'Exciting to see how far we've come': Moose Jaw celebrating 25 years of pride

Joe Wickenhausersays it was a difficult time for manyLGBTpeople during Moose Jaw's firstpride weekin 1993.

Due to safety reasons, manyparticipants didn'tusetheir real names during mediainterviews.

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"I think there have been some changes around the way people perceive their sense of safety," saidWickenhauser, executive director of Moose Jaw Pride and Saskatchewan Pride Network.

"I think a lot of people are just realizing that these conversations around gender and sexual diversity are happening, and people are becoming more welcoming and accepting."

In hopes of building onthosechanges, Moose Jaw Pride iscelebratingits 25th anniversary of pride week.

Festivities startSunday, and includea smudging ceremony, flagraising and faith service.

"I'm feeling really excited and encouraged," said Wickenhauser. "We've hada lot of people telling us, and telling me specifically, just how much they appreciate the work we've been doing in the community, and the difference that it's making, and the impact that it's having on peoples' lives."

"We still go a long ways to go, but it's really exciting to see how far we've come."

Healthcare concerns

Although the event is meant to be fun, it's also a time to raise awareness.

Wickenhauseris calling for a provincial LGBT healthcare strategy in Saskatchewan.

"There's some really challenging disparities in healthcare access, particularly for transgender people trying to access healthcare in Saskatchewan," he said.

Wickenhausersaid many LGBT seniors also struggledue to lack of gender and sexual diversity training in long-term care homes.

"That really creates some safety and health risks for LGBT people as they move into the latter stages of life and into those care home facilities," he said.

Street harassment is also a continuing concern around the province, especially for transgender people, according to Wickenhauser.

He would like to see more education in various organizations, specificallyin schools and healthcare settings, so peopleknow how to be respectful and appropriate to theLGBT community.

Despite ongoing concerns,Wickenhausersaidhe looks forward to seeingpeople in Moose Jaw connect with each other during pride.

Moose Jaw Pride is hosting a variety of events throughout the week.