Pride Crosswalk Vandalized in Souris, Community Responds

A Pride crosswalk in Souris, a community in southwestern Manitoba, was vandalized over the weekend, prompting strong reactions from local advocates and officials. The incident occurred on the evening of October 31, 2023, when at least one individual used a roller and white paint to cover the vibrant rainbow colors of the crosswalk located at the intersection of First Street South and Crescent Avenue West. Marley Dewar, an executive member of the Souris Pride Committee, described the act as hateful and expressed deep disappointment over the event.

“Waking up Saturday morning to this news was heartbreaking and soul-crushing. It hurt a lot,” Dewar stated, reflecting on the emotional impact of the vandalism. Since its unveiling in September 2021, the crosswalk has experienced minor vandalism, but nothing of this magnitude had occurred before. The paint roller used in the act was left at the scene, indicating a calculated effort to deface the symbol of pride and inclusivity.

While it remains unclear if the incident was reported to the local Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Dewar emphasized the importance of community support in the wake of such actions. “I don’t know if the people who did this really thought through the impact it would have,” they remarked. The Souris Pride Committee has received numerous positive messages from residents, reinforcing the belief that support for the LGBTTQ+ community outweighs the negativity.

The mayor of the Municipality of Souris-Glenwood, Duane Davison, condemned the vandalism, describing it as disappointing and not representative of the community’s values. “I hope whoever is responsible looks in the mirror and thinks about how their actions might affect other people,” he stated. In a public message via the municipality’s Facebook page, the community was urged to “choose kindness and respect for one another.”

In response to the vandalism, the Souris Pride Committee is planning to repaint the crosswalk, although it is uncertain if this will take place before winter. Several individuals have already reached out to offer assistance, including offers to donate paint and brushes. Dewar noted that the impetus for creating the crosswalk stemmed from a prior incident involving the theft of a Pride flag from a committee member’s home.

This act of vandalism occurred on the same night as a queer wedding in Souris, which attracted guests from across Canada and raised nearly $8,000 for local initiatives. Dewar mentioned that part of these funds may be allocated to establish a Pride scholarship, transforming this act of hate into a positive opportunity for the community.

Souris, with a population of approximately 1,935 according to the 2021 census, has not been alone in facing challenges regarding Pride symbols. Other communities in Manitoba have also reported similar incidents. For instance, a Pride crosswalk in Lundar has faced repeated vandalism throughout 2023.

Pride organizations across Canada have observed a troubling trend, with a rise in hate incidents and anti-LGBTTQ+ sentiment. Factors influencing this increase include the political climate in the United States and hostility on social media platforms. In September, organizers of Steinbach Pride cancelled their annual rally and march after experiencing threats that raised safety concerns.

In light of these troubling developments, the federal government has announced that its upcoming 2025 budget will include $7.5 million over five years for security at Pride events across the country. This funding will be managed by Fierté Canada Pride, a national organization dedicated to supporting Pride initiatives.

As the Souris community rallies together in the wake of this vandalism, Dewar and the Souris Pride Committee continue to advocate for education and inclusivity. They call on allies to be proactive in supporting the LGBTTQ+ community and combating homophobia and transphobia. “We have to call it out when we see it, even if it’s uncomfortable,” Dewar concluded, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and engagement in fostering a more inclusive society.