Montreal Pride Celebrates 10th Edition

The largest LGBT gathering in the Francophone world, this year's Montr�al Pride -- presented by TD -- will take place at Place �milie-Gamelin from Monday, August 8, to Sunday, August 14. In honour of its milestone 10th edition, Montr�al Pride intends to treat festivalgoers to the most colourful and lively celebrations yet!

Designed around the usual three key components: community activities, cultural events and festivities -- this year's programming will also include many new partnerships with several community organizations. The number of activities presented in collaboration with LGBT groups and organizations will in fact, be three times greater than in previous years.

Montr�al Pride will once again present its three flagship events: Community Day -- along Sainte-Catherine Street East in the Village -- on Saturday, August 13; the emblematic Pride Parade, presented by Viagra, starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 14; and the iconic T-Dance, at Place �milie-Gamelin, also as of 1 p.m.

For the fourth consecutive year, creative direction for the Pride Parade will be inspired by the rainbow flag. This year will be draped in green: a representation of the environment and the rich, diverse nature of LGBT individuals. Following the "Our Flag, Our Nature" theme, Montr�al Pride invites all participants registered in the Parade to let their imaginations run wild and display their own unique interpretations of the colour as they make their way along the 2.4 km Parade route on Ren�-L�vesque Boulevard, from Rue Guy to Rue Sanguinet.

In addition to the festival's more than 125 events, Montr�al Pride will present a plethora of new activities on the occasion of its 10th edition. Among the many events that are sure to please festivalgoers, are a big comedy show, a second space for the Caf� des arts as well as an international drag queen show.

Malreen M�nard will present a brand new production featuring the best local and foreign female voices, including Eva Avila, Elizabeth Blouin-Brathwaite and Sandy Duperval, who literally hypnotized the crowd at last year's T-Dance. Youth will also play an important role in the 10th celebrations. Among other events spotlighting younger members of the LGBT communities, the team from l'Ast�rix will take to the TD Music Stage on Friday August 12, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In addition to putting together a grand 10th edition for 2016, the Montr�al Pride team is hard at work planning Canada Pride Montr�al 2017, the first ever pan-Canadian Pride event as part of the festivities for Montr�al's 375th anniversary. These two upcoming editions will contribute to solidifying Montr�al Pride's status as the most important LGBT gathering in the Francophone world and leader in the defense of LGBT rights. The celebrations for 2016 and 2017 will therefore mark two important years for the LGBT movement and visitors from all over the world as they cement Montr�al's reputation as must-visit LGBT tourism destination.

Founded in 2007 at the initiative of Montr�al's LGBT communities, Montr�al Pride is now the largest LGBT gathering in the Francophone world and will celebrate its 10th edition in 2016. A multifaceted cultural festival, Montr�al Pride offers more than 125 activities that include something for everyone over the course of seven days.

Active all year long, 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, Montr�al Pride attracts close to 500,000 local and international visitors. In 2016, the Montr�al Pride festival will take place from August 8 to 14.

For more information, visit www.fiertemontrealpride.com