Souris Community Reacts to Pride Crosswalk Vandalism

A Pride crosswalk in Souris, Manitoba, was vandalized over the weekend, prompting strong reactions from community members dedicated to fostering inclusivity for LGBTTQ+ individuals. The incident occurred on the night of October 31, 2023, when a perpetrator used 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 deeply disheartening, stating, “Waking up Saturday morning to this news was heartbreaking and soul-crushing. It hurt a lot.” This vandalism marks a significant escalation in the minor incidents that have occurred since the crosswalk’s installation in September 2021, which previously included drawing and scuffing.

The Manitoba RCMP has not released information about whether the incident was formally reported, and a spokesperson was unavailable for comment. Despite the vandalism, Dewar highlighted the community’s support, noting an outpouring of positive messages that serve as a reminder that the majority stand against hate.

Dewar emphasized the importance of awareness and education in combating such actions, urging allies to actively support the LGBTTQ+ community. “We have to call it out when we see it, even if it’s uncomfortable,” they said.

Mayor Duane Davison condemned the vandalism, expressing disappointment and calling Souris a place of kindness. He urged the responsible individuals to reflect on the impact of their actions, stating, “I hope whoever is responsible looks in the mirror and thinks about how their actions might affect other people.” The municipality released a statement on social media, urging 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 take place before winter. Community members have already offered assistance, with some volunteering to help with the repainting or to donate supplies.

This is not an isolated incident, as other small communities in Manitoba have also seen similar acts of vandalism targeting Pride symbols. Notably, a Pride crosswalk in Lundar faced repeated vandalism earlier in 2023. Dewar remarked that the motivation behind creating the Souris crosswalk stemmed from a prior theft of a Pride flag from a committee member’s home.

Interestingly, the vandalism occurred on the same night as a queer wedding that attracted guests from across Canada, raising nearly $8,000 for local initiatives. Dewar mentioned that some of these funds could be allocated to establishing a Pride scholarship, transforming an act of hate into a positive community effort.

As LGBTTQ+ organizations across Canada report increasing instances of hate and discrimination, Dewar’s calls for action resonate more deeply. The federal government is addressing these concerns with a planned allocation of $7.5 million over five years for security at Pride events, as outlined in the upcoming 2025 budget.

The community of Souris, with a population of approximately 1,935 as of the 2021 census, continues to strive for inclusivity despite these challenges. The Souris Pride Committee is hopeful that their efforts, combined with community support, will foster a more accepting environment as they push for initiatives such as a Pride flag-raising event in June and a permanent mural to celebrate diversity.