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Glenn-Crawford

Glenn Crawford was the instigator of the Build Our Bank and LGBT Village initiatives in the famously reserved capital since starting the volunteer-run project in 2007. While he has recently stepped down as president of The Village, making room for new ideas from successor Ian Capstick, Crawford has left an indelible mark on a town where there wasn’t a lot of consensus about creating a gay village.

Born out of town hall meetings about the reconstruction of Bank Street, the idea of designating the stretch between Wellington and Gladstone as The Village was about “trying to get a sense of belonging and place, where people feel they can be themselves, have access to services, fool around and shop,” Crawford says. “Gradually a lot of LGBTQ organizations have coalesced into this area… Forming The Village was a natural progression.” When he started fundraising and participating in public advisory committees five years ago, Crawford came up against both the veiled homophobia of a local business improvement association, as well as criticism from the LGBT community that the project was coming 10-20 years too late.

“People were asking Why do we want to create a ghetto? A lot of that criticism comes from people who are out [of the closet],” Glenn says with his typical incisiveness, “from people who have the relationship, two dogs and friend circle. I don’t need a Village either! It’s for people who are struggling in suburban or rural areas; it can be for everyone.” And as a child of the sleepy, inaccessible suburb of Kanata – “not an easy place to grow up gay” – Crawford speaks from experience. Like most LGBT people in any Village in any major city anywhere, the urban geographic bubble exists as much for townies as it does for people who have moved there to escape the stifling places they come from.

And lest you think that Crawford’s project was for commercial reasons alone, it may seem counterintuitive that he’s not a shop-keeper himself, but rather a website and graphic designer who lives just off Bank and works part time in a local gallery. “There’s a social aspect to it. Taking pride in who you are and finding a sense of value in there being a community,” which for him includes keeping the subsidized housing in the area, and watching out for condo development that could “force out the funkier elements.”

“It’s [about] putting roots down; people say it’s 20 years too late, but for me it’s just in time,” Glenn concludes. Echoing a theme that has emerged in everything from architecture to sociology, he adds that “The online world is not the same as having a real community. I worry about that, about younger generations, they’re not valuing the sense of community.”

So maybe when you walk by the “We Demand” mural that The Village commissioned on Gladstone and Bank Streets, you might get a sense of what that community looks like and is for, and clap your fairy hands for Glenn Crawford. Photo by Noreen Fagan

The Massimadi Festival, special edition, celebrates Black History Month from February 15 to 18, 2024, at the McCord Museum Stewart with the theme of Transcendence. This cinematic celebration presents a variety of films, including the opening documentary, Disruptor Conductor (2019), offering a captivating insight into the life of Afro-Canadian conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser. Among the noteworthy artworks, Who I am Not (2023) by Tunde Skovran emotionally explores the intersex experience, while All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White (2023) by Babatunde Apalolo addresses the challenges of LGBTQ+ relationships in a society where homosexuality remains taboo. RAIZES (2023) by Céline RUFFIN-BAYARDIN delves into the universe of the lesbian-trans-activist batucada Raízes Arrechas in Paris. Each screening will be followed by discussion circles or Q&A sessions, allowing direct exchanges between the audience and the artists. On February 17, seize the unique opportunity to witness the first performance of Afro-Canadian conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser in Montreal, in collaboration with the Obiora Ensemble. This special edition promises a transcendent experience, celebrating the diversity and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ communities.

