If there is Manitoban who has inspired me over the past number of months, it is Evan Wiens. He had been at the center of a divisive debate in Steinbach over the advertising of a Gay/Straight Alliance that he wanted to set up at his school. Despite all of the anger and the negativity that came from social conservatives in the community, he prevailed. It was a tough battle he had to face. He often was the target of homophobic abuse. He had to fight against adults who were against him. He had to fight against deep seeded beliefs and misconceptions. But he won.
“Evan Wiens is a 17-year-old student born and raised in Steinbach, Manitoba. He is an actor who currently attends Prairie Theatre Exchange Theatre School. He takes vocal lessons and plans a career in musical theatre after high school. In addition to his arts-oriented schedule, Evan is passionate about social justice and human rights and is involved with the gay-straight alliance at his school. He currently lives in Steinbach, Manitoba.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)”