Latest news with #SimonGamache
CTV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Fierté Montréal's 2025 festival line-up invites community to celebrate and unite
As Fierté Montréal prepares to launch its 2025 edition, organizers say the 11-day event is as much a celebration as it is a call for solidarity and vigilance. The festival, which kicks off from July 31 to Aug. 11, promises more than 250 artists and 120 events spread across three main hubs in the city, including a renewed focus on programming in Montreal's Village. Fierté Montréal Executive Director Simon Gamache said this year's festivities are an invitation for LGBTQ2S+ people to take up space and celebrate amid what he calls an increasingly hostile environment. 'We're in a very difficult context right now, with the rights of the community being attacked,' said Gamache. 'There's a lot of hate speech on social media and even in public spaces. That's concerning, but it's also why Pride is so important — it's a moment to come together, to celebrate, to see and meet our communities.' The festival's official program was unveiled on Wednesday, highlighting everything from drag shows and film screenings to its annual high heel race. Among the new additions this year is the launch of the Rainbow Market, an event spotlighting LGBTQ2S+ creators and bringing added visibility to life in the heart of the Village. Simon Gamache Fierté Montréal Executive Director Simon Gamache says the 2025 festivities are an invitation for LGBTQ2S+ people to take space and celebrate. (Laurence Brisson Dubreuil/CTV News) Wild Pride As the festival moves forward, Fierté Montréal has faced significant criticism this year. In recent months, about 20 groups publicly cut ties with the organization, with some accusing the festival of fostering a toxic culture, among other claims. Some of those former member groups have since organized an alternative festival, Wild Pride, which kicks off on July 30, one day before Pride's events are slated to begin. Nevertheless, Fierté Montréal organizers say their focus remains on uplifting queer voices. Rameez Karim Rameez Karim talks about his event for Fierté Montréal 2025. (Laurence Brisson Dubreuil/CTV News) Bringing people together Among the featured performers set to take over the stage in the Village is Rameez Karim, a Bollywood dancer and choreographer who is curating an event blending South Asian dance, drag and storytelling. 'This will include performances by Veils of Bollywood, South Asian drag artists and a dance workshop, all aimed at showing how we celebrate our identity and authenticity in these spaces,' said Karim, who noted many of the participating artists trace their roots to countries like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal. 'To bring that culture and community into the Village, and for all of us to come together, exchange and learn from each other, this is what makes us stronger as a community,' he added. Karim said initiatives like this one are about more than visibility. 'The queer community includes so many different subcultures, and everyone wants to feel heard and feel like they belong,' he said. Chris Ngabonziza, director of programming and artistic development with Fierté Montréal, said this year, the focus is on refining existing strengths rather than starting over. 'We're taking everything we've developed over the past three years, but delivering better versions of it,' he said. Fierté Montréal Fierté Montréal unveils its 2025 line-up. (Laurence Brisson Dubreuil/CTV News) The Parade The Pride parade, typically the festival's biggest draw, is set to close the celebrations on Aug. 11. It is expected to bring together hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators. This year's theme, 'Blossom Here, Now,' aims to encourage queer and trans people to claim their right to exist fully — to thrive, express themselves and love without fear. Organizers say it's a rallying cry for presence, visibility and self-acceptance. Fierté Montréal Fierté Montréal unveils its 2025 line-up. (Laurence Brisson Dubreuil/CTV News) Political demands Beyond the festivities, organizers say they are also renewing their political demands — a list that has remained largely unchanged since 2022. Among them is a long-standing call to decriminalize HIV non-disclosure. 'There was momentum under the previous federal government, and then it just disappeared,' said Gamache. 'The demands haven't changed because things aren't moving.' For longtime Montreal culture journalist Richard Burnett, one of the original organizers of Pride's predecessor Divers/Cité, the festival still carries its weight as both a celebration and protest. 'Pride is really important because tolerance is not acceptance. Tolerance is hypocrisy,' said Burnett. 'Even in wonderful queer-positive cities like Montreal, we need to stay vigilant.' He recalled the early days of the movement, when Divers/Cité operated with a shoestring budget of $42,000 in 1994. Today, Fierté Montréal hosts one of the largest Pride events in the country, and that growth, Burnett said, reflects both the progress and the stakes. 'One thing that hasn't changed is the power of Pride to help young people come out, to find their people on parade day,' he said. 'It's also a way to honour our elders who paved the way for us to be able to walk the streets at Pride in the daytime. It was a very different world for them.'
