Montreal is a place full of acceptance. The people there are very kind and will take the time to listen to you–no matter what language you are speaking. I also found it interesting how accepting they were of the LGBT community! Unlike in the United States, gay rights and equality are openly spoken about. Talking about or cracking jokes regarding LGBT (in a positive light) is not a hushed thing. For example: I believe many of us were surprised when our walking tour guide made the bixi bike joke. He said that the bikes were called “bixi bikes” because they were bisexual…usually in the US you don’t hear someone say an object is bisexual, so I thought that was pretty cool!
Another thing to point out is St. Catherines street. This street is pride central. From the pink balls symbolizing their pride to the paintings of naked men displayed in the Sky Bar, this street is where it’s at. It doesn’t matter if you are straight, gay, lesbian, bi, or trans, everyone is welcome on this street, and it isn’t hard to start conversations with people and/or even make a new friend.
I don’t think there is any place I can compare this street to in Columbus. It blew my mind and made me so happy that everyone I met was a supporter. Hopefully soon Montreal will be Ohio’s influence to be as open and accepting of the LGBT community!