When politics bursts into the Acadie Love festival

With the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in the country and the debate over policy 713 in New Brunswick, the Acadie Love sexual diversity festival has become, by force of circumstances, an event that is as much political as it is cultural, believes its president Kevin J. Haché.

Every pride becomes a political event. Putting minority rights back on the forefront is political because it requires change and education. The division is a reminder of the importance of holding this event.

The 8th Acadie Love Festival will take place from July 11 to 14 in Caraquet. The theme of the meeting is Toastsa choice designed for greater inclusion.

We wanted our festival to be for everyone. We wanted to set a theme, make it known, get it talked about. For people to take ownership of it and feel safe in Caraquet, a welcoming community ready to celebrate. says Kevin J. Haché.

A well-established and safe festival

With its eighth presentation, Acadie Love is now well established as a festival. We are far from this first attempt a little chillyaccording to its president.

People are waiting for it, people in the community are proud of it, our allies are proud of it, families are proud of it. he says.

Questioned as part of the show The morningKevin J. Haché highlighted the topic of security. Because, according to him, there are still tensions in the social acceptance of the 2ELBGTQIA+ community and there are still people who have preconceived ideas. Even if he thinks that Caraquet wants to be a community open to the cause.

Acadie Love’s mandate is to educate. It’s not just saying that we’re beautiful, that we’re fine and that we want to be accepted. We want people to understand us and that’s why we have to educate the population. Understand us, understand our vocabulary, understand our reality. We want to guide the population. the president said.

Changes to the programming

There have been some changes to the lineup this year, particularly around the drag queen performance.

Rather than organizing a large gathering, they will walk around various restaurants in the city on Sunday morning, July 14, to offer small shows.

The drag show has always caused a bit of trouble. Acadie Love decided to bring drag to the people rather than bring people to drag reported Kevin J. Haché.

In another sign that acceptance is still not complete, organizers will place a notice at the entrance of restaurants to warn people in case they do not want to enter due to the presence of drag queens.

A queer space will also be created. It will be a place where people can sit and meet, have coffee, a safe place, with books.

All pride needs openness and acceptance. As the president of Acadie Love and a gay person, I see the parents and children present and I see the difference when the children feel good and safe. Acadie Love is not for people who have accepted, it is for people who are afraid to come out the president wishes.

With information from Réal Fradette and La matinale