The votes have been counted and Montreal has announced a winner in the “Queer of the Year” contest. Sean Horlor of Vancouver, British Columbia won the ultimate title after a week of fierce competition amongst four other competitors.

Throughout Montreal’s Pride festivities last week, the contestants showed the world how they can heat it up in the kitchen, behind the camera, on stage and through the streets of Montreal (keeping it clean, of course, during a fund-raiser carwash). All of the excitement was captured on film and posted at www.queeroftheyearcontest.com where viewers were able to keep up with the action and vote for their favorite contestants.

At the end of the competition, Sean Horlor was the finalist with the most public votes combined with the most points from the judges, winning the ultimate title of QUEER OF THE YEAR. After taking part in the parade on Sunday, August 15, which marked the end of Montreal’s Pride Week celebrations, Sean enjoyed the Montreal VIP treatment (a designer shopping spree with a personal stylist, spa pampering package and a Montreal gourmet dining experience).

And the winner is...
Sean Horlor - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – age 29
Although he placed second in many of the challenges, Sean’s charm made him a big hit with viewers and even cast mates who weren’t shy about flirting with him from day one! His calendar shots (taken during the “Sex Appeal” challenge) were as colorful as his impersonation of “Scary Spice” (as seen during the “Dream Academy Drag Makeover”).  Sean’s love for Montreal might make it difficult to return to Vancouver where he is a social columnist and co-host of the OUTtv original series “Don’t Quit Your Gay Job.”

Some highlights of Sean’s week in Montreal included visits to:
•    Parking Nightclub - http://www.parkingbar.com
•    Strom Spa - http://www.stromspa.com
•    Pica Pica - http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/Cuisine/Restaurants/pica-pica
•    Ateliers & Saveurs - a Montreal cooking school http://www.ateliersetsaveurs.com
•    Le Saloon - http://www.lesaloon.ca

There are many great reasons for Sean to come back, or for anyone to visit…
Bursting with exciting festivals and fun outdoor activities, Montreal is one of the world’s liveliest summer cities and a hotspot for gays and lesbians in all spheres of life. The city’s “Village” is at the heart of the action. Until Labor Day weekend the entire village (one of the biggest in the world - 15 city blocks along Montreal's main street, Ste-Catherine) becomes a fantastic pedestrian walkway with public art, patios and performances. But gay and lesbian life isn't just in the Village - it extends throughout the entire city. Arrival is easy and you’ll discover hotels at every price point along with tons of free activities to enjoy this summer.  

You say package, I say deal!
Tourism Montreal is offering great packages from summer through December, including the LGBT Package with hotel rates starting as low as $121 USD per night.  This package also includes special privileges, ranging from over a dozen discount coupons and fantastic freebies at Montreal’s must-visit hotspots!  Visit www.tourisme-montreal.org/Offers for a listing of participating hotels, terms, conditions and additional offers.

For more information, the latest Montreal LGBT news and to replay all of the Queer of the Year contest action…
•    Visit Tourism Montreal’s “Queer of the Year” website: www.queeroftheyearcontest.com
•    Become a fan of Montreal “Queer of the Year” on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QOTYcontest
•    Visit Tourism Montreal’s Gay Life blog:
www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/gay-life/
•    Follow Tourism Montreal on Twitter: www.twitter.com/montrealtravel