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Montréal gets ready to roll out the Rainbows! - FIERTÉ MONTRÉAL'S 19TH EDITION TO BE FESTIVAL'S LARGEST AND MOST INCLUSIVE YET!
MONTRÉAL, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Mobilizing over 300 organizations from the community, cultural, non-profit, and economic sectors, all committed to the advancement of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, the Fierté Montréal Festival, presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Loto-Québec, invites the communities and their allies to join the festivities from July 31 to August 10. Fierté Montréal Festival will celebrate the creativity and resilience of communities of sexual and gender diversity in three distinct event Hubs – Urban, Village, and Olympic – stretching from downtown to the East end of Québec's metropole. " Thanks to a growing interest, locally and internationally, in the Fierté Montréal Festival, we are continuing to innovate and build on the festival's strengths. With the loyalty, trust, and solidarity of our valued partners in our three festival Hubs, we are once again able to amplify the voices of communities of sexual and gender diversity. Amid a steep and rapid decline for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights around the world, Montréal itself is a beacon, proudly flying the rainbow flag," said Simon Gamache, Executive Director of Festival Fierté Montréal. Celebrating queer beings and being queer: the Pride Parade With "Blossom Here, Now!" as this year's rallying cry, the Pride Parade will welcome tens of thousands of participants down Boulevard René-Lévesque on August 10 to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and call attention to what we're fighting for. "Blossom Here, Now!" is an invitation to claim our right to blossom fully, to shine brightly, and to love freely. Parade Grand Marshals make the message louder and prouder Fierté Montréal Festival's Grand Marshals are individuals who, through their activism and talent, inspire and contribute to improving the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. In 2025, we proudly welcome Ness Murby, the first openly trans, queer, and Métis Paralympic athlete, and Farah Alibay, a Québécoise aerospace engineer committed to popularizing science and an advocate for greater equity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Diverse and inclusive programming This nineteenth edition of Fierté Montréal Festival will spotlight over 250 artists, of whom a tremendous majority are people from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, proudly featuring a roster of artists who are trans and/or from racialized communities. Chris Ngabonziza, Director of Programming and Artistic Development, adds: " The 19th edition programming is the culmination of work begun three years ago—a collective approach that deepens our commitment to inclusion. It is deployed across our three hubs, with a rich and consistently ambitious offering; but above all, it is a huge celebration of queer culture, in all its diversity." The Village is where our heart is The Village will be buzzing with a bold and daring program of talented creators. In collaboration with Festival M.A.D. and the SDC du Village, the first edition of the Rainbow Market will showcase 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, artists, artisans, and designers from August 1 to 3. From July 31 to August 10, the Dovato Stage will host local queer artists featuring drag shows, live bands, burlesque troupes, DJ sets, Bollywood dance, pop music, a show for kids and even a high heel race! At Le National, the comedy night Des gags et des paillettes, presented by La Presse, returns on August 5 and 6, hosted by Phil Lacroix and Yann Aspirot —aka Greg and Tom in the web series Mon Bro—accompanied by local artists, including Coco Belliveau, Tranna Wintour, Maxence Garneau, and Magalie Saint-Vincent. Community Days, presented by Cogeco, will be back August 8 and 9 on Rue Sainte-Catherine Est. The public is welcome to discover more than 100 community groups and organizations, businesses, sports clubs, and sociocultural associations involved with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Families are invited to Place du Village on Saturday, August 9 th, to enjoy children's activities. In collaboration with the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, the Jardins Gamelin will also be decked out in rainbows on July 31, August 1, 2, and 6. Fierté Littéraire is back with a series of events showcasing queer creativity of the literary kind. The Festival will close with L'After T-Dance (August 10), presented by romeo's gin, at Sainte-Catherine Hall. Fierté Montréal Festival will host the public at its Headquarters (1306, Rue Sainte-Catherine East), which will house an information booth, a community exhibition, and the Festival's boutique. Urban Hub: diversity delights downtown Montréal For the second consecutive year, the Fierté Montréal Festival will light up our downtown. The Quartier des Spectacles will host 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and their allies on the Loto-Québec Stage at the Esplanade Tranquille. A series of free events will showcase Indigenous artists during Lumière des Nations, presented by Fugues, followed by a program of trans artists, Transcendance (July 31); an evening dedicated to women of sexual and gender diversity with