Quebec Gay Pride

by Bianka Roberge and Edgar Courouble

A week ago was held La Fête Arc-en-ciel de Québec or, as many others would call it, Gay Pride. Starting on the 31st of August and ending on the third of September, this artistic celebration of the LGBT pride took place in the middle of the city.

Each day of the event was animated with different activities, discoveries, and fun! More than 35 000 people came to enjoy the different animations the occasion had to offer, and it’s without counting all of those who participated in the kiosks, the games, and everything that made this event a success.

The Gay Pride is celebrated so as to let people express their support for the LGBT community and to allow everyone to learn about differences, and also how to react to them. Moreover, this event is a great place to gain more knowledge on the social rights of the LGBT, and is the perfect event to help out those still in need of discovering themselves.

On the second of September, starting at noon, numerous kiosks were opened on St-Jean street. People were allowed to roam the street and were encouraged to explore, have fun, and learn while doing so. From music and yoga sessions, to group makeup, conferences, and a rowdy game of bingo led by drag queens, all the visitors barely had the time to even think of leaving the celebrations.

Amongst the numerous kiosks were those in hopes of helping people understand better the differences between sexualities, gender affirmations, and even protections! There were also a few political parties who attended to confirm their support for the cause, and even Collège Ste-Foy and Université Laval were present!

Did you know that he Collège Ste-Foy is the first college in Quebec to have an official LGBT club?

All in all, the programmation of the festivities was full of occasions to learn and have a great time while doing so. Thanks to the Gay Pride, the barriers between the LGBT group and the rest of the population are getting thinner and thinner each and every time, and a solid hope for a future of equality and acceptance finally seems to be within reach.