Montreal Pride shifts from acceptance to targeted exclusion
In a significant turn of events, Fierté Montréal, a widely publicly funded organisation in Quebec, has decided to reinstate the participation of a Jewish LGBTQ+ group (Ga’ava) in the Pride parade, following a controversy over the exclusion of Jewish and Iranian LGBT groups and allegations of anti-Semitism.
The initial exclusion of Ga’ava, the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ Jewish group in Canada, and the Centre consultatif des relations juives et israéliennes (CIJA) from the 2025 Fierté parade sparked a media storm. The decision was made based on comments made by Ga’ava's president about pro-Palestinian groups.
However, the controversy did not go unnoticed. Calls for government intervention came from various quarters, including federal and provincial governments, and the City of Montreal, all of which sponsor the 11-day festival. Despite these calls, there is no public indication that the funding from these governmental sponsors has been suspended as of early August 2025.
The reversal of the ban was announced around August 6, 2025. Signatories, including notable figures like Romain Gagnon, Mandana Javan, Gerald Batist, and many others, have called on elected officials to suspend the funding of Fierté Montréal until the organisation presents public apologies and reinstates both Ga’ava and the Iranian LGBT group IMRA in its activities.
The exclusion of these groups was judged to be anti-Semitism, given the historical persecution of Jews and the fact that these groups have not made any hateful statements, with their only stance being supporting Israel, a democratic state that protects, celebrates, and enshrines LGBTQ+ rights in law.
It is important to note that in the Gaza Strip, under Hamas control, Palestinian homosexuals are hunted, tortured, and executed, and no rainbow flag is tolerated. In contrast, the right of Jews to self-determination is considered a political heresy by some, leading to the exclusion of queer Jews from events that claim to be "inclusive."
Moreover, the term "Zionist" has been used by some as a barely veiled code for "Jew," and the media storm would be immediate if an artist boycotted an event due to the presence of Palestinians, Arabs, or Muslims associated with Islamic movements.
Despite these challenges, Fierté Montréal's festival continues, mobilizing over 300 organisations and backed by major sponsors, with reported revenues over $7 million annually. The festival is a celebration of diversity and inclusion, principles that are at the heart of the LGBTQ+ community.
Inclusion should not be a variable geometry. If Pride cannot include Jews, then it bears its name poorly. The fight for equality and acceptance must be universal, encompassing all marginalised communities, regardless of their religious or political beliefs.
As of early August 2025, Fierté Montréal's funding remains intact, despite the controversy. The organisation has yet to issue a public apology, but the reinstatement of Ga’ava's participation is a step in the right direction towards promoting true inclusivity and equality.
The controversy over the exclusion of Jewish and Iranian LGBT groups from the 2025 Fierté parade in Montreal was seen as a form of anti-Semitism, as these groups were excluded due to their support for Israel, a democratic state that protects, celebrates, and enshrines LGBTQ+ rights in law. The media storm sparked calls for government intervention, including from the federal and provincial governments, and the City of Montreal, all of which sponsor the festival.
The use of the term "Zionist" as a barely veiled code for "Jew," and the double standards in thecommunity's response to boycotts based on religious or political beliefs, highlights the need for universal equality and inclusion, encompassing all marginalized communities.
The reinstatement of Ga’ava's participation in the Fierté parade, while no public apology has been issued, is a step in promoting true inclusivity and equality, and a reminder that inclusion should not be a variable geometry; if Pride cannot include Jews, then it bears its name poorly.
