Megan Walchuk
Jamie Pryde’s life has followed a different path – one that’s led him around the world and back again. Along the way, he found himself, piece by piece, and has returned complete and confident.
Pryde is many things: a business owner, partner, son. He’s also a member of the LGBT community. Like so many who grew up gay, things weren’t easy for Pryde.
“Growing up here was uncomfortable in a lot of ways,” he said, “Bullying was a big part of my life; I was bullied almost daily in some way or another through the end of elementary school all the way through high school. My life at school was difficult.”
Throughout his childhood, he was called gay – among other things – as an insult by his bullies.
“I was made to feel less than because of it,” he said. “When I actually realized I was gay I think I denied it longer because I didn’t want to give my bullies the pleasure. I think I was made aware I was different only when others, including adults, said I was.”
Although school was difficult, Pryde had a happy home life. His family was and is supportive of him; he considers himself lucky to have them in his corner. But the pull to leave and broaden his world led him to Winnipeg.
“I left because I felt it was necessary for my growth as a person to have new experiences. I wanted to be on my own,” he said. “My life in Winnipeg was mostly about self discovery and testing the waters, it wasn’t until I travelled that I felt truly comfortable.”
At 22, Pryde was travelling and working throughout southeast Asia and Greece, alongside people from all over the world.
“It really opened my eyes and made me realize how big the world really is, how different people are and that it’s okay to be different. Celebrate it. Every new country, experience and culture taught me something new about myself,” he said.
When he was sent to Vancouver to work for the 2010 Olympics, he knew he’d found a special place in the world – one where he was free to be himself. He asked for a permanent transfer, and fell in love with a city he considers his second home.
“I found Vancouver to be the first place that really felt like home. It’s where most of my growth happened and it will, in some ways, always be home to me,” he said. “Vancouver is very accepting and this was something I wasn’t previously used to. Being gay was for the most part a non-issue and was even celebrated in most circles.”
Pryde didn’t see himself ever returning to the Rainy River District. But life had other plans. His partner Myles Wilcott, who is originally from a small town in southeastern Manitoba, saw an opportunity to allow them to work together.
“We’re also a lot closer to our families which is huge for us at this stage of our lives,” said Pryde, “Our experience has been nothing short of amazing since returning. We work hard, we love seeing the results and the community has really rallied around us. It’s wonderful.”
The couple owns several businesses, and continues to expand. Wilcott founded ECOSAN Hygiene, which he has successfully expanded across western Canada and locally, employing 200 people. Together, the couple owns The Bayview Motel, Neighbours Modern Diner, The Nomad in International Falls, and are set to open a cafe in downtown Fort Frances in the near future.
“It feels good to contribute positively to the community whilst being allowed to be our true selves,” said Pryde, “I honestly didn’t see myself living here when I was younger. I didn’t see it as a possibility based on my own personal experience, but a lot has changed here for the better.”
Thanks to the support of his family, his partner, and the changing attitudes of the region, including the establishment of Borderland Pride, Pryde hasn’t let his past stand in his way, or define him.
“It takes a lot of strength to live your truth when you’ve been told your whole life that your truth may not be enough for some,” he said. “I don’t let my sexuality define me, but I’m a strong believer it shouldn’t hinder me either.”
He’s hoping that the new generation growing up in the LGBT don’t let it define them, either. He wishes society could abandon its social constructs, but hopes that today’s youth can face their futures with positivity and confidence.
“I would hope they have a positive outlook, but I know it’s sometimes hard to stay positive when you’re young and confronted with tough situations,” said Pryde.
Looking back over his own teen years, he wished someone had told him to slow down.
“Find the good people and listen to them, don’t worry about the others- they’re not your people,” he said. “Also listen to yourself, recognize your talents and use them, don’t try and be something you’re not; once you start doing this everything becomes more clear, and you’ll be happier because of this.”
