France: Quimper, Finistère hosts second pride festival

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Quimper, a city in Finistère, France, hosted the second iteration of its annual pride festival, "Pride of Quimper" ^{((fr))French language: ‍Pride de Quimper}, June 17. The event began at Place Saint-Corentin in the city centre.

Over 1,000 marched in the festival's parade, some carrying signs such as "free hug" and "all mobilised against hateful and reactionary drift" ^{((fr))French language: ‍tous.tes mobilisé.e.s contres les dérives haineuses et réactionnaires}.

French reports of crimes against LGBTQ people increased 28% from 2020 to 2021. Activist Vincent Autin told Radio France Internationale in April: "This wave of LGBT-phobia that exists in France and that unfurled during all the demonstrations in opposition to the same-sex marriage law – we've never been able to push it back".

Wikinews reporter Ash Thawley spoke with attendee Maïwenn.

Interview with Maïwenn

((WN )) So, what does having pride in Quimper mean to you? How does it make you feel?

((Maïwenn )) It makes me feel happy. Like, to know that there's such a big community here. I always thought there weren't a lot of LGBT+ people around me, and to see there are is awesome.

((WN )) How would you define your identity? What labels do you use?

((Maïwenn )) I label myself as bi[sexual], because I know I'm attracted to both men and women. And for now as cis[gender], because even if I had a lot of questions about my gender, I think I'm feeling well like this.

((WN )) How is LGBTQ acceptance in Quimper? How accepting is the city to queer people?

((Maïwenn )) The acceptance is pretty good, it's still a small city with judgmental people, but I've never personally been harassed or anything because of it.

((WN )) How long have you been attending pride?

((Maïwenn )) This is the second time I'm going to a pride, because it's the second one in Quimper.

((WN )) Do you think France could do more to support queer people?

((Maïwenn )) Yes, I think France could do better, I think education-wise. Like, it could be talked about in schools, and maybe talked about more in general to educate people and make them more sensitive to the cause.

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Sources

Wikinews

This exclusive interview features first-hand journalism by a Wikinews reporter. See the collaboration page for more details.

"VIDÉO. À Quimper, une grande marche des fiertés dans le centre-ville" — Ouest-France, June 17, 2023 (French)
"La Pride de Quimper sera de retour le 17 juin, place Saint-Corentin" — Le Télégramme, May 11, 2023 (French)
Sarah Elzas. "Gay marriage brought equality to France while giving rise to homophobia" — Radio France Internationale, April 23, 2023

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