Pride is a celebration and a reminder.
WINS acknowledges the roots of pride are built on the backs of the Stonewall riots, of Black Trans-women of colour, and the hard work of Activists. Canada has its own long history of LGBTQIA2S+ activism. The most notable of which is the Raids by Toronto Police on 4 gay bath houses resulting in over 300 arrests in 1981. This event led to Protests that lasted 25 days after the raid event. Amy Gottlieb one of the organizers of the first Pride in Toronto refers to this event as “Our Stonewall”. WINS is honoured to celebrate and remember these important moments in Canadian history and is dedicated to following their legacy in creating a space where all of us can celebrate who we are without fear because...
together, EVERYONE wins!
Women In Need Society (WINS) and Calgary Pride
Each year Calgary’s LGBTQIA2S+ community comes together to celebrate identity, belonging, and pride in who we are. WINS is proud to participate in this year's celebration and support all of our neighbours and friends. We are proud to celebrate and acknowledge the history of LGBTQIA2S+ suffragette movements both in our city as well as worldwide. WINS Is dedicated to creating a diverse environment that encourages equity, inclusion, belonging, and acceptance. To ensure that everyone has a voice and that all voices are heard
Below are different ways WINS can help:
Informative Resources: Our Community Resource Hubs are stocked with handouts and posters to raise awareness, which visitors can take or photograph for their own reference.
House to Home: For those escaping difficult situations, our House to Home services provide support in restarting their lives.
Collaboration with Calgary Agencies: We partner with various city agencies to facilitate participant access to support when experiencing difficult situations.
WINS welcomes everyone: We believe in creating a world where everyone is accepted and valued for who they are. WINS welcomes everyone who would like to shop in our Stores or avail of our free programs and services.
WINS Pride Logo
We couldn't be more excited to unveil the Pride version of our WINS logo, a powerful symbol of our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equality. Our logo, traditionally representing the empowerment and support we provide to women and families in need, has been transformed with the vibrant colors of pride to honor and celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
The butterfly wings, adorned with the Pride flag’s colors—Red for vitality, Orange for healing, Yellow for sunlight, Green for nature, Indigo for serenity, and Purple for spirit—represent the infinite diversity within the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Just as a butterfly evolves, our organization is dedicated to creating a space where everyone can thrive, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Design by WINS EDI Guiding Team
Encircling the butterfly are the colors of the Transgender Pride flag and the brown and black stripes from the Progress Pride flag. This highlights our commitment to equity and support for transgender individuals and people of color.
This Pride version of our logo is more than just an image; it’s a reflection of our core values. At WINS, we believe in a world where everyone is accepted and valued for who they are. We are committed to a future where everyone can spread their wings and thrive in Calgary.
A Community of Support
WINS will continuously address issues related to equity-seeking groups and believes in an Intersectional approach to all areas of marginalization. This includes but is not limited to those represented by race, sexual orientation, gender, sex, age, physical disability, Neurodiversity, and culture.
See below for other ways you can access help or show your support:
Skipping Stone
Skipping Stone Calgary offers a welcoming, positive, and judgment-free space for anyone who identifies as trans, transgender, non-binary, or gender diverse, as well as those questioning, exploring, or looking to affirm their gender identity or expression.
Canada: Signal for Help
The "Signal for Help" is a resource developed by the Canadian Women’s Foundation to aid individuals facing gender-based violence. This discreet, one-handed gesture offers a means of silently reaching out for assistance without leaving any digital footprint. It serves as a way for someone to discreetly communicate their need for a safe check-in and support from others. Want to learn how to respond to these signs of abuse? Become a Signal Responder today.
Calgary Outlink
Calgary Outlink is a community-based, not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing support, education, outreach, and referrals for the LGBTQIA2S+ and allied communities in Calgary, Alberta. LGBTQIA2S+ Peer Support and Resource Line: (587) 800-4121
Centre for Sexuality
Centre for Sexuality is a nationally recognized, community-based organization delivering programs and services to normalize sexuality and sexual health across the lifespan.
The Alex Youth LGBTQIA2S+ Support
The team at The Alex understands how challenging it can be to access health care and other supports. They know that being able to talk to someone you trust is the first step to making decisions about your health and well-being. No matter the program, the Alex team is here to provide you with support, encouragement, and care.