Two Pride parades and a protest marked Montreal’s weekend, blending celebration of 2SLGBTQ+ rights with political tension and community unity.
Thousands Join Montreal’s Pride Celebrations
Montreal’s downtown streets came alive on Sunday, August 10, as two major Pride parades—Fierté Montréal and Wild Pride—drew thousands of participants. Both events showcased the diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community while highlighting its ongoing activism and resilience.
Two Parades, Two Visions
Fierté Montréal marched over two kilometres from Metcalfe Street to Atataken Street in the Village, beginning at 1 p.m. Wild Pride started an hour later at Place des Arts, moving toward Dorchester Square. While Fierté carried the theme “Blossom Here, Now!”, Wild Pride emphasized grassroots activism and independence from larger organizations.
Celebration Meets Activism
Fierté’s new board chair, Marlot Marleau, encouraged participants to wear bright colours as a symbol of love and freedom. Wild Pride co-organizer Shannon Thompson stressed that Pride should remain a platform for political expression, addressing both local and global issues impacting LGBTQIA+ communities.
Community Responds to Recent Disputes
This year’s events followed weeks of controversy over Fierté Montréal’s initial silence on the Israel–Gaza war, later replaced with a public condemnation of the violence. The organization briefly barred two Jewish 2SLGBTQ+ groups before reinstating them, leading to the resignation of board chair Bernard Truong.
Third March Ends in Confrontation
A separate anti-capitalist Rad Pride march on Saturday evening was halted by Montreal police shortly after it began. Organizers accused officers of using pepper spray and force, while police cited fireworks, property damage, and safety concerns. No arrests or injuries were reported.
A Weekend of Visibility and Dialogue
Nearly 50 years after Montreal’s first Pride celebrations, the city’s weekend events reflected both unity and division. For many, the parades were a reminder that Pride remains not only a celebration of identity but also a call for continued advocacy and understanding.
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