Gay pride Montpellier : 20 years of struggle and visibility

May 14 2015

by misterb&b

The Lesbian & Gay Pride of Montpellier, one of the most gay-friendly cities in France, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The motto of this 21st edition, which will start on July 11 at 6 pm from the Jardins du Peyrou, is: "I walk for those who can't."

The arrival of the procession of numerous associative and commercial floats is planned for the Place Faulquier from where the participants will be able to go directly to the unique closing party "Explosive Pride - Night of Diversity" which will take place at the Park & Suites Arena. Last year, Montpellier's gay pride event brought together nearly 20,000 people.

The sponsors of the 2015 edition of the Montpellier gay pride are Jean-Luc Roméro, president of Elus Locaux Contre le SIDA and Brett Hayhoe, president of Interpride World (an international association that brings together gay pride events around the world). The honorary sponsor is Hélène Mandroux, honorary mayor of Montpellier.

As guests, Princess Erika will sing her new single "Ma vie sans Sida" on the Place de la Comédie. Also present will be Cyrille Eldin (Supplément Canal and Petit Journal) and Jean-Christophe Vitale, mayor of Tignes, who organized this winter during the European Snow Pride its very first gay pride.

According to the organizers, this edition's instructions "call for the mobilization of those who can or dare to show their attachment to the values defended by the LGP: against homophobia, transphobia, all forms of discrimination, and for equal rights. (...) some people still do not have the opportunity to feel free to go out in the street and join our LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi and tans) Diversity March, because of family, ideological or social pressures that impede their freedom, because of their sexual orientation. It is for them that all those who come to the Lesbian & Gay Diversity March will march. For the respect and recognition of all diversities! Let us not forget the people around the world who suffer serious attacks on their freedom because of obscurantist, authoritarian and fanatical political regimes. Some countries still apply very repressive legislation towards LGBT people, which goes as far as the death penalty for many of them. It is also for these people, prevented from living their lives in the open, that we will march, showing them our solidarity and our unconditional support. "

This gay pride of Montpellier 2015 also has an important festive and convivial component with an exceptional closing night called "Explosive Pride - Night of Diversity" at the Park & Suites Arena, with 9,000 people expected for what will be the largest dancefloor in Europewith music, dance, artistic shows, bars, fast food, associative village, surprises... As a nice gesture of solidarity, the LGBT and friendly establishments (Coxx, Cubix, Heaven, Marvelous bar, UP) will be exceptionally closed on July 11 in support of this event and will wait for their public behind their bar at the Park & Suites ARENA. The funds collected (presales 25 euros) will be used to finance the activities and actions of the association Lesbian & Gay Pride of Montpellier.

Dedicated website: montpelliergay.com
Smartphone application: GAY PRIDE MONTPELLIER (available on Apple Store and Google Store)

And if you plan to attend this great LGBT festival in Languedoc Roussillon, book your gay rental on misterbnb.com!