by LINA HARPER
Gay pride is so nice, we get to celebrate it twice in Montreal. Jean-Sébastien Boudreault, vice president at Pride Celebrations Montreal, says it’s hard to say if there is a need for two gay summer festivals, but there is definitely room for both. “We still need gay pride, we still need a parade and we still need a community day.”
For Celebrations, says Boudreault, the focus needs to be on visibility. “It’s about celebrating our differences and being proud. We have legal acceptance—now we want social acceptance.’” This year’s theme is two-fold: the Stonewall riots’ 40th anniversary and “Fiesta!”
Below are some of the events to check out.
Thursday, Aug. 13
Bunbury: The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde’s 19th century play Bunbury: The Importance of Being Earnest is revisited by director Davyn Ryall and switched to 1929 Montreal for maximum hilarity and way more gay “subtleties.” Thursday, Aug. 13, at 9 p.m and Saturday, Aug. 15, at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Théâtre Ste-Catherine (264 Ste-Catherine E.)
Per7eption
Canadian HIV-positive artist Jean-Pierre Pérusse, along with multidisciplinary artist Kat Coric and photographer Bob Hendriks, shot and conceived an art installation with seven artists at the heart of the HIV pandemic. Place Émilie-Gamelin, until Sunday, Aug. 16, free.
Friday, Aug. 14
Dream Académie 80’s Show
Established performers Michel Dorion, Miss Butterfly, Franky Dee, Tracy Trash, Marla Deer and Celinda, Rita are joined by 10 up and coming queens for a stage performance of epic proportions. 8–9 p.m, Place Émilie-Gamelin, free.
BYOL Fiesta Pop!
The Society for arts and technology (SAT, 1195 St-Laurent) plays hosts to the BYOL night (Bring Your Own Lesbian) in the Montreal Pride theme, Fiesta. The party is for ladies so the men should make sure their date has a vagina. 10 p.m. Entry is $25 at the door or $20 in advance—at Freitag Concept (3762 St-Laurent) or at sat.qc.ca.
Saturday, Aug. 15
Community Day
LGBTQ organizations community groups, businesses and sports teams from all over Canada display their wares and share information on their activities. Ste-Catherine E. between St-Hubert and
Papineau, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., free.
C’est la fête
Quebecers can revel in a drag and dance variety show with Montreal faves Miss Butterfly and Mado—probably more rowdiness than you can shake a stick at. Saturday, Aug. 15, 8 p.m., Place
Émilie-Gamelin, free.
Sunday, Aug 16
Pride Parade: FIESTA!
This year’s theme will probably make the parade even more colourful. Departs at 1 p.m. on the corner of de Lorimier and René-Lévesque E. and heads west, through the Village, culminating on St-Hubert, free.
Mega t-dance
House music from DJs Stéfane Lippé, Mark Anthony and Oscar Velazquez is on the menu as homos and lezzies dance it out. Place Émilie-Gamelin. 1–11 p.m, free.
Closing show: Stonewall Revolution
A conceptual show by Jean-Pierre Pérusse reviving the events of New York City’s 1969 riots against police. Expect pumping music, Leathermen cameos and many other bells and whistles. Place Émilie-Gamelin, 10 p.m. free.
SEE FIERTEMONTREALPRIDE.COM FOR
THE ENTIRE SCHEDULE. |
