100 Women We Love

100 Women We Love: Class of 2009

Once again, we celebrate our favorite out and proud women. As difficult as it is to narrow it down to just 100, this year’s eclectic list includes artists, athletes, club promoters, community organizers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, politicians and plaintiffs, who are making a difference in our world and the world at large.

Suzanne Girard

Suzanne Girard co-founded and has served as general director of Montreal’s Divers/Cité since 1993. This award-
winning annual LGBT arts and cultural festival welcomes performing artists
of all orientations. “We don’t ask the sexual orientation of the performers or
the paid staff. We are an event that
celebrates diversity in all its shapes and forms. It is important that all celebrate together, side by side and not the Gs with the Gs, the Ls with the Ls. One roof, one party, one scene. The best way we have found to do this is to concentrate our main focus on the arts.” The week-long festival, which takes place July 26 through August 2 this year, hosts a number of free outdoor events including music, film screenings, an open air dance party and Mascara, a four hour drag extravaganza with over 100 performers and dancers. In addition to her work with Divers/Cité, Girard also teaches photography at John Abbott College in Montreal. -CB

Remember, these are in no particular order because we love them all!

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