We are proud to support the 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities. This year, you may notice us celebrating Pride in a colourful way.
To kick off Pride season, Winnipeg Transit is spreading the love with a custom Ride with Pride transit bus. The bus, wrapped in progressive pride colours, will debut at the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 1.
“This year’s Pride Winnipeg theme is ‘Rise in Pride, Stand in Strength,’” said Bradley West, the City’s Equity Office Manager.
Now more than ever, it is imperative that we rise in unity and in strength.
The bus wrap was designed by Winnipeg Transit’s graphic design team, in collaboration with our Pride City of Winnipeg Professional Equity Network. It celebrates different sexualities and gender identities.
“The rainbow burst represents the strength and resilience of Winnipeg in its struggles for true liberation,” said Nik Thavisone, one of Winnipeg Transit’s graphic designers.
The friendly, vibrant, and diverse cartoon characters spread joy and positive vibes.
The design also features a curved silhouette of the Winnipeg skyline, representing our city as part of the larger world. The soft script typeface was chosen to portray a sense of comfort and compassion. The upward curve of Ride with Pride represents a smile.
“This bus is a symbol of our dedication to ensuring an inclusive and equitable city for everyone,” said Bradley. “Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible.”
After the parade, we'll be putting the bus into regular service. We hope it brings you joy as it rolls on routes throughout the city until next May.
We stand with our 2SLGBTQQIA+ employees, their families, friends, and allies
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming work environment for all employees. We strive to ensure all employees feel like they belong. Our Pride Professional Equity Network provides a support system for 2SLGBTQQIA+ employees and connects them to valuable resources.
We also offer a variety of training opportunities for employees. This includes our Pronouns and Gender Inclusive Language course. It looks at how misgendering, or using the wrong pronouns, can feel. It also shares best practices to avoid misgendering.
Many of our employees will be showing their support for the community at the Pride parade. They'll be walking alongside the Ride with Pride bus. Be sure to wave and say hi!
Learn more with Winnipeg Public Library
Winnipeg Public Library has an extensive 2SLGBTQQIA+ Info Guide. It is a space to explore 2SLGBTQQIA+ books, resources, and history. It also includes terms and definitions to help have respectful conversations. Whether you’re part of the community or an ally, the guide offers something for everyone on their learning journey.
Pride Season in Canada is held each June through September. It is a time to celebrate the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual + (2SLGBTQIA+) communities.
Keeping the Ride with Pride bus on the road for the year is made possible by the generosity of our partner, PATTISON Outdoor.