Montreal Pride now condemns the Gaza genocide after criticism and artist withdrawal, sparking new debate over group inclusions and festival values.
Montreal Pride Issues Stronger Stance on Gaza Conflict
After months of mounting criticism, Fierté Montréal—the organization behind Montreal’s Pride Festival—has publicly condemned what it calls the “ongoing genocide in Gaza,” marking a dramatic shift in its previously neutral position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a statement released Wednesday, Fierté Montréal expressed solidarity with Palestinians and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in the region, saying it “calls for the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Palestine, and everywhere in the world, to be respected and protected.” The group also announced it will bar participation from organizations found spreading what it described as “hateful discourse.”
Artist Withdrawal Sparks Urgent Response
Fierté Montréal’s declaration came just hours after Quebec artist Safia Nolin publicly announced her withdrawal from a Sunday festival concert. On Instagram, Nolin cited the inclusion of Gaa’va, a Jewish LGBTQ+ group, calling it “Zionist” and expressing outrage over an Israeli flag seen in last year’s parade.
Her statement escalated existing tensions, pushing the organization to formally address its position—a move that critics say should have happened long ago.
Jewish LGBTQ+ Group Excluded Over “Hateful Discourse”
Shortly after Nolin’s post, Gaa’va revealed it had been notified of its exclusion from the Pride parade. The group, along with its partner organization, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said they were “deeply shocked” by the decision.
Gaa’va disputed the characterization of its members’ comments as hate speech, arguing that describing some as “pro-terror” or “pro-Hamas” may offend but does not constitute hateful rhetoric under reasonable standards. The group accused Fierté Montréal of silencing LGBTQ+ Jewish voices in an attempt to placate critics.
Political Shift Follows Year of Protest and Pressure
Fierté Montréal had previously defended its non-political stance. In February 2025, executive director Simon Gamache stated the organization “does not take political positions at the international level.” However, this approach failed to satisfy advocacy groups, some of which severed ties with the festival over its perceived silence on Gaza.
Last year, protesters chanting “Free Palestine” interrupted the parade. This year, multiple grassroots LGBTQ+ organizations accused Fierté of ignoring the lived experiences of queer Palestinians and their allies.
Critics Say Statement Comes Too Late, Lacks Accountability
Although the new statement marks a policy shift, activists say it’s inadequate. Zev Saltiel of Independent Jewish Voices Montreal called the language “fairly weak,” noting the lack of follow-through or public accountability. Others, including Yara Coussa of Helem Montréal, said the statement gives a misleading impression of longstanding support for Palestinian rights.
“If I were to read the statement out of the blue, I’d be like, ‘Oh wow, they were always pro-Palestine,’” Coussa said. “But they don’t take accountability for their silence.”
Festival Leadership Silent on Specific Exclusions
Despite the statement’s implications, Fierté Montréal has not confirmed which organizations will be excluded. A spokesperson told that the festival does not bar individuals based on religion or ethnicity, only on conduct “in violation of our complaints management policy.”
“All 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals adhering to the values of benevolence and inclusion are welcome at the Montreal Pride festival,” said Oswaldo Gutierrez Bayardi in an email.
Executive Director Simon Gamache is currently on indefinite sick leave, according to an automated email reply.