 Today Capital Pride announced its inaugural Ice Parade, taking place during Winterlude as part of a winter celebration of Pride. The Ice Parade, Canada’s first-ever Pride parade on ice, kicks-off at 4 p.m. on the Rideau Canal Skateway at the Concord Rest Area on Sunday, February 11, 2024, ending at the Fifth Avenue Rest Area in The Glebe.
The ice-parade will feature music and a DJ set, local drag performers on skates, and Capital Pride’s 30-foot Progress Pride Flag carried by players from Ottawa Pride Hockey. Festival-goes, community members and allies are invited to meet at the start of the parade, at the Concord Rest Area on the Rideau Canal, in skates or on foot, or join in along the route.
“Capital Pride is committed to advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as creating opportunities to celebrate our diversity. We’re lucky to be able to celebrate that diversity on the world’s longest skating rink!” says Callie Metler, Capital Pride Executive Director.
“Winterlude is no ordinary winter event; it’s an opportunity to celebrate Canada’s rich culture and diversity in so many different ways. Whether you’re a fan of the outdoors, shows, exhibitions or cultural discoveries, Winterlude features indoor and outdoor activities that offer something for everyone. Come join the celebration at the 46th Winterlude from February 2 to 19!” says Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
Winter Pride activities take place February 5-11, including outdoor drag shows on Sparks Street, drag storytime and other family programming. This year’s Winter Pride is presented in partnership with Winterlude.
Capital Pride celebrates the rich and diverse 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Capital Region. Mission is to create opportunities to advocate, educate and connect people through programming and events in partnership with our partner community groups, businesses, and sponsors.


By Gaëtan Vaudry

Ever heard of "glamping"? It's a blend of glamour and camping, offering eco-friendly lodging that immerses you in nature while providing the luxury and amenities of a hotel room. This is precisely what our friends at Exode en nature in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, a municipality on the north shore of the Saguenay Fjord, deliver.

Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the delightful Vincent Fréchette, one of the four shareholders and an unexpectedly professional and passionate guide. He began by sharing the story behind their beautiful venture. Legend has it that Exode was the name of the first shareholders Vicky Maltais and Patrick Prévost's sailboat during their incredible Bahamas adventure. In the summer of 2020, Exode was stolen in the Bahamas, and the couple wanted to preserve this beautiful memory by naming their unique lodging center after it.

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The Tranquility of a Nature Retreat

Exode en Nature boasts five uniquely original and tastefully decorated residences, echoing their Caribbean sea experiences with catamaran nets. Nestled in an enchanting 8.5-acre site beside the Pelletier River and at the foot of the Monts-Valin, they offer La Mélilot and La Baumier chalets, Myrica Yurt, La Thuya Dome, and Pod Le Sumac cottage. Each can comfortably accommodate two to four adults (up to six with a sofa bed), featuring standard amenities like a shower, bedding, dishes, Wi-Fi, and a propane gas stove. Don't miss the outdoor relaxation spaces by the stream, whose gentle flow enhances the tranquility of a stay in nature, complete with outdoor fireplaces and wood-heated Nordic spas!

Interestingly, the owners of Exode en nature happily welcome leashed pets: "We want people to have a memorable adventure in the heart of nature," says co-owner Vicky Maltais. "Animals under 50 pounds are welcome, as we understand how many of our guests wish to rejuvenate accompanied by their pets." And speaking of rejuvenation, Exode en nature is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway or a weekend with family or friends.

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Activities for Every Taste

Adventure enthusiasts will find plenty to do at Exode en nature. In winter, within a few kilometers, you can enjoy snowmobiling, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, tobogganing, and even ice fishing. Note that all Exode en nature accommodations provide free snowshoes, inviting you to escape into the wilderness. In summer, the list extends to fishing in nearly 650 lakes, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, beach activities, golf, and of course, hiking.

Exode en nature represents the hard work of four members of this wonderfully welcoming family - Gabrielle Prévost, Vincent's partner, completes the quartet - all with one goal: to offer you a stay that meets your expectations.

Exode en nature
1516, Route de Tadoussac
Sainte-Rose-du-Nord
418 540-1455
exodeennature.com


By Gaëtan Vaudry

Tadoussac is arguably one of the most beautiful summer tourist regions in Quebec. However, this North Shore region is much quieter in winter. Fortunately, thanks to our friends at Chalets-camping Domaine des Dunes, it is possible to have very pleasant moments there, even in the winter season!

