Hundreds of individuals took to the streets of downtown Montreal on Saturday, walking backwards to symbolize the decline of LGBTQ2S+ rights. The event, organized by the LGBTQ2S+ advocacy group, Pride Montreal, aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by the community.
Participants, dressed in rainbow colors, walked backwards for over a kilometer, starting from Place Émilie-Gamelin and ending at Place des Festivals. The route was chosen to represent the progress that has been made in terms of LGBTQ2S+ rights, but also the steps that still need to be taken.
According to Pride Montreal, the event was inspired by the recent rollback of LGBTQ2S+ rights in several countries, including Hungary and Poland. The group also highlighted the ongoing discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQ2S+ individuals in Canada and around the world.
“We wanted to send a strong message that the fight for LGBTQ2S+ rights is far from over,” said Eric Pineault, spokesperson for Pride Montreal. “We have come a long way, but there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure equality and acceptance for all members of the community.”
The event also served as a reminder of the importance of Pride Month, which is celebrated every June to honor the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and to recognize the ongoing struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
Many participants shared their personal stories and reasons for joining the event. Some spoke about the discrimination they have faced, while others expressed their support for friends and family members who identify as LGBTQ2S+.
“I am here to show my support for my son, who is gay,” said Marie-Claude Tremblay, a participant at the event. “I want him to know that he is loved and accepted, and that we will continue to fight for his rights.”
The event also featured speeches from community leaders and activists, who emphasized the importance of standing together and continuing the fight for equality.
As the event came to an end, participants gathered at Place des Festivals for a moment of silence to honor those who have lost their lives due to discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ2S+ community.
In a statement, Pride Montreal expressed their gratitude to all those who participated in the event and encouraged everyone to continue supporting and advocating for LGBTQ2S+ rights.
The walk backwards in downtown Montreal served as a powerful reminder that the fight for equality and acceptance is ongoing, and that it is up to all of us to create a more inclusive and accepting society for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
