Representatives from Montreal Pride have arrived in Kiev, Ukraine, this evening to attend Kiev Pride, to show support for Ukranian LGBT communities.
KIEV Pride runs till June 8 and Eric Pineault, president of Montréal Pride and Jean-Sébastien Boudreault, the Vice President will walk in the Pride march on June 6 as special guests of the organising committee.
Both will also take part in several discussions and committees about the advancement of human rights.
Anna Sharyhina, Director of Kiev Pride will visit Montreal from August 10-16 as a Grand Marshal of their festival.
Montréal Pride offers its support to Kiev Pride as a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian LGBT communities who live in very precarious social conditions.
As well as not being legally recognised, they are often the victim of violence and cannot count on being protected by the authorities.
Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko publicly refused to stand for the defense of LGBT rights last November after a smoke grenade was thrown in a theatre that was screening a LGBT film. IN the past the Pride march has been canceled several times due to the risks for the security of activists.
Éric Pineault, President of Montréal Pride, said: “Montréal Pride’s mission is to act as a beacon of hope for people around the world who continue to battle injustice. The Ukrainian LGBT communities are suffering inequality and we are happy to march with them as a sign of support. Our collaboration with Kiev Pride sends a positive message to Ukrainians while raising awareness in Montreal about the situation of the international LGBT communities.”
Montréal Pride is the largest LGBT gathering in the Francophone world. The organisation’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.
Montréal Pride attracts close to 400,000 local and international visitors during a week of cultural and community activities, including the Pride Parade and Community Day.
In 2015, the Montréal Pride festival will be held from August 10 to 16.
For more information about Montréal Pride, click here:
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