In 1973, a University of Manitoba campus gay social club rebranded itself as Gays For Equality, pivoting to an activist agenda. Fifty years later, after some name changes and a few moves, Rainbow Resource Centre, as it is known today, took ownership of and resides at 545 Broadway.
Now Canada’s longest continuously serving queer and trans community centre, Rainbow’s services are bookended by youth and older adult programs, and also offer short-term counselling, DEI and GSA education and consultation, Manitoba’s only overnight camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, as well as a variety of volunteer-led community groups.
Though currently an active construction site, the new location is being developed into a complete campus of queer services called Place of Pride. Upon completion in 2025, the campus will incorporate the historic Wilson House, purpose built programming and cultural space, retail space, a garden, and Canada’s first affordable housing for 2SLGBTQ+ older adults.
