2023 Grand Marshals
The Fierté Montréal Festival announces its four 2023 Grand Marshals, people who, thanks to their commitment, their talent and their work, inspire and contribute to the improvement of the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
Christiane Taubira
Christiane Taubira is a French politician and writer. She was a member of France’s Assemblée Nationale for French Guiana from 1993 to 2012, a member of the European Parliament from 1994 to 1999, and Minister of Justice from 2012 to 2016.
She was the driving force behind a 2001 law that recognized the Atlantic slave trade and slavery as a crime against humanity, known as Taubira Bill, and the 2013 law that recognized same-sex marriage in France.
Passionate about culture, she is a woman of letters, an avid cinephile and a music afficionado.
She has written several books on her political journey and commitment towards remembrance.
Hetera Saskya Caïla Estimphil
Hetera Saskya Caïla Estimphil is a 28-year-old trans woman and LGBTQIA+ activist from Haiti.
As a psychosocial support worker, human rights educator and gender specialist, she works daily towards the advancement of human rights.
An intersectional feminist, she currently acts as president of Kouraj Pou Pwoteje Dwa Moun, a human rights organisation specifically dedicated to the promotion of LGBTI rights located in Port-Au-Prince.
She is a member of the Global Advisory Board of Dignity Network Canada.
Scott Wabano
A 2Spirit EEYOU Cree from the Mushkegowuk & Eeyou Istchee territory, Scott Wabano is a Creative Director, Fashion Designer/Stylist, Consultant and Social Media Content Creator.
Scott owns the genderless streetwear brand ‘WABANO’, which they use to educate society about sustainability in fashion and the various Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ identities around the world.
Often incorporating traditional storytelling with modern and digital concepts when it comes to fashion, to showcasing the beauty and unique lives of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+/IndigiQueer peoples on social media.
Scott uses their presence and social platforms to advocate for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth, remind them of the power of their identity and that their existences, stories, and voices matter.
Yannick Nézet-Seguin
Born in Montreal, Yannick Nézet-Séguin has been since 2000 the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Orchestre Métropolitain, with which he signed a “lifetime” contract in 2019.
The year before, he was appointed Music Director of New York’s Metropolitan Opera (MET). This was in addition to being the Music Director (2012) and Artistic Director (2023) of the Philadelphia Orchestra, where his current contract concludes in 2030.
In 2016-2017, he became an honorary member of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. In 2018, after 10 years at the helm of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, he was made Honorary Conductor.
The Grand Marshals program, specially Hetera Saskya Caïla Estimphil’s visit, is supported by Dignity Network Canada and CUPE National.
