News release details
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is celebrating Pride with three fabulous events featuring drag performers.
A drag story time, an iconic evening of drag performances and live music, and a drag brunch will headline the Museum’s offerings this month. Festivities will kick off with the drag story time, Rainbow Tales, this Saturday. Full details on these events are attached below.
Riva Harrison (she/her), VP of External Relations and Community Engagement, noted that in a moment where 2SLGBTQ+ rights are being questioned everywhere from libraries to legislatures, these events are deeply important.
"Books about gender expression, identity and sexuality are being banned in some instances. The right of gender‐diverse people to use a bathroom is being questioned. Drag is a way to celebrate diversity in our community," said Harrison, a member of the queer community and the Museum’s executive team. "Pride is, at its heart, about protest, about being proud of who we are and in support of one another."
In addition to the drag events, starting May 31 and running throughout June, special in‐gallery activities will help visitors discover stories of queer liberation, inclusion and success.
- Museum staff will be highlighting relevant stories shared in the Canadian Journeys gallery, while previewing content on Two‐Spirit people to be added and a new niche on the LGBT Purge.
- Through an interactive exercise led by Museum staff, visitors can learn more about gender inclusive washrooms and why they are important to ensure transgender, non‐binary and gender‐nonconforming people feel safe in public spaces.
- For younger visitors, we have designed a special quest to seek out nine Pride flags placed around the Museum. When they find a flag, visitors will get to learn about the communities they represent from our staff. Those who find every flag will get a prize!
Pride season in Winnipeg officially starts on May 26. In addition to the drag events, the Museum is partnering with the Rainbow Resource Centre to host their 50th anniversary celebration party. Tickets and details are available here.
Pride Winnipeg events are listed on their website, including the Festival and June 4 Parade which will end at The Forks just outside the Museum.
Details on upcoming drag events at the CMHR to celebrate Pride
Rainbow Tales: Kids of all ages are invited down this Saturday, May 20, for a story time with drag queens Feather Talia, Honey Dillia and Kymera. Four fun stories that celebrate all things Pride will be shared from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Stories are aimed at kids aged 4 ‑10 but all are welcome to attend. Free tickets are available here. This event is being led by the Rainbow Equity Council, a coalition of CMHR staff making the Museum more inclusive and welcoming for all.
Lady Muse and The Inspirations: Part chanteuse and part drag queen, Lady Muse is a modern diva, comedienne and singer of truths. Her live performances feature The Inspirations, a band made up of some of Canada’s best (and best looking) musicians. Together, they play funky covers of songs by classic divas, updates of vintage cabaret gems, creative renditions of pop goddess anthems, and just enough rock to keep the good times rolling.
This performance will happen Friday, May 26, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall. Free tickets are available here. Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase. The entire Museum is open late with free admission after 5:00 p.m. as part of our Free Friday Nights promotion.
Celebrate Pride Brunch: The divas will be in the house for this drag brunch on Sunday, May 28! Special K, Elsa Marquesa, Bambi Rey and Lady Muse will perform to fabulous tunes while you enjoy our special à la carte menu. There will be two seatings, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and available here.
CMHR Boutique celebrates pride with special items, outdoor kiosk
The CMHR’s Boutique has several Pride‐themed items, including pins featuring Pride flags and pronouns, and an exclusive line of jewellery from White Lotus Design called “Reflections of Pride.”
New this year is a Pride‐themed soap from Soap So Co., who donate a portion of each sale to organizations helping 2SLGBTQ+ community members access post‐secondary education, mental health care, housing and more.
The Boutique will also host a pop‐up shop outside the Museum on June 4 to welcome Pride Parade marchers to the festival grounds at The Forks.