This content was created by Xtra’s branded content team alongside BMO, separate from Xtra’s editorial staff.
Pride came to life in full colour at Toronto’s FriGays, where music, self-expression, and community filled the room with energy and purpose. More than just a night out, the celebration brought people together to show up, be seen, and give back, with BMO’s Rainbow Deposits initiative turning moments of joy into meaningful support for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
FriGays is a massive monthly dance party that takes over the back room of The National at The Well in Toronto once a month. The event has been going on for 7 years, and it’s definitely the gay banger to be at for those in the know.
On June 12, BMO was the lead sponsor for the annual Pride-themed night, and Canadian pop singing sensation Rêve was the special guest, along with kweens Star Doll and Kingchella, with DJ Sophie Jones keeping the tunes flowing. Crowds started trickling in shortly after 10, with a full-on stream beginning around 11, and a near capacity crowd by midnight.
Star Doll played the dual role of host and entertainer for the evening, while Kingchella left the crowd aghast with her macabre performance. Anticipation was building for those in attendance waiting for Rêve to take the stage, while others hung out at the bar or the sidelines flaunting and socializing. The mostly 20-something crowd knew what they were there for, to party and have a good time.
While Pride is definitely about celebration and expression, this event had a dual purpose, with the BMO sponsored event raising awareness for the 5th year of their Rainbow Deposits program that directly supports Rainbow Railroad, helping to relocate at-risk LGBTQ+ individuals globally to a safer haven here in Canada. Simply snap a rainbow shot, upload it, and BMO donates $1.00 for each submission, up to $50,000 CAD annually. Since 2022, the program has raised upwards of $200,000!
Rêve fully endorses this initiative, noting, “It goes without saying that no one should ever have to face discrimination or violence simply for being who they are. Rainbow Railroad does life-changing work helping LGBTQ+ people who are in danger access safety and support, and as a Canadian organization, it’s something I’m especially proud to amplify as best as I can. Being able to raise awareness for this work in an environment like FriGays that celebrates and advocates for equality, love, and safety feels very meaningful to me.”
The Juno award-winning Montreal native, Rêve (meaning “dream” en Français), fully embraces her queer comrades, and takes any opportunity to support 2SLGBTQ+ initiatives. So, when the opportunity arose to perform at FriGays, she was all in. Her good friend Alex Dooley founded the event, so she was doubly excited to perform. “It’s definitely more of an intimate performance venue than a festival or theatre, but I think that’s part of what makes it so special. In settings like this, it’s a lot easier to connect with the people in the room and have their energy fuel your performance. When you’re riding the same wave as your audience, the most fun shows happen”, she shared.
Among all her hits, she performed her soon to be released lit track, Devour, written specifically for her drag community compatriots, offering a first tease from her forthcoming sophomore album, Delusions of Grandeur. Describing the inspiration behind the track, she explains, “In my opinion, drag is one of the most powerful art forms there is because it’s so limitless, expressive and fearless. I spent a lot of time going to watch my friends in the community perform, and seeing them dance in their power and truth every night is what inspired me.”
While her 20-minute backing track set with two backup dancers was in no way a full representation of what Rêve has to offer during her concert performances, it definitely brought joy and movement to the throngs that got to experience such an up-close and personal appearance. Her colourful Rainbow Dress also made it easy for audience members to snap rainbow photos and participate in the campaign to generate donations to Rainbow Railroad.
For fans wanting a more full-on concert performance, there’s lots coming up. She divulged, “I’m spending the summer playing shows in the festival circuit and putting the final touches on my sophomore album, Delusions of Grandeur, which I’m planning to release next year. It’s the project I’ve poured the most of myself into so far, and I’m really excited for people to step into its world. In the meantime, if you’d like to come dance with me this summer.”
All dates are listed on Bandsintown or through her socials – IG, Tiktok and X, @revemtl. Be sure to check out her videos on YouTube as well. Also, for those in Montreal, Rêve will be performing at FRIGAYs once again during Montreal Pride/Fierté Montréal on July 31st at Le Belmont.
Be sure to keep uploading your rainbow photos all summer long at BMORainbowDeposits.com
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