FeminiX, presented by Rogers (August 1); a lively tribute to nightlife as queer revolution with Mundo Disko, presented by Merck (August 2); and our signature show ImmiX, presented by ICI Musique, featuring beloved artists Lisa LeBlanc, Gabrielle Destroismaisons, Martine St-Clair, Calamine, Safia Nolin, and Lennikim, and more, who will share the stage with a raft of emerging artists (August 3). " At Loto-Québec, we are committed to supporting events that bring people together, inspire, and contribute to celebrating a more inclusive society. Our collaboration with the Fierté Montréal Festival reflects our commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all," said Eric Meunier, Director of Social Engagement, Loto-Québec. The Festival returns to Place des Arts with Katherine Levac 's hilarious show, L'été de ma Fierté! (August 1), featuring guests Mona de Grenoble and Anne-Sarah Charbonneau. CinéQueer, a co-presentation with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), will offer three days of free screenings at the Alanis Obomsawin Theatre (August 4, 5, and 6), in collaboration with the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma and the Festival image+nation. CinéQueer online will be available throughout the Festival, in collaboration with the image+nation Festival. Two free community exhibitions will be presented at the NFB Space from July 31 to August 6. The MEM – Centre des mémoires montréalaises will host a series of panels about issues related to inclusion within and for our communities, organized in collaboration with 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations: Surrogacy (August 2, 1 pm), Bisexuality (August 2, 3 pm), an Inter-generational Dialogue on HIV (August 3, 1 pm) and a historical look back at Pride celebrations in Montréal since 1979 (August 3, 3 pm). Meanwhile, the Cinémathèque québécoise will host a round table discussion on rural queer experiences in Europe and Québec (July 30, 4:30 pm). Nightlife enthusiasts will notice a slew of beloved parties that 2SLGBTQIA+ communities will recognize throughout several Fierté Montréal 2025 Editions, as well as official after-parties during the two weekends of the Festival, with seven club nights hosted at venues Club Soda and the Société des arts technologiques (SAT). Starting on August 7, the TD Stage at the Olympic Park's Esplanade will host the big free shows that attract tens of thousands of festival-goers every year. It all kicks off August 7 with the world's largest free drag show, La Soirée 100% Drag, presented by Cabenuva, with hostesses Barbada and Rita Baga, gathering drag royalty of local drag luminaries along with a range of drag artists from various franchises of RuPaul's Drag Race. On August 8, DistinXion, presented by Novartis, will highlight queer fxmmes with Fefe Dobson, Charlotte Day Wilson, and G Flip. Xcellence, a celebration of racialized 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and their allies, will bring Iniko, Bilal Hassani, and Ivy Queen to the stage (August 9). On August 10, the biggest dance floor in town will host the highly anticipated Mega T-Dance, featuring renowned DJs such as Black Flamingo and Marti Frieson. " TD has a long history of supporting all communities, including the 2SLGBTQ+ communities year-round. As we celebrate Pride this year, we're proud to once again support Fierté Montréal Festival—an event that brings people together and amplifies diverse voices across the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Through the TD Ready Commitment, we continue to support initiatives and community programming that help make a positive impact for the communities we serve," said Laurence Levy, Senior Vice-President, Branch Banking, Quebec Region, TD Canada Trust. Recognizing our change-makers Fierté Montréal hands out a trio of prizes to individuals and associations who have been part of making progress in 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy and visibility. Accorded annually in recognition of people and groups working to end stigma against people living with HIV (serophobia), the Prix Claude-Tourangeau went to GAP-VIES. For exceptional work on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights advocacy in Montréal and throughout Québec, the Prix Bâtisseur was awarded to the Conseil québécois LGBT. The Prix John Banks, awarded to people or collectives who shine their light on and within Pride, went to the Sœurs de la perpétuelle indulgence de Montréal. Fierté Montréal Festival continues its commitment to environmental responsibility, accessibility, and prevention, with long-term goals dedicated to sustainability, harm reduction, stopping sexual violence, and support to vulnerable members of our communities and artists. We constantly endeavour to improve accessibility measures in collaboration with a wide range of community stakeholders, such as REZO, the GRIP, Collectif Social, the Centre psychologique pour artistes, L'Aparté and Kéroul. " Fierté Montréal is much more than a festival; it is a vibrant celebration of the diversity, creativity and resilience of 2SLGPTQI+ communities. By supporting events such as this one, we are reaffirming that each and every individual must be able to develop fully, love freely and participate actively in the economic, social and cultural life of our country. I am proud that our government is assisting Fierté Montréal, as well as the countless