Oh! Montréal …… after going around the world through many gay friendly cities like Berlin, Madrid, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago and New York, you still have one of the best gay outdoor T-Dance party in the world: Diverscite T-Dance.This is happening on the last Sunday of a week long gay festival called Diverscite held at the end of July. Many gays and lesbians mainly from Toronto and the East coast of America and heteros from Montreal come to celebrate the summer time and the freedom to be gay in a festive environment.
Why we think this is one of the best gay outdoor event?
A - The city of Montréal is on command supporting the event by permitting the closure of few streets for about 3 days. Yes, no cars allowed and redirected to other streets around right in the middle of the city center ! (That being said, it would be so great to have the same support from the city of Sydney for the New Mardi Gras parade on the Saturday and Sunday by closing Oxford street and therefore giving a more human feel to the event).
B- The organisation (Diverscite) is putting on a mega sound system a street of about 250 meters long, 15 meters wide and with all the concessions tents for selling alcohol, drinks, water, etc. There is a main stage for live performance and djs to play from 13h00 to 23h00 including a final act very much oriented towards a mix of an orchestra and a live DJ: very unique. There is also a huge projection covering about the entire width of the street at about 100 meters from the stage to project the image of the DJ`s spinning on front stage.
C- In total there is an average of 5 DJ`s rotating often including one from overseas playing house, progressive house and electro music sets. The setting of the site is enrich that the sunset will be towards the back of the stage offering a great display of natural beauty and lighting. This is a fantastic setting with a great sound system, beautiful lighting and great environment.
From 14h00, the momentum is building and many gays, lesbians and friends are arriving to pack the street with an overall attendance of more than 50,000 persons. The sun is usually shining at his best and everyone comes out like it was the most beautiful day of the year, in fact a freedom day where you can dance under well thought music by brilliant local and international DJ`s (our best moment was when DJ Nicolas Torrerro played in the late hours in 2005). From the shining sun for over 6 hours to the darkness of the night with darker music makes it very special.Where else can you find this unique environment where all those elements are combined ? We really think that Sydney would be up for that on Oxford Street being closed for two entire days. It would be so great to be able to walk around with such an international crowd wanting to have a good fun instead of having so many drunk people yelling. The bars around would get more money, the gay community would be all centered on the street enjoying the freedom of pedestrian street for once.
We cannot say enough about the vibe that you can feel at the T-Dance but take alook at our own pix and these videos on YouTube... it will give you a good hint.
