2023-08-03 04:00:33
A big moment. For Scott Wabano and Jorie Pedneault, dit Narcisse, the Montreal Pride festival is a milestone this year. The first is thus the honorary vice-president alongside the French politician Christiane Taubira; Haitian activist Anderson Estimphil, alias Hetera; and Quebec conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
“Montreal Pride recognizes the work I do across Turtle Island for the renewal of queer Indigenous people,” says Scott Wabano, who is pleased to be among the first Two-Spirit Honorary Co-Chairs. And to continue: “It is essential for our existence to be seen and heard on a national level, because we are not only shamans or leaders… we are much more than that. »
A young Cree who grew up on the shores of James Bay and fashion designer at the head of the gender-neutral streetwear brand WABANO, Scott Wabano is a creative who salutes the march started by Montreal Pride. He is also at the origin of the NPO Two spirits, of Eeyou Istchee, which aims to provide resources to LGBTQ+ people who live in isolated communities.
“It’s fun to feel a form of validation as a community artistic project and to see that, for once, we’re not just there to tick the diversity box,” says Jorie Pedneault. .
However, he is having fun appearing on the program for the FeminiX evening. “The Narcisse project is led by me, who is a non-binary person and who uses the pronoun “he”. I lean more towards the masculine side of the broad spectrum of gender identity,” he points out.
According to him, this irony of fate allows him to fuel his reflections on fluidity. “Femininity and masculinity are very hermetic boxes, but you can also walk in there. Finally, it is very relevant that we are there when we see the line-up of the evening, ”he explains.
Beyond Visibility
Jorie Pedneault also applauds the importance of Montreal Pride, which is growing in scope. “It’s essential to show that we exist, that we make art and that we carry a bigger message than just music, because I’m worried to see what’s been happening around the world since the last year for trans rights, the community,” he says.
If he considers that Quebec is still spared by the rise of anti-LGBTQ + laws and hatred, he knows that the province is not immune. “It doesn’t take much… we may think that our rights are acquired, but they never are. »
In these uncertain times, he believes that the LGBTQ+ community needs to return to the roots of the movement and act radically to counter the capitalism that regularly seizes the cause. “I sometimes feel like our community is used to sell stuff with flags on it. »
According to Jorie Pedneault, Narcisse’s contribution to the festival this year is an opportunity to go beyond simple mercantile opportunism, because it is certain that Pride Montreal is organized above all with benevolence.
Be that as it may, the return of Narcisse to the festival, following a first appearance during an evening devoted to emerging artists, is something to delight its members. “It’s the show we wanted to participate in the most this year since we are a band that is part of the community,” says Jorie Pedneault.
The group was approached all the more by Pride Montreal thanks to a particular formula. “They wanted us to be there on stage with our dancers, our choreography, and the whole package. It’s rare that we get asked that in the context of a festival, ”he notes.
In fact, there will be Phile Després among them, their “surprise card”. “She is a performance artist who is an integral part of the band, the element that brings the whole show together”, promises Jorie Pedneault, who assures that the show will not only be musical, but also very theatrical.
In the euphoria
As for Scott Wabano, he admits to being delighted to have accepted the honorary co-presidency. “The circle is complete on my side,” he says, while recalling his first time at Montreal Pride. “I came out of the closet, as they say, in the 2016 edition. Then I started presenting myself as a non-binary two-spirited person. »
The festival helped him, among other things, to be who he is, to embrace and celebrate his individuality. “I no longer needed to hide, because I was in a safe space which made me realize my value. It was an epiphany, it was there that I started a more authentic life,” he recalls.
Since then, Scott Wabano has taken the time to learn more regarding himself, his community, but also to research the history of where he comes from. “I really want to continue to guide others, educate them and give them the tools so that there is no cultural appropriation, because there is always a lack of information on two-spirited people,” he regrets.
But in the meantime, Scott Wabano can’t wait to savor every moment of Montreal Pride. “I want to participate in as many events as possible, like the parade, to feed myself with the energy that emanates from love and joy, but also from the cultural aspect! »
Where and when to see Scott Wabano and Narcisse at Montreal Pride 2023?
Narcisse will be in concert as part of the FeminiX evening with JU!CE, Barbara Butch and BLK PRL on Thursday, August 10 from 5 p.m., on the Esplanade of the Olympic Park – Loto-Québec Stage.
To see in video
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