artists, entrepreneurs and organizations who make our communities stronger and more inclusive," stated Marie-Gabrielle Ménard, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga–Rosemont-Est, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism). " The Fierté Montréal Festival is a shining showcase of diversity, but also a necessary reminder that the fight for the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people is far from over. In a context where hate speech is experiencing a worrying resurgence around the world, more than ever, our solidarity must be unwavering. La Ville de Montréal is proud to support the 19th edition of the Festival and to reaffirm that it is, and will remain, a space of inclusion, equality, and acceptance for all people. I invite the public to join the festivities in large numbers to amplify the voices that lift us, to celebrate love and freedom, and to fly high the flag for Pride," declared Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante. A program for everyone Explore the expansive and inclusive Fierté Montréal Festival 2025 programming on our website, and come out to meet 2SLGBTQIA+ communities where their pride is at. Never Without Our Partners Fierté Montréal thanks its loyal partners, as well as those who have recently joined us, without whom it would be impossible to continue the fight for full recognition of the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities: TD Bank Group, supporter since 2008, Loto-Québec, the Ville de Montréal, the Gouvernement of Québec, the Gouvernement of Canada, Tourisme Montréal, the Conseil des Arts de Montréal, Cabenuva, Rogers, Trojan, the SAQ, Air Canada, Bubly, Radio-Canada, stm, Merck, Loblaws, sans nom, Bud Light, Hydro-Québec, Dovato, Apretude, Fugues, MTL Dans la poche, Cogeco, La Presse, IN Magazine, CTV, Publicité Sauvage, Virgin Radio, Énergie, Rouge, Cult, Le Devoir, GoMag, Petit Futé, Québec Le Mag, Gay City News, Culture Cible, Neo, the SDC Village Montréal, the Société de développement et de mise en valeur du Parc olympique, the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, PME MTL Centre-Ville, the European Union through its delegation based in Canada, the Regroupement des évènements majeurs internationaux and Fierté Canada Pride. About Fierté Montréal Since 2007, Fierté Montréal has been amplifying the voices of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to ensure their social representation and inclusion, and to defend their rights. As vectors of social change, our festival, community initiatives and artistic/cultural projects celebrate the creativity and resilience of our communities. By listening to and collaborating with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, we call attention to their struggles and realities on the level of both the general public and institutions. Fierté Montréal is based in Tio'tia:ke, on the unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka Nation. We recognize them as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather. Tio'tia:ke is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations, and today, a diverse Indigenous population, as well as other peoples, reside here. It is with respect for connections to the past, present, and future that we recognize the ongoing relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Montréal community at large.
Cision Canada
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
FIERTÉ MONTRÉAL LAUNCHES THE FESTIVAL's 19th EDITION, BIGGER & MORE INCLUSIVE THAN EVER! Français
Blossom here, now! MONTRÉAL, May 13, 2025 /CNW/ - In full bloom to celebrate the creativity and resilience of queer communities, Fierté Montréal Festival launches programming for its 19th edition, with an unprecedented scale of artistic and cultural offerings, mobilizing over 300 organizations committed to progress on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in the face of rising hatred and oppression. Fierté Montréal Festival, presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Loto-Québec, will take place from July 31 to August 10 in venues gravitating around three hubs: Urban, Village, and Olympic. " Driven by a strong presence in the Place des Festivals and Olympic Park areas, this year we're putting special emphasis on the Village, where an enhanced program featuring local artists has been developed with a bouquet of copresenters. On all our stages –outdoor and indoor, as well as during dozens of community activities, the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities will shine and inspire us all," enthused Simon Gamache, Fierté Montréal Executive Director. The Pride Parade, celebrating queer life Under the theme "Blossom here, now!" the Pride Parade returns to René-Lévesque Boulevard on August 10 to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and highlight advocacy demands. In the face of today's challenges, "Blossom here, now!" is an invitation asserting our right to grow, to fully shine, and to love freely; it's a celebration of our identities in a meadow where every struggle is a bud of hope. Chris Ngabonziza, Director of Programming and Artistic Development, mentioned: " For this 19th edition, we have gone further in our approach to inclusion and representation – continuing the work of the last three editions, and which shows through our three programming hubs. More than 250 artists, the vast majority of whom are from 2SLGBTQIA+ and racialized