Located between the tourist village of Tadoussac and the famous Dunes (two huge marine sand terraces exposed by the last ice melt about 10,000 years ago), the Domaine des Dunes site, nestled in a birch forest, is simply enchanting. It offers both camping and chalet rentals that can accommodate up to six people, as well as the rental of a kamook and even a wooden tipi... nothing less! "We resume service in winter, to the delight of our customers," says co-owner Bernadette Roduit Bender, with a broad smile. "The experiences in kamook and tipi are done in camping styles, that is, with access to a sanitary facility with toilets and showers, washer and dryer, as well as a community room."

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Several activities are available even in winter at Domaine des Dunes, including a highly appreciated welcome for snowmobile enthusiasts in the boreal forest, trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In summer, the region abounds with activities, including whale watching cruises, black bear observation, sea kayaking, marine mammal interpretation center, the region's fine dining, and much more.

Bernadette, who is joined by her daughter and son for all aspects of Domaine des Dunes, has worked very hard in recent weeks to welcome you this winter. During my short visit to Tadoussac at the end of November, the family was busy making final adjustments to welcome numerous clients for the beautiful winter season. Moreover, Bernadette and her team invite you to book your chalet, kamook, or wooden tipi for the holiday season before December 10th. They even promise a nice surprise!

Domaine des Dunes (Chalets-camping)
585, Chemin de la Rivière-du-Moulin-à-Baude
Tadoussac
418 235-4843
domainedesdunes.com


By Gaëtan Vaudry

Tadoussac is arguably one of the most beautiful summer tourist regions in Quebec. However, this North Shore region is much quieter in winter. Fortunately, thanks to our friends at Chalets-camping Domaine des Dunes, it is possible to have very pleasant moments there, even in the winter season!

Located between the tourist village of Tadoussac and the famous Dunes (two huge marine sand terraces exposed by the last ice melt about 10,000 years ago), the Domaine des Dunes site, nestled in a birch forest, is simply enchanting. It offers both camping and chalet rentals that can accommodate up to six people, as well as the rental of a kamook and even a wooden tipi... nothing less! "We resume service in winter, to the delight of our customers," says co-owner Bernadette Roduit Bender, with a broad smile. "The experiences in kamook and tipi are done in camping styles, that is, with access to a sanitary facility with toilets and showers, washer and dryer, as well as a community room."

Domaine_Dunes2 Domaine_Dunes3 Domaine_Dunes4

Several activities are available even in winter at Domaine des Dunes, including a highly appreciated welcome for snowmobile enthusiasts in the boreal forest, trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In summer, the region abounds with activities, including whale watching cruises, black bear observation, sea kayaking, marine mammal interpretation center, the region's fine dining, and much more.

Bernadette, who is joined by her daughter and son for all aspects of Domaine des Dunes, has worked very hard in recent weeks to welcome you this winter. During my short visit to Tadoussac at the end of November, the family was busy making final adjustments to welcome numerous clients for the beautiful winter season. Moreover, Bernadette and her team invite you to book your chalet, kamook, or wooden tipi for the holiday season before December 10th. They even promise a nice surprise!

Domaine des Dunes (Chalets-camping)
585, Chemin de la Rivière-du-Moulin-à-Baude
Tadoussac
418 235-4843
domainedesdunes.com


By Gaëtan Vaudry

If you find yourself near Sept-Îles and are looking for an exceptional relaxation experience, you must stop at Spa Renaissance, a favored location offering a vast terrace with a breathtaking view of the water and the most beautiful sunsets.

This relaxation center offers a variety of packages to its clients, ranging from medical aesthetics to fitness, including relaxation, aesthetics, wellness, and much more. What sets Spa Renaissance apart from its competitors is that couples can receive treatments simultaneously, benefiting from very advantageous packages: "We indeed offer several package options that you can enjoy side by side," proudly states the owner Martin Carrier. "You can choose from several treatments: pedicure, manicure, facial, massage, hydrotherapy, neuro spa thermal sector, and much more!"

