In 2019, Pascal Lessard and his partner purchased a farm in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec, an area located south of Quebec City. Initially, they had concerns about the local community’s acceptance of their same-sex relationship, but Lessard has expressed satisfaction with their experience thus far. “We never had any problems when we arrived here. We didn’t hide, we didn’t try to hide who we were or that we lived together,” he stated. To their relief, the couple was welcomed warmly by the village, contradicting their fears of potential negativity.
This positive reception may be indicative of a broader movement in Quebec, where numerous pride festivities are emerging in rural areas. These events challenge the stereotype that rural communities are unwelcoming to those with diverse sexual and gender identities. Lessard and his partner are involved with Fierté agricole, an organization that has been promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in rural settings since 2012. With over 300 members, it provides essential services and activities to LGBTQ+ individuals in agricultural communities. Joé Desjardins, the organization’s president and a farmer himself, notes that homophobic or transphobic incidents are infrequent, suggesting that the farming community is generally supportive and inclusive.
Desjardins recognizes that many people may hesitate to come out or relocate to rural areas due to fear of judgment. “It’s not true that things are worse than in the city,” he assures. Instead, he emphasizes the crucial role of allies in rural communities, where there is less anonymity compared to urban settings. A supportive village, he believes, plays a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. Fierté agricole is actively engaged in educating rural residents about LGBTQ+ issues, participating in agricultural events, and visiting schools to foster understanding and acceptance in a traditionally conservative domain.
The importance of accepting allies is echoed by Camille Paradis, co-chair of Fierté Val-d’Or, which has been hosting a Pride festival in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region since 2019. Attendance at the festival has surged from around 600 to 2,300 over six years, with nearly half of participants being allies rather than members of the LGBTQ+ community. This strong turnout indicates a significant level of support for LGBTQ+ rights and normalization of sexual orientation issues, although gender identities remain less understood. Paradis emphasizes that the festival aims to combat the isolation experienced by older LGBTQ+ individuals, positioning the event as an essential support system within the community.
The presence of pride festivals in rural regions is not limited to Val-d’Or. For instance, Mont-Laurier, located about 190 kilometers northwest of Montreal, celebrated its second Pride festival this year. Maxime Belisle, the event’s founder, articulated that the festival’s objective is to offer personalized and accessible resources to the local population. Despite some hateful messages emerging online in reaction to the event, overall community support has been strong. Belisle remarked on the positive response from attendees during the first pride march in the region, indicating a collective willingness to elevate quality of life for all residents.
As rural pride festivals continue to flourish across Quebec, they highlight an essential shift in community attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Rather than existing in isolated environments, LGBTQ+ people in rural areas now have avenues for connection and support, facilitated by organizations like Fierté agricole and events such as those organized by Fierté Val-d’Or and Fierté Hautes-Laurentides. Through these efforts, rural communities are redefining what inclusivity looks like, moving towards an ethos of support and understanding that benefits everyone.
