Montréal Pride survival guide
Hundreds of thousands of revellers are expected to attend Montréal Pride, the largest LGBT gathering in the Francophone world, from August 10-16.
Over 80 events will be held during the festival, including Montréal Pride’s three flagship events: Community Day on Aug. 15, along Sainte-Catherine Street East in the Village; the ever-popular Pride Parade on Aug. 16 at 1 pm; and the iconic Mega T-Dance at Place Émilie-Gamelin on Aug. 16 beginning at noon.
Here is a guide to survive Pride in Montréal:
Remember why we are here – The first Gay Pride parade was held in 1970 to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of 1969. This year Montréal Pride honours the 25th anniversary of Sex Garage, a milestone event in Montréal history: In July 1990 police violently raided the LGBT Sex Garage loft party in old Montréal, politicizing a generation of activists who would go on to improve gay life in Montréal and Québec. Montréal Pride can also trace its origins directly to Sex Garage.
Check out the free outdoor Sex Garage photo exhibition being presented at Place Émilie-Gamelin from Aug. 12-16.
LGBT community relations with police have greatly improved since Sex Garage. At Pride, be positive and courteous, and respectful of the Montréal police department’s directions.
Six nights of free outdoor shows – Highlights include the much-buzzed about Et Si L’Amour revue on Aug. 13 starring – among others – Québec singers Johanne Blouin and Gardy Fury, drag star Billy L’Amour and 1980s Canadian pop icon Luba; famed American transgender actress Candis Cayne will co-host the Never Apart: Village Paradise concert on Aug. 14 with Montréal nightlife legend Plastik Patrik, with guests (among others) queer rapper Cazwell, trans icon Amanda Lepore and the Queen of House Barbara Tucker; and Montréal drag legend Michel Dorion will host the star-studded Illusion drag extravaganza on Aug. 15. All free outdoor shows are presented at Place Émilie-Gamelin.
Pride is about more than just parties – This year’s festival features several LGBT conferences; cultural activities like film screenings, museum outings and theatre; plus a full program for women and trans people.
Montréal Pride is children-friendly – Got kids? Bring them to Kids Day Thursday on Aug. 13. Full day of fun activities for children aged 3 to 12. Free snacks and refreshments also provided.
Sun tan lotion or sun block – This will stop you from burning and protect against potential UV damage when the sun comes out at Pride.
Mobile / smart phone – Essential to keep in contact with friends, partners or significant others. In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, an ambulance or fire and rescue services. An emergency phone charger is also a good idea. Don’t forget to tag your tweets and photos with #mtlmoments and #fiertemtl!
A 24-hour supply of any medication you take – Your transport home might be delayed or you might not get home at all (ahem). Bring a 24-hour supply of any medication you take so that you don’t miss a dose.
Emergency money – It’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected.
Condoms and lube – You may meet someone and hook up. Whether or not you’re planning to hook up, brings condoms and lube so you don’t have to worry about the unprotected sex the morning after.
Painkillers – There’s nothing worse than pain or a hangover to put a damper on Pride. Have some painkillers handy.
Pick a good spot to watch the parade – The August 16 parade runs east along René-Lévesque Boulevard from Guy to Sanguinet streets. The crowds lining the parade route are thinner at the beginning of the parade and get extremely crowded near the end. Pick a good spot – such as around Bleury Street where spectators can watch from the grassy hill at the SNC Lavalin park – and go early.
Other parade tips: Wear comfortable shoes because you will be standing on concrete for a long time. Bring water, sunblock, sunglasses and hats. Parking in downtown Montréal – especially during the parade – is tough. Use public transportation.
Moment of Silence at 2:45 pm: Do not forget the minute of silence at 2:45 p.m. to remember and honour those we have lost to AIDS.
Make plans to party somewhere post-parade: After several hours at the parade and post-parade Mega T-Dance at Place Émilie-Gamelin, you will probably be in the mood to keep the party going. Click here for official and associated Montréal Pride events.
Montréal Pride runs Aug. 10-16. Surf to www.fierteMontréalpride.com.
Looking for things to do when you’re in town for Montréal Pride? Montréal Drag Queens tell you where to go.
Article source: http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/montreal-pride-survival-guide/
