video game are telling us that who we are is not enough. Everyday we receive messages that we are not good enough, we are not smart or attractive enough. We experience sexism, racism, homophobia, ableism, transphobia and other oppressions which attempt to manipulate is into taking smaller and smaller space and in feeling shame for who we are and what we desire. We receive messages that heterosexual couplings are better, that LGBT* desire or diverse gender identities are shameful, that we all need to fit within the tiny box of societal-based perfection which is so boring and so limiting.
SERC envisions a world where these oppressions don’t exist, and these boxes are completely destroyed. Sexual desire is not shameful. Expressing your gender and your sexuality is a beautiful and profound thing. And consensual sexual relationships which offer safety and respect are ways in which we can be authentic, where we can express ourselves and love our bodies in ways nurturing and life-giving.
SERC is working towards a world where the understandings of PRIDE are apparent in Manitoba everyday. Where we can wear our feather boas, our ties and high heels, where we can be our furry selves, where we can hold the hand of the person we love without worrying about violence, where there is no more phobias against bisexuality and asexuality, where diverse families are loved and accepted everywhere. That is the world SERC is working towards. Where everyday is safety and everyday is PRIDE for who we are and what we offer the world.
It is Wednesday now, and the legislature looks very different from our office windows. I don’t see a crowd; there is not one rainbow in sight. The feather boas and floats are gone. But the PRIDE remains. We will continue to #beauthentic in the ways we are safe to do so, and we will keep working towards a Manitoba that is safe for all, everyday.
Bre Woligroski is a Reproductive and Sexual Health Facilitator for SERC. An award-winning facilitator and creator, she is passionate about working with youth on issues of consent, diversity & safer spaces.