Representatives of Montreal Pride will arrive in Kiev, Ukraine, today to attend Kyiv Pride, which is being held until June 8th. Montréal Pride president Eric Pineault and Vice President Jean-Sébastien Boudreault will walk in the Pride march on June 6th as Special Guests of the organizing committee. They will also take part in several discussions and committees about the advancement of human rights. Anna Sharyhina, Director of Kyiv Pride will also be welcomed in Montreal from 10th to 16th of August as a Grand Marshal of our festival.

Montréal Pride offers its support to Kyiv Pride as a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian LGBT communities who live in very precarious social conditions. On top of not being legally recognized, they are often the victim of violence and cannot count on the help of the authorities. Indeed, Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko publicly refused to stand for the defense of LGBT rights last November after a smoke grenade was thrown in a theatre that was screening a LGBT film. Moreover, the Pride march has been canceled several times in the past due to the risks for the security of activists.

“Montréal Pride’s mission is to act as a beacon of hope for people around the world who continue to battle injustice. The Ukrainian LGBT communities are suffering inequality and we are happy to march with them as a sign of support. Our collaboration with Kyiv Pride sends a positive message to Ukrainians while raising awareness in Montreal about the situation of the international LGBT communities”, explained Éric Pineault, President of Montréal Pride.

Thank you to our partners
Montréal Pride is honoured to count on the invaluable support of its partners, participants and volunteers, without whom the festival would not be possible each year: TD Bank Group, Official Presenter of Montréal Pride; Viagra, the Official Presenter of the Pride Parade; the Gouvernment du Québec; the City of Montréal; Tourisme Montréal, and Fugues magazine.

About Montréal Pride
Founded in 2007 as an initiative of Montréal’s LGBT communities, Montréal Pride is now the largest LGBT gathering in the Francophone world. The organization’s primary mission is to support and promote local LGBT communities while serving as a beacon of hope for people around the world who continue to battle injustice. Each year, Montréal Pride attracts close to 400,000 local and international visitors during a week of cultural and Community activities, including the Pride Parade and Community Day. In 2015, the Montréal Pride festival will be held from August 10 to 16. More information about Montréal Pride is available on the Montréal Pride website. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@fierteMTLpride).