Editor’s note: I asked the winner of the “Trip for Two to Fierté Montreal Pride 2019” (sponsored by Shaun Proulx Media) if he would send me a few lines about his experience. What follows is more than a few lines, but a wonderful reflection of the uniqueness that is Fierté. Be sure to scroll all the way down to see the gorgeous images we took at Fierté!
Going to Montréal and experiencing Pride/Fierté is quite the different experience compared to Toronto Pride – where I have been living and what I have been attending for the past 10 years. The city of Montréal itself seems to have a more calm, relaxed vibe, as opposed to Toronto’s non-stop busyness (which I also love). This made it easy and relaxing to explore and enjoy.
The easy accessibility to Montréal’s Old Port from the hotel where my partner and I stayed made this Pride experience that much more enjoyable. From finding a delicious espresso place to relax at every morning during our visit (shout out to ALOHA Espresso Bar!), to being able to walk and wander the cobblestone streets of historic old Montréal and take in the architecture, the abundance of culture, Canadian and other, certainly enhanced this experience.
In addition to our proximity to Old Montréal, the hotel we stayed at, the Fairfield by Marriott Montreal Downtown is located on Rue Berri between Rue Sainte-Catherine and Boul René-Lévesque. We were able to conveniently walk out of the hotel, turn a corner and quite quickly be in the Gay Village. If you wanted gay in your face, you had gay in your face. It was amazing.
Unlike Toronto’s Gay Village, Montréal’s is a pedestrian zone. This experience allows you to casually stroll down Rue Sainte-Catherine and take in everything gay – whether you want it in your mouth (e.g., the abundance of restaurants and bars), or in your bum (e.g., through the variety of bathhouses to choose from). We were also able to experience the BALL installation for the last time as it will be retired at the end of September/Summer 2019. This might seem unimportant, but the balls form a canopy down Rue Sainte-Catherine, acting, in my opinion, as an embrace of the sexualities, identities, queerness, and culture Montréal’s Gay Village offers. It is more than just aesthetic; it is an example of how powerful pride (in whatever aspect) can be experienced.
Now for the events and dancing: My partner and I did not attend any of the after-hours parties but, thanks to GGN, we received VIQ passes to experience the lineup of cultural events and dancing at Parc des Faubourgs. The centrality of events in this space was probably the most convenient aspect of being able to experience and participate in Fierté’s culture. From being able to see a variety of cultural performers right in front of our faces from the designated VIQ section near the front of the TD stage, to almost being able to touch Ciara, the VIQ passes/experience is worth it – not to mention a food buffet and generously flowing drinks (*glug glug*)! I would certainly like to experience this again and already have plans to purchase the VIQ pass next year.
The highlight of Fierté, regardless of holding a VIQ pass or not, is the Sunday Tea Dance at Parc des Faubourgs. Everyone is packed like sardines on the dance floor (ground, really) – and I mean everyone: gay, straight, trans, gender-nonconforming, non-binary, people with disabilities – all enjoying a free and accessible opportunity to share what is an enveloped space of queerness. It is just so different (compared to Toronto Pride), and feels much more inclusive.
I highly recommend the Fierté Montréal experience, VIQ or not. There is a lot to experience and take in during Pride in Montréal and I am quite fortunate to have had that opportunity. (Side note: If anyone wants to give me a job (English-speaking only), I would move to Montréal in a second. Let’s chat!)
À la prochaine, Montréal ?️? – CP Rawa
Slideshow from Montreal Pride, 2019
All images by Samantha Lauzon.
Samantha Lauzon is a social media personality and porn star. When she’s not teaching people how to cook on her YouTube channel she’s a tireless activist for change within the Trans community, giving a voice to Sex Workers and Non-Sex workers alike. She talks openly about addiction and mental health in the hope
You can find her family-friendly content by using @SamanthaLauzon across most major Social Media platforms including Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.
