Pro-Palestinian protesters who interrupted the Montreal Pride parade are demanding the resignation of the organization’s executive director, Simon Gamache.
More than a week after the festivities, Helem Montréal, Mubaadarat and Voix Juives Indépendantes Montréal (VJI) criticized Fierté Montréal for failing to ensure their safety, despite “promises” made by the organizers. They allege that “more than 10 racist and Islamophobic incidents” occurred during the community day, the day before the parade.
Along with the Anti-Genocidary and Solidarity Faction (FAGS), the three organizations are demanding a public apology from Fierté Montréal, and the withdrawal of statements by the organization’s general director, Simon Gamache, who claimed that the interruption of the march caused by the FAGS had ended after having “negotiated with the demonstrators” […] in a peaceful manner.”
The protesters instead claim to have left the scene because they felt “increasingly in danger” in the face of a “police presence”. […] intensified”.
Helem Montréal, Mubaadarat, VJI and FAGS also deplore the fact that “groups and sponsors” that they call “Zionists” were able to march while waving Israeli flags. For several weeks, the activists have been asking Fierté Montréal to cut its ties with one of its sponsors, TD Bank, which is on the “list of shame” of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement.
“The concerns of Fierté Montréal have only been to protect its image and its sponsorships, and not […] to amplify the voices of 2slgbtqia+ communities.”
Contacted by The DutyFierté Montréal did not wish to respond.
Not against queers
Speaking to the media on Tuesday morning, the four pro-Palestinian organizations clarified their motives, denying that they had interrupted the festivities for homophobic reasons.
“We are not calling for a boycott of the Pride parade. We have no problem with people of color who are gay, […] with HIV victims who are homosexual and who want to participate in the parade. Our problem is with the complicity of Fierté Montréal in the genocide in Palestine.”
The FAGS explains that it chose to block only part of the procession. “We let several community groups pass. […] The tanks we blocked for an hour were mostly those of companies that do pinkwashing (diversity of facade).”
And when Helem Montreal, Mubaadarat and VJI interrupted the minute of silence dedicated in particular to the victims of AIDS, homophobia and transphobia, it was to point out that in Palestine, “due to the destruction of the health system”, the population “does not have access to HIV treatment”, they say.
According to representatives of pro-Palestinian groups, all those who took part in the protests last Sunday “were members of the queer community.” “Pride is supposed to be a celebration for all queer and LGBT people. […] We took our place, as we deserve, and we made that clear.”