Montreal is a city of safety and community for LGBTQ+ people, and that’s a reputation we’re proud of. But capitalism—with its ugly, overbearing tendency to co-opt struggles—is never far away.
Montreal’s response to certain aspects of Pride events (and the presence of corporations profiting from systems of domination that are incompatible with LGBTQ+ struggles) is to organize a WILD PRIDE—an Indomitable Pride. No “pinkwashing,” no banks. It’s a community festival, incredibly welcoming, that celebrates the miracles and struggles of LGBTQ+ communities.
And our schedule (of a few selected events) for WILD PRIDE…
July 31: OPENING CEREMONY
To kick off WILD PRIDE, we’ll start with the opening ceremony —featuring booths, speeches, and a first chance to come together. Plus, for once this summer, the weather will be beautiful!
The opening ceremony will be followed by a party at L’Idéal bar (151 Ontario Street East) starting at 8 p.m.
August 1: RAWR
On Saturday afternoon, we’re heading to a rave and performances by queer artists exploring the themes of the body, queerness, and indomitability.
August 4: PARIS IS BURNING
$10 for BIPOC people
A screening of the cult classic PARIS IS BURNING, featuring Montreal Ballroom figures in a Q&A at 8 p.m.
August 4–6: UNTAMED EDUCATION
Over three days, there will be workshops, discussions, queer stories, archives, art, and activism… The full program is here;
August 7: SELF-DEFENSE AND MUAY THAI
Because self-defense is also a form of empowerment—and it feels good to punch a punching bag.
August 9: INDOMITABLE PRIDE MARCH
August 11: THE WALL OF POSSIBILITIES
A community-driven, artistic creation and a spontaneous exhibition for all queer and LGBTQ+ artists (amateur or professional).
August 11: Launch of the zine ÇA TE DIT?
Launch of a zine created by queer youth, for queer youth—presented by Les 3 sex* and the Community-Based Research Center (CBRC).
August 14: CLOSING CEREMONY
VOLUNTARY DONATION
For the WILD PRIDE closing ceremony, there will be speeches, activities, music, a Bollywood dance class, and a big (alcohol-free) party—and the event will also raise funds for Gaza, Venezuela, and the Congo.
