Pride Crosswalk Vandalized in Souris, Community Stands United

A Pride crosswalk in Souris, a community in southwestern Manitoba, was vandalized over the Halloween weekend, prompting an outcry from local advocates. The act, described as one of hate, involved the use of white paint to cover the vibrant rainbow colors of the crosswalk, a symbol of support for the LGBTTQ+ community.

The incident occurred on the night of October 31, 2023, at the intersection of First Street South and Crescent Avenue West. Marley Dewar, an executive member of the Souris Pride Committee, expressed their heartbreak upon discovering the damage. “Waking up Saturday morning to this news was heartbreaking and soul-crushing. It hurt a lot,” Dewar stated, highlighting the emotional impact of the vandalism.

Minor acts of vandalism had been reported since the crosswalk was first painted in September 2021, but nothing of this magnitude had occurred before. The vandal left behind a paint roller, a detail that underscores the deliberate nature of the act. The Souris Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had not confirmed whether the incident was officially reported.

Despite the negative impact of the vandalism, Dewar noted a significant outpouring of positive messages from community members. This support serves as a reminder of the solidarity that exists against hate. “I don’t know if the people who did this really thought through the impact it would have,” they reflected, emphasizing the importance of community education and inclusivity.

Duane Davison, mayor of the Municipality of Souris-Glenwood, condemned the vandalism. He characterized Souris as a welcoming community and expressed disappointment over the incident. “I hope whoever is responsible looks in the mirror and thinks about how their actions might affect other people,” he stated, reinforcing that this act does not represent the community’s values. A statement from the municipality urged residents to “choose kindness and respect for one another.”

The Souris Pride Committee is now planning to repaint the crosswalk, although it remains uncertain whether this will occur before winter. Community members have already reached out to offer assistance, including paint and brushes. This response reflects a collective desire to restore the crosswalk as a symbol of pride and acceptance.

Vandalism of Pride symbols is not a new issue in Manitoba. Similar incidents occurred in Lundar earlier in 2023, demonstrating a troubling trend in rural and small communities. Dewar noted that the creation of the Souris crosswalk was partly motivated by a previous incident involving the theft of a Pride flag from a committee member’s home.

The timing of the vandalism coincided with a queer wedding in Souris, which attracted guests from across Canada and raised nearly $8,000 for local initiatives. Dewar mentioned that these funds could potentially be used to establish a Pride scholarship, transforming an act of hate into a positive community endeavor.

Souris, located approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Brandon, had a population of 1,935 according to the 2021 census. This incident reflects a broader trend, as Pride organizations across Canada have reported an increase in hate incidents and anti-LGBTTQ+ sentiments, which they partly attribute to heightened political tensions in the United States and negative rhetoric on social media.

In response to these challenges, the federal government plans to allocate $7.5 million over five years for security at Pride events, as outlined in the upcoming 2025 budget. This funding will be managed by Fierté Canada Pride, a national organization that supports pride events across the country.

As the Souris Pride Committee continues its efforts to foster an inclusive environment, Dewar’s call for allies to stand at the forefront against homophobia and transphobia resonates deeply. “We have to call it out when we see it, even if it’s uncomfortable,” they concluded, emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy in the fight for equality and acceptance.