 |
| Fierté Montréal's candlelight vigil in front of the Russian Consulate in Montreal on August 13 (Photo by Lyle Stewart) |
Despite rain, over 1,000 people showed up for Montreal Gay Pride organization Fierté Montréal's “peaceful candlelight vigil” in front of the Russian Consulate in Montreal on August 13. Watch the video below.
“Our gesture is to specifically denounce the law on ‘gay propaganda’ that went into effect on June 30,” Fierté Montréal communications director Lynn Habel told the Montreal Gazette's POP TART on the eve of the demo. “We want this demonstration to be peaceful and ask everyone to be respectful of the private property in the neighbourhood.”
The crowd was mindful of where they were, the demo was well-organized and lasted an hour. Featured speakers included Rainbow flag creator Gilbert Baker (read my interview with him in Xtra) and two activists spoke in Russian so that everybody back in Russia could understand what was said.
Montreal multi-media artist Jean-Pierre Perusse of Radical 5 filmed a six-minute video of the vigil, and the clip also features the crowd singing John Lennon's Imagine.
"Tonight I am proud to be a Montrealer," Perusse says at the end of the video.
I'll say one thing: The Montreal cops were also amazing at the vigil.
Too bad we can't say the same about the cops in Moscow.
Watch the video below and check out tons of photos from the vigil on the protest’s Facebook event page. Click here for more photos.
Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.