Over 1,000 attend Rally for Trans Youth at Manitoba Legislature Sunday

Painted faces, flags, signs and posters made up a sea of more than 1,000 people outside the Manitoba Legislature Sunday at the Rally for Trans Youth. 

Sunday's event was a peaceful counter-protest, which began with speeches at the legislature, a march down Broadway Street and a rally at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The rally came after hundreds took part in the "1 Million March 4 Children" protest in Winnipeg against LGBTQ-inclusive education and sex ed policies in schools on Wednesday.

"It's so important that people come out and support us because it's been going on for generations that we've been fighting for this," said 17-year-old Egan Shier. "And I think that more people need to educate themselves and learn more about the community and who we are." 

Shier said he doesn't feel there's enough education in schools about LGBTQ issues. He said he feels his rights are "absolutely" under attack these days and that rallies like the one Sunday are important for the community. 

"We need to continue doing this and we will not stop until we get what we need," he said. 

Sunday's rally was organized by James Webster, who posted about it on Instagram.

It was imperative for Kris Ross, an active drag performer in Winnipeg, to be at Sunday's rally, they said. 

Ross said as a part of Maitoba's queer community, showing up for friends, relatives and even strangers in the community goes a long way. 

"There are people … who want to see us dead for existing as we are," said Ross. "So, it's imperative that we come out here and do what we can to protect ourselves and protect our loved ones."

Ross also said gender identity, LGBTQ-inclusive education and sex ed policies in schools shouldn't be an election issue. 

"We exist, point blank period, no political party should be able to take our identity and twist it to suit their own agenda," said Ross. 

Chantel Pavao said as a member of the LGBTQ community, they wanted to be part of Sunday's rally after seeing last week's protest. Pavao, who uses she/they pronouns, added peaceful rallies like the one Sunday are meaningful for children to see that they are supported and cared for by a large community. 

Pavao said seeing last week's "1 Million March 4 Children" took her back to a time when she hadn't come out yet, as some of the messages coming from supporters of the protest reflected thoughts she had about herself. 

"I just hope that the youth can also see this, the group, the community that shows them support, and they will see that hope to keep going," said Pavao.