communities, will be at the heart of this edition. A programming that mirrors Montréal's diversity. We invite everyone – from here and elsewhere, to come and experience it with us." The Village Hub, revamped At the heart of The Village, the 2SLGBTQIA+ neighborhood, an ambitious and powerful program will unfurl. In collaboration with the M.A.D. Festival and the SDC Village, the first edition of the Rainbow Market will feature 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, artists, craftspeople and designers in festive ephemeral spaces from August 1 to 3. The Dovato Stage, a nomadic stage that will roam the neighborhood throughout the Festival, will host up-and-coming queer and racialized artists, in collaboration with a series of artistic collectives and Village venues. The popular comedy evening at Le National, Des gags et des paillettes, presented by La Presse, returns in a double bill on August 5 and 6, hosted by the duo of Phil Lacroix and Yann Aspirot—alias Greg and Tom in the web series Mon Bro — accompanied by a troupe of local artists, including Coco Belliveau, Tranna Wintour and Magalie Saint-Vincent. Community Days, presented by Cogeco, will be back on August 8 and 9 on Sainte-Catherine Street East. They invite the public to discover some one hundred organizations and community groups, businesses, sports and socio-cultural clubs involved with the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The Jardins Gamelin will also be decked out in Pride colors on July 31, August 1, 2 and 6, thanks to a collaboration with the Partenariat du Quartier des Spectacles. Fierté Littéraire returns with a series of events showcasing queer literary creation. The Festival closes with L'After T-Dance (August 10), presented by romeo's gin, at Sainte-Catherine Hall. The Urban Hub: diversity in downtown Montréal For the second year running, the Festival Fierté Montréal will bright up downtown. As the epicenter of Montréal cultural life, the Quartier des spectacles will host 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and their allies at the Loto-Québec Stage on the Esplanade Tranquille. A succession of free shows will feature Indigenous artists with Lumière des Nations, presented by Fugues, and trans artists with Transcendance (July 31); an evening dedicated to women of sexual diversity and gender plurality with FeminiX, presented by Rogers (August 1); a thumping tribute to nightlife culture and queer revolutions with Mundo Disko, presented by Merck (August 2); and signature ImmiX variety show, presented by ICI Musique, with beloved artists such as Lisa LeBlanc, Gabrielle Destroismaisons, Martine St-Clair, Calamine, Sofia Nolin and Lennikim, sharing the stage with up-and-coming artists (August 3). The Festival is back at Place des Arts for one hilarious night with Katherine Levac et invité•e•s : L'été de ma Fierté! (August 1). CinéQueer, a co-presentation with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), will offer three days of screenings at the Alanis Obomsawin Theatre (August 4, 5, and 6), in collaboration with the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma and the image+nation Festival. An online component will be accessible throughout the Festival, in collaboration with image+nation. Nightlife lovers and party people of all stripes will be pleased to see well-known 2SLGBTQIA+ club nights will throw special Fierté Montréal 2025 editions. Watch out for more on the official after-parties hosted during the two Festival weekends; this year, a total of nine (9) different soirées are being thrown at Club Soda, the Satosphère, and the Espace SAT at the Société des arts technologiques. Olympic Hub: mainstage events As of August 7, the Olympic Park's Esplanade will host the large-scale free outdoor shows, attracting festival-goers numbered in the tens of thousands. The world's biggest free outdoor drag show, La Soirée 100% Drag, presented by Cabenuva, hosted by Barbada and Rita Baga, opens with a focus on local drag royalty and an array of drag performers from the RuPaul's Drag Race franchises. On August 8, the TD Stage lights up with DistinXion, presented by Novartis, a show devoted to seeing queer women take centre-stage more than anywhere else, with Fefe Dobson, Charlotte Day Wilson and G Flip. Xcellence, a celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ racialized communities and their allies, features Iniko, Bilal Hassani and Ivy Queen (August 9). On August 10, the city's biggest dance floor becomes the much-anticipated Méga T-Dance, with major DJs such as Black Flamingo and Marti Frieson on the decks. Community Projects by and for 2SLGBTQIA+ people In 2025, over 30 projects by 2SLGBTQIA+ community organizations were awarded funding by Fierté Montréal and will take place between May 18 and August 10 in Montréal, but also in cities such as Rivière-du-Loup, Val-d'Or, Trois-Rivières, Trois-Pistoles, Saguenay, and Mont-Laurier. P rogramming with something for everyone Check out the diverse and embracing program of Fierté Montréal Festival on our website and get to know all the components of our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Pride in our partners / Flourishing thanks to our Partners Fierté Montréal would like to thank its loyal partners, as well as those who have recently joined us, without whom it would be impossible to continue the fight for full recognition of the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities: TD Bank Group, partner since 2008, Loto-Québec, the Ville de Montréal, the Gouvernement du Québec, the Government of Canada, Tourisme Montréal, Cabenuva, Rogers, Trojan, SAQ, Air Canada, Bubly, Radio-Canada, stm, Merck, Loblaws, sans nom, Bud Light, Hydro-Québec, Dovato, Apretude, Fugues, MTL Dans la poche, Cogeco, La Presse, IN Magazine, CTV, Publicité Sauvage, Virgin Radio, Énergie, Rouge, Cult MTL, Le Devoir, Petit Futé, Québec Le Mag, Gay City News, the Société de développement et de mise en valeur du Parc Olympique, the Partenariat du Quartier des Spectacles, the SDC Village Montréal, the RÉMI, and Fierté Canada Pride. About Fierté Montréal Since 2007, Fierté Montréal has been amplifying the voices of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to ensure their social representation and inclusion, and to defend their rights. As vectors of social change, our festival, community initiatives and artistic/cultural projects celebrate the creativity and resilience of our communities. By listening to and collaborating with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, we call attention to their struggles and realities on the level of both the general public and institutions. Fierté Montréal is based in Tio'tia:ke, on the unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka Nation. We recognize them as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather. Tio'tia:ke is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations, and today, a diverse Indigenous population, as well as other peoples, reside here. It is with respect for connections to the past, present, and future that we recognize the ongoing relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Montréal community at large.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
FIERTÉ MONTRÉAL LAUNCHES THE FESTIVAL's 19th EDITION, BIGGER & MORE INCLUSIVE THAN EVER!
Blossom here, now! MONTRÉAL, May 13, 2025 /CNW/ - In full bloom to celebrate the creativity and resilience of queer communities, Fierté Montréal Festival launches programming for its 19th edition, with an unprecedented scale of artistic and cultural offerings, mobilizing over 300 organizations committed to progress on 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in the face of rising hatred and oppression. Fierté Montréal Festival, presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Loto-Québec, will take place from July 31 to August 10 in venues gravitating around three hubs: Urban, Village, and Olympic. "Driven by a strong presence in the Place des Festivals and Olympic Park areas, this year we're putting special emphasis on the Village, where an enhanced program featuring local artists has been developed with a bouquet of copresenters. On all our stages –outdoor and indoor, as well as during dozens of community activities, the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities will shine and inspire us all," enthused Simon Gamache, Fierté Montréal Executive Director. The Pride Parade, celebrating queer life Under the theme "Blossom here, now!" the Pride Parade returns to René-Lévesque Boulevard on August 10 to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and highlight advocacy demands. In the face of today's challenges, "Blossom here, now!" is an invitation asserting our right to grow, to fully shine, and to love freely; it's a celebration of our identities in a meadow where every struggle is a bud of hope. Chris Ngabonziza, Director of Programming and Artistic Development, mentioned: "For this 19th edition, we have gone further in our approach to inclusion and representation – continuing the work of the last three editions, and which shows through our three programming hubs. More than 250 artists, the vast majority of whom are from 2SLGBTQIA+ and racialized communities, will be at the heart of this edition. A programming that mirrors Montréal's diversity. We invite everyone – from here and elsewhere, to come and experience it with us." The Village Hub, revamped At the heart of The Village, the 2SLGBTQIA+ neighborhood, an ambitious and powerful program will unfurl. In collaboration with the M.A.D. Festival and the SDC Village, the first edition of the Rainbow Market will feature 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, artists, craftspeople and designers in festive ephemeral spaces from August 1 to 3. The Dovato Stage, a nomadic stage that will roam the neighborhood throughout the Festival, will host up-and-coming queer and racialized artists, in collaboration with a series of artistic collectives and Village venues. The popular comedy evening at Le National, Des gags et des paillettes, presented by La Presse, returns in a double bill on August 5 and 6, hosted by the duo of Phil Lacroix and Yann Aspirot—alias Greg and Tom in the web series Mon Bro— accompanied by a troupe of local artists, including Coco Belliveau, Tranna Wintour and Magalie Saint-Vincent. Community Days, presented by Cogeco, will be back on August 8 and 9 on Sainte-Catherine Street East. They invite the public to discover some one hundred organizations and community groups, businesses, sports and socio-cultural clubs involved with the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. The Jardins Gamelin will also be decked out in Pride colors on July 31, August 1, 2 and 6, thanks to a collaboration with the Partenariat du Quartier des Spectacles. Fierté Littéraire returns with a series