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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJOHN WOODS \/ FREE PRESS
\nThis year, the Manitoba legislature is officially recognizing June as a month dedicated to celebrating LGBTTQ+ history, dignity, equality and visibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope we\u2019re going to inspire people \u2014 more gay, lesbian and different-identity couples,\u201d Kopiova said as she and her wife fulfilled their grand marshal duties on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old described the weekend\u2019s events as \u201ctherapy,\u201d as well as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights violations in her home country.<\/p>\n
Ukraine does not legally recognize same-sex marriage, although its Supreme Court recently upheld a landmark lower court decision that recognized a gay couple as a de facto family.<\/p>\n
Kopiova fled Ukraine \u2014 where she said she was hospitalized when she told her parents she liked girls and, after she was released, thought she\u2019d have to live the rest of her life in the closet \u2014 in 2023.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Canada, I finally understand I have nothing to lose. It\u2019s actually very important for me to slay, shine, be part of community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Kopiova and Komarniski were met with cheers and congratulatory remarks at a pre-parade rally in front of the Manitoba Legislative Building.<\/p>\n The morning event drew more than 10 times the number of people who participated in the inaugural gathering on the grounds.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve come a long way,\u201d Jim Kane told the crowd as he reflected on how much has changed since he and 249 others marched in 1987.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s gone from a Pride Day to a Pride Week to a Pride Month.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\t\tWinnipeg Free Press | Newsletter\n\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t This year, the legislature is officially recognizing June as a month dedicated to celebrating LGBTTQ+ history, dignity, equality and visibility.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t The Pride Month Act, introduced by NDP MLA Tyler Blashko, received royal assent in the fall.<\/p>\n History was also made this weekend when a painter was hired to create two pride-themed crosswalks in front of the steps at 450 Broadway.<\/p>\n Manitobans in drag, multi-coloured capes and rainbow socks gathered around the symbolic walkways for speeches on Sunday.<\/p>\n maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t Maggie Macintosh Maggie Macintosh reports on education for the Free Press. Originally from Hamilton, Ont., she first reported for the Free Press in 2017. Read more about Maggie<\/a>.<\/p>\n Funding for the Free Press education reporter comes from the Government of Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative<\/a>.<\/p>\n Every piece of reporting Maggie produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print \u2014 part of the Free Press\u2018s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press\u2019s history and mandate<\/a>, and learn how our newsroom operates<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMAGGIE MACINTOSH \/ FREE PRESS
\nAcademy Hospitality decked out a vintage car for its Pride float to celebrate the marriage of Mira Kopiova and Jamie Komarniski who were grand marshals for the parade.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJOHN WOODS \/ FREE PRESS
\nThis year, the Manitoba legislature is officially recognizing June as a month dedicated to celebrating LGBTTQ+ history, dignity, equality and visibility.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Education reporter
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