May 17, 2011
Montreal Searches for "Queer of the Year"
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Montreal, Quebec (May, 2011) - What's more exciting than a double rainbow? In celebration of the diversity, individuality and pride within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, Montreal is launching its second annual global campaign in search of the "Queer of the Year!" Participants from around the world can enter to boast this illustrious title and compete to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes!
How can you enter and prove you are the fiercest queer of all? Whether you're a do-gooder, a diva, the average guy next door, a girl just out of the closet or anywhere in between, from now through May 30, Montreal wants you to visit http://www.facebook.com/QOTYcontest and show the world that you have what it takes!
Participants are required to submit applications explaining why they should be the rightful owner of the crown. People will be judged on the following five criteria: personality, community involvement, sex appeal, healthy lifestyle and yes, even talent! Finalists will be chosen by Tourism Montreal representatives to be interviewed and answer open-ended-questions (move over Miss TransAmerica!).
The top five finalists will be selected to visit Montreal for an expenses-paid week during Montreal Pride (August 7-15), where they'll explore a city that is very welcoming for the LGBT community and compete in a variety of challenges and activities. Ready to strut, smile and show what they've got, the finalists will be in the company of a film crew capturing all of the excitement. Website viewers will then be able to keep up with the action and vote for their favorite contestants. At each day's challenge, judges will attribute points based on specific criteria. The competition will be strong, so participants should rally Facebook friends, Twitter followers and family to vote for them.
At the end of Pride Week (August 15), the finalist with the most public votes, combined with most points from the judges, will win the ultimate title of "Queer of the Year," a chance to take part in the Pride parade, $5,000 and a Montr�al getaway! The four other finalists will also receive $1,000.
For more information, prize info, rules or the latest Montreal LGBT news...
� Visit Tourism Montreal "Queer of the Year" Facebook page and become a fan: http://www.facebook.com/QOTYcontest
� Visit Tourism Montreal's website: www.tourism-montreal.org/gay
� Visit Tourism Montreal's Gay Life blog:
www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/gay-life/
� Follow Tourism Montreal on Twitter: www.twitter.com/QOTYcontest
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