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Another special feature of Spa Renaissance, located in the popular Hôtel Sept-Îles, are the tailor-made packages, which often include a variety of treatments, a gift card for the Bistro, and an overnight stay at the hotel. Spa Renaissance also offers two well-equipped training rooms, delighting many customers. A package that catches my attention is the Thermal Plus for $316, offering two three-hour accesses to the thermotherapy sector, a $50 gift card to the Bistro, and a double occupancy overnight stay at the hotel. Truly interesting! Additionally, I suggest inquiring about the Tropic and Havana packages, available until December 24th and perfectly fitting into a Christmas card, to offer your loved ones a special moment.

Spa Renaissance  Spa Renaissance  

Spa Renaissance
451, avenue Arnaud, Sept-Îles
418 968-0606
sparenaissance.ca

By Gaëtan Vaudry

During our brief stay in the city of Saguenay, it was impossible not to visit Café Cambio on Racine Est Street four or five times. First, to enjoy the atmosphere of this downtown Chicoutimi solidarity cooperative, but also to savor delicious, affordable health-conscious dishes featuring products from several local producers.

As soon as she speaks about the products found at this fair trade and organic micro-roastery, founded in March 2005, Virginie Simard-Dufour's eyes light up. She speaks of the relentless teamwork of 32 members, including 10 worker members: "Under the label, we embody a vision, that of a better world, a world where farmers and workers sit at the negotiation table on equal footing," proudly highlights the service manager, restaurant and barista of the place.

Café Cambio, a popular spot for many students from the Cégep de Chicoutimi and the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), also serves as a venue for many young artists from Saguenay. The establishment regularly hosts art exhibitions and small acoustic concerts featuring emerging music.

During my visit last November, I had the chance to enjoy excellent dishes at the establishment, initiated by two childhood friends from Montreal, Guylaine Pelletier and Geneviève Demers. For starters, a delightful mushroom soup, comforting in this season. I continued with the spicy Bedi panini (Cajun-spiced chicken, caramelized onions, spinach, mozzarella, and veganaise), served with salad, corn chips, and salsa. We concluded with the dessert of the day, all accompanied by one of their excellent fair-trade coffees. To my great surprise, the bill for this delicious three-course meal was very affordable!

Moreover, what struck me most during my first visit was their "Pay It Forward" concept, where customers can anonymously donate a soup or coffee to someone in need. Knowing that the homelessness situation is worsening in downtown Chicoutimi, this admirable gesture of generosity is particularly meaningful.

Café Cambio's coffee and products are available at several outlets in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, including Chicoutimi, Jonquière, La Baie, Saint-Ambroise/Saint-Honoré, MRC Lac-Saint-Jean-Est, MRC Domaine-du-Roy, Bas-Saguenay, Saint-Fulgence/Sainte-Rose-Sacré-Cœur, Tadoussac, Les Bergeronnes, Les Escoumins, and even the Côte-Nord!

Café Cambio
414, Rue Racine Est, Chicoutimi
418 549-7830
cafecambio.ca

Image+Nation, Canada's first LGBT2SQ+ film festival, has announced the jury and audience awards for its 36th edition. Many of these films and others were also available online during the festival. The organizers decided to extend the online program for an additional week until Sunday, December 3 at 11:59 PM.

 
This innovation in broadcasting a significant part of the programming, which began during the COVID pandemic, was so successful that it has been made a permanent feature, thereby attracting more followers and extending the reach throughout Quebec and elsewhere in Canada, at an affordable price and with various options.


This is how we were able to watch three of these excellent films, offering evocative subjects of raw realities, in addition to a group of Quebecois queer short films, from the comfort of our home using a hyperlink to project it at the day and time of our choosing.

To take advantage of this online extension, visit the website in the PROGRAMMING section.


- BIG BOYS

image+nation 2023 extends
COREY SHERMAN
UNITED STATES / USA | 2023
Often sidelined for washboard abs, the "big boys" finally get their sweet and funny coming-of-age story, spiced with just the right amount of age-appropriate eroticism. When a "cousins-only camping trip" in California is infiltrated by a new "bear" boyfriend, a 14-year-old is confronted with both wild and hormonal dangers.


