This story was created by Xtra's branded content team alongside FrancoQueer, separate from Xtra's editorial staff.
C’est magnifique!
FrancoQueer is commemorating 10 years of celebrating Ontario’s French-speaking LGBT community with 10 major events throughout Pride month. Franco Fierté, organized by FrancoQueer, is Toronto’s only francophone LGBT festival, and runs from June 9 to July 3, 2016.
While the festival’s main audience is the French-speaking LGBT community, the event welcomes thousands of people from across the gender, sexuality and language spectrums.
Here are some highlights to watch out for:
Cabaret night
Revival Bar, 783 College St
Sunday, June 12, 7pm
Tickets: $20–40
Come taste the wine, come hear the band! In collaboration with Theatre Novo, you’re invited to the cabaret Péché Mignon for a glamorous and colourful night in Toronto. Music, dance, theatre and circus await you, all in francophone atmosphere. As they say, life is a cabaret, old chum, come to the cabaret!
Ciné-Fierté
Magic Lantern Carlton Cinema, 20 Carlton St
Thursday, June 16, 9pm – Homogène
Thursday, June 30, 9pm – You and the Night <Les Rencontres D’après Minuit>
Tickets: $10
Amélie, Les Choristes, Intouchables — it’s no secret that the franco community has made major contributions to cinema. Celebrate francophone diversity in cinema in an intimate setting with two screenings at Toronto’s historic Carlton Cinema.
Screened in partnership with Queer West, Homogène is a documentary series that follows nine characters as they navigate bullying, stereotypes and the search for love in the Quebec LGBT community.
Described as unabashedly provocative, You and the Night joins a young couple and their maid as they prepare to host an orgy. Guests include the slut, the star, the stud and the teen — so your typical Thursday night during Pride Month. Screened in partnership with Ciné Franco.
Conference: Gender Identities & Me
Collège Boréal, 1 Yonge St
Thursday, June 23, 3–7pm
Reserve your free ticket on Eventbrite
Clinical psychologist Françoise Susset will join conference attendees to discuss the complexities surrounding gender identity and expression. The conference serves as an introduction into the lived experiences of trans people in the hope of better understanding the stakes involved and obstacles faced by trans individuals every day.
The conference is followed by a screening of I Am Trans. The francophone documentary series follows five transgender individuals and explores their confidences and emotions. Susset, along with two of the films protagonists, will be present for a post-screening discussion.
Migration: from one shore to another in search of identity
Spadina Theatre, 24 Spadina Rd
Friday, June 24, 8pm
Admission by donation (Suggested $10)
The French play by Ekin Agency is a satire of the immigration realities and cultural identity of refugees. Bringing together 10 actors and one musician, Migration calls on all Francophones, Francophiles and immigrants of all backgrounds to re-live situations in a hilarious take. This not-to-be-missed moment is guaranteed to make you squeal with laughter.
French Rendez-Vous:
Church-Wellesley Pride Stage
Sunday, July 3, 2pm
The bibliothèque is open! Drag artists Rainbow Drag and Nat King Pole host Toronto Pride’s francophone art and music event, taking centre stage during Pride’s street party. Colourful crowds will dance to the music of Art of Echo and the Trésor Otshudi choir. Don’t have any moves to show off? No problem. Also featured is the Royal Tribal belly dancing show where you’re bound to pick up a few moves.
A full schedule of Franco Fierté events is available online.
Franco Fierté
June 9–July 3, 2016
francofierte.ca
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