of events showcasing queer literary creation. The Festival closes with L'After T-Dance (August 10), presented by romeo's gin, at Sainte-Catherine Hall. The Urban Hub: diversity in downtown Montréal For the second year running, the Festival Fierté Montréal will bright up downtown. As the epicenter of Montréal cultural life, the Quartier des spectacles will host 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and their allies at the Loto-Québec Stage on the Esplanade Tranquille. A succession of free shows will feature Indigenous artists with Lumière des Nations, presented by Fugues, and trans artists with Transcendance (July 31); an evening dedicated to women of sexual diversity and gender plurality with FeminiX, presented by Rogers (August 1); a thumping tribute to nightlife culture and queer revolutions with Mundo Disko, presented by Merck (August 2); and signature ImmiX variety show, presented by ICI Musique, with beloved artists such as Lisa LeBlanc, Gabrielle Destroismaisons, Martine St-Clair, Calamine, Sofia Nolin and Lennikim, sharing the stage with up-and-coming artists (August 3). The Festival is back at Place des Arts for one hilarious night with Katherine Levac et invité•e•s : L'été de ma Fierté! (August 1). CinéQueer, a co-presentation with the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), will offer three days of screenings at the Alanis Obomsawin Theatre (August 4, 5, and 6), in collaboration with the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma and the image+nation Festival. An online component will be accessible throughout the Festival, in collaboration with image+nation. Nightlife lovers and party people of all stripes will be pleased to see well-known 2SLGBTQIA+ club nights will throw special Fierté Montréal 2025 editions. Watch out for more on the official after-parties hosted during the two Festival weekends; this year, a total of nine (9) different soirées are being thrown at Club Soda, the Satosphère, and the Espace SAT at the Société des arts technologiques. Olympic Hub: mainstage events As of August 7, the Olympic Park's Esplanade will host the large-scale free outdoor shows, attracting festival-goers numbered in the tens of thousands. The world's biggest free outdoor drag show, La Soirée 100% Drag, presented by Cabenuva, hosted by Barbada and Rita Baga, opens with a focus on local drag royalty and an array of drag performers from the RuPaul's Drag Race franchises. On August 8, the TD Stage lights up with DistinXion, presented by Novartis, a show devoted to seeing queer women take centre-stage more than anywhere else, with Fefe Dobson, Charlotte Day Wilson and G Flip. Xcellence, a celebration of 2SLGBTQIA+ racialized communities and their allies, features Iniko, Bilal Hassani and Ivy Queen (August 9). On August 10, the city's biggest dance floor becomes the much-anticipated Méga T-Dance, with major DJs such as Black Flamingo and Marti Frieson on the decks. Community Projects by and for 2SLGBTQIA+ people In 2025, over 30 projects by 2SLGBTQIA+ community organizations were awarded funding by Fierté Montréal and will take place between May 18 and August 10 in Montréal, but also in cities such as Rivière-du-Loup, Val-d'Or, Trois-Rivières, Trois-Pistoles, Saguenay, and Mont-Laurier. Programming with something for everyone Check out the diverse and embracing program of Fierté Montréal Festival on our website and get to know all the components of our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Pride in our partners / Flourishing thanks to our Partners Fierté Montréal would like to thank its loyal partners, as well as those who have recently joined us, without whom it would be impossible to continue the fight for full recognition of the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities: TD Bank Group, partner since 2008, Loto-Québec, the Ville de Montréal, the Gouvernement du Québec, the Government of Canada, Tourisme Montréal, Cabenuva, Rogers, Trojan, SAQ, Air Canada, Bubly, Radio-Canada, stm, Merck, Loblaws, sans nom, Bud Light, Hydro-Québec, Dovato, Apretude, Fugues, MTL Dans la poche, Cogeco, La Presse, IN Magazine, CTV, Publicité Sauvage, Virgin Radio, Énergie, Rouge, Cult MTL, Le Devoir, Petit Futé, Québec Le Mag, Gay City News, the Société de développement et de mise en valeur du Parc Olympique, the Partenariat du Quartier des Spectacles, the SDC Village Montréal, the RÉMI, and Fierté Canada Pride. About Fierté Montréal Since 2007, Fierté Montréal has been amplifying the voices of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to ensure their social representation and inclusion, and to defend their rights. As vectors of social change, our festival, community initiatives and artistic/cultural projects celebrate the creativity and resilience of our communities. By listening to and collaborating with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, we call attention to their struggles and realities on the level of both the general public and institutions. Fierté Montréal is based in Tio'tia:ke, on the unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka Nation. We recognize them as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather. Tio'tia:ke is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations, and today, a diverse Indigenous population, as well as other peoples, reside here. It is with respect for connections to the past, present, and future that we recognize the ongoing relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Montréal community at large. SOURCE Fierté Montréal View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Fierté Montréal: A Bold Turn Toward Renewed Governance Français
