Montréal, July 29, 2007 — Today’s Montréal Gay Pride Parade welcomed more than 50,000 spectators on René-Lévesque Boulevard East. More than 1,500 participants took part in the parade, organized by Célébrations LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and All friends). Among them, 66 contingents, representing community groups, sports teams and local businesses. This year marked, among other news, the long-awaited return of the Montréal Village bars and clubs, who helped add colour to an already great show. An artistic director and the theme of “The Power of the Four Elements” were also new to the line-up. Following the event, spectators and participants gathered along Sainte-Catherine St. East, closed to traffic for the occasion, to dance and watch performances by Chantal Chamandy, the Radical Queens and DJ Gilles Jr.
“Participation exceeded all of our expectations. We are proud of the work achieved by our team of employees and volunteers, as well as the support of our numerous partners, who did not hesitate to associate with the event. The parade is an important event for the community, as it symbolizes our advancements in human rights, and our continued work for social acceptance. Today, the basic human rights of LGBT people are being denied in so many countries around the globe,” explains Mr. Éric Pineault, President of Célébrations LGBTA, an organization formed 8 weeks ago to hold the event. “We are proud to set an example of how vibrant life can be out of the closet.”
Célébrations LGBTA Awards
For the first time in Montréal Pride history, prizes were awarded to the most exciting contingents in various categories.
Awards were handed out to the following winners:
The jury also awarded a Special Jury Prize to “À pieds levés”, a local aerobics team, for “Best First-Time Participation in the Parade”.
Community Day
Saturday’s Community Day had a 25 % increase in participation from previous years. More than 25,000 people came to the Montréal Village Saturday afternoon, as part of the Celebrations. 90 community groups and enterprises were exposing on Ste-Catherine St. E. Merchants, bars, and restaurants of the Village had put terraces for the occasion.
“The events, including the Parade and the Community Day, are now part of the summer calendar of Montrealers, as much as any other celebration or festival. The planning for next year is well under way and we have already received major support. These events are just one more indication of how proud and thriving our community is” concluded Mr. Pineault.
Celebrations LGBTA is proud to count on the support of its major partners : Borough of Ville-Marie, City of Montréal, Société de Développement Commercial du Village, BBCM, Belle Gueule, Liquid Nutrition, Fugues, Être magazine, and CKOI.
Founded in May 2007, Célébrations LGBTA Montréal is a community-driven, not-for-profit organization that has a mission to produce Montréal’s LGBTA Community Day and Parade. LGBTA is an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & All friends. To date, Célébrations LGBTA Montréal, has received the support of L’Arrondissement Ville-Marie, La Société de Développement Commercial du Village and over 50 local LGBTA community groups. As a chartered group, Célébrations LGBTA Montréal is overseen by a Board of Directors, consisting of members of the business community, local community associations as well as representatives from the event-planning and tourism markets.
— 30 —
For information:
Éric Pineault, Président
Célébrations LGBTA Montréal
epineault@fiertemontrealpride.com
514 750-4492