- The documentary OUT OF UGANDA

 image+nation 2023 extends
ROLANDO COLLA + JOSEF BURRI
SWITZERLAND | 2023
Under a cloud of legally and customarily sanctioned prejudices, we follow tormented queer refugees awaiting asylum, those risking their lives and livelihoods to protect them, and the antagonists themselves, who explain their hateful ideologies, all in the hope of finding a way out of today's hate-choked Uganda.

 
- OUR SON

image+nation 2023 extends BILL OLIVER
UNITED STATES | 2023
A star-studded cast led by the masterful duo Luke Evans and Billy Porter electrifies this poignant narrative about parenthood through pain. When an affair persists after 13 years of marriage for a drifting couple, new revelations tear apart an already fractured relationship and leave the fate of their son hanging in the balance.

- The short films QUEERMENT QUEBEC 1

image+nation 2023 extends

78 minutes
An annual celebration of Quebecois queer content: unique perspectives that prove, once again, that Quebec is a true hotbed of queer storytelling talent.


LES CROTTÉS
CÉDRIC GAILLARD DESROSIERS | CANADA | 2022 | 10 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
RIOPELLE WAS NON-BINARY
AIMÉ MAJEAU BEAUCHAMP | CANADA | 2023 | 6 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
I'M SORRY
FRANCIS PAPILLON | CANADA | 2023 | 20 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
BORN ON A SUNDAY MORNING
THIERRY SORLINI | CANADA | 2023 | 15 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
TEST SEQUENCE
ANNE GOLDEN | CANADA | 2023 | 5 MIN | WITHOUT DIALOGUE
SORRY MOM
SARAH LAJOIE-ASSELIN | CANADA | 2023 | 17 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.
LES TERRAINS VAGUES
MARIE-ÈVE DROLET | CANADA | 2023 | 6 MIN | F.O.V. S.T.A.

The awarded films for the 36th edition

JURY PRIZE
FEATURE FILM: SILVER HAZE by Sacha Polak [Netherlands]
SPECIAL MENTION: LIUBEN by Venci Kostov [Bulgaria]
DOCUMENTARY: WHO I AM NOT by Tunde Skovran [South Africa]
SCRIPT: Olivier Peyon with Vincent Poymiro + Arthur Cahn + Cécilia Rouaud / ENOUGH WITH YOUR LIES by Olivier Peyon [France]
PERFORMANCE: Nathan Stewart-Jarrett / FEMME by Sam H. Freeman + NG Choon Ping [United Kingdom]
PERFORMANCE: Lily Gladstone / FANCY DANCE by Erica Tremblay [United States]

AUDIENCE AWARD
FEATURE FILM: FEMME by Sam H. Freeman + NG Choon Ping [United Kingdom]
DOCUMENTARY: ANALOGUE REVOLUTION: HOW FEMINIST MEDIA CHANGED THE WORLD by Marusya Bociurkiw [Canada]
SHORT FILM: I'M SORRY by Francis Papillon [Quebec] + BORN ON A SUNDAY MORNING by Thierry Sorlini [Quebec]

A Satisfactory Overview
For its 36th edition, the Montreal public had the opportunity to attend in-person screenings, round tables, events, and much more, while film enthusiasts throughout Quebec and Canada had the chance to view a carefully selected program online throughout the festival.

Featuring 175 films from across the globe, I+N36 proudly focuses on diversity in all its forms, showcasing masterfully created films from 27 countries, including South Africa, Bulgaria, Romania, Nigeria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Mexico, Denmark, Norway, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Iran, Ireland, Ukraine, Portugal, Brazil, as well as Germany, the United States, and locally in Quebec and Canada.
Now firmly established in its fourth decade of promoting LGBT2SQ+ culture, image+nation is delving into new queer stories, exploring their uniqueness/universality, while continuing to advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and the various intersectional aspects of queer voices and communities.