MONTREAL, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Fierté Montréal is entering a pivotal new chapter with a complete overhaul of its governance model and business structure, further cementing its role as a leader in the festival ecosystem and the broader movement for diversity and inclusion. Through this major transformation, the organization has adopted a groundbreaking and inclusive structure that reflects the vibrant 2SLGBTQIA+ communities it celebrates and uplifts. In May 2023, Fierté Montréal adopted new bylaws to better represent the wide network of partners it brings together, fostering deeper connections and more accurately reflecting their realities. This substantial redefinition of its membership model has grown the organization from just over a dozen individual members in 2022 to more than 120 member organizations today, encompassing actors from community, cultural, nonprofit, and economic sectors. This unique approach within the global Pride movement ensures diverse perspectives and increased stakeholder engagement. "Fierté Montréal has experienced significant growth, both in the scope of its activities and the diversity of its collaborations," explains Simon Gamache, Executive Director of Fierté Montréal. "To remain true to our mission, we have rethought our ways of working with attentiveness, boldness, and rigor. We are proud of how far we've come while remaining committed to representing our communities with integrity and openness. This transformation is the result of a collective effort led by a team determined to keep doing better." A Board That Reflects the Community, and a Resilient Business Model To strengthen its governance, Fierté Montréal has recruited a new Board of Directors that is skilled, diverse, and reflective of the various realities within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. This transparent appointment process ensures enlightened and inclusive management, aligned with the organization's mission to amplify the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Amid shifting realities in public funding for festivals, Fierté Montréal has also evolved its business model, while maintaining over 90% of its programming free of charge. A restructured production, operations, and logistics team now supports one of Canada's most complex festivals, featuring over 250 artists, a parade with more than 17,000 participants, a festival that attracts over 400,000 attendees annually, and a wide range of community events. A Diverse and Inclusive Program Through its artistic and communications initiatives, Fierté Montréal collaborates each year with over 180 2SLGBTQIA+ community organizations, within a broader network of 300 groups committed to recognition and advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. The 2025 edition of the Fierté Montréal Festival—presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Loto-Québec—will once again spotlight over 250 artists, the vast majority of whom identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, with strong representation from cultural communities and allies. This reflects Montreal's current cultural richness and diversity, making the festival a powerful driver of inclusion and visibility. Programming will run from July 31 to August 10 across three hubs: Urban: Esplanade Tranquille, Place des Arts, Club Soda, Société des Arts Technologiques, MEM, and the Alanis Obomsawin Theatre at the NFB; Village: Le National, Sainte-Catherine Hall, and Sainte-Catherine Street East; Olympic: Esplanade of the Olympic Park. Notably, registrations for the Pride Parade and Community Days have doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels, highlighting renewed energy and mobilization around these flagship events. A Festival with Social Responsibility at Its Core Fierté Montréal remains deeply committed to eco-responsibility and community well-being, with action plans focused on sustainability, harm reduction, sexual harassment prevention, and the continuous improvement of accessibility. Through modern governance, inclusive programming, and a socially responsible approach, the organization continues to position itself as an essential voice in celebrating and advancing the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. About Fierté Montréal Since 2007, Fierté Montréal has amplified the voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to ensure their representation, inclusion, and the recognition of their rights in society. Through its festival, community initiatives, and artistic and cultural projects, the organization celebrates the creativity and resilience of these communities and acts as a driver of social change. In close collaboration with 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, Fierté Montréal brings their struggles and lived experiences to the public and institutional spheres. Fierté Montréal's events take place on Tiotia:ke, the unceded territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka Nation. We recognize the Kanien'kehá:ka as the custodians of these lands and waters, and honour the enduring connection between Indigenous Peoples and all members of the Montreal community—past, present, and future.
