Calls on Jewish Groups to Ignore Bigoted Decision, Show Up and Stand Their Ground
Delray Beach, FL – Truth Wins Out (TWO), a U.S.-based LGBTQ advocacy organization, today issued a blistering condemnation of Fierté Montréal for banning Jewish organizations from participating in this year’s Pride Parade. The decision, which singles out and excludes Jewish LGBTQ groups from a celebration that is meant to unify and uplift, is a disgraceful act of bigotry that undermines the very foundation of Pride. TWO called on Jewish groups to ignore the bigoted decision, show up anyway, and, if necessary, stand their ground.
“Fierté Montréal’s decision to exclude Jewish organizations is arrogant, bigoted, and profoundly antisemitic,” said Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen. “It is an ugly betrayal of LGBTQ values and eerily mirrors the same politics of hatred and exclusion we are fighting from the Religious Right. Pride must be a place for all people who believe in equality and justice—there is no room for selective discrimination cloaked in progressive rhetoric.”
The decision reportedly stems from pressure by pro-Palestinian activists who objected to the presence of Jewish LGBTQ groups. Fierté Montréal opted for an authoritarian policy that demonizes Jewish organizations based solely on their identity or presumed affiliations.
“Let’s be crystal clear,” continued Besen. “You cannot fight oppression by engaging in oppression. You cannot call yourself inclusive while banning an entire group of LGBTQ people based on their ethnicity, nationality, or religion. This is not solidarity—it is scapegoating.”
Truth Wins Out is demanding the immediate resignation or removal of every Fierté Montréal board member who supported the discriminatory policy. It is further calling on the organization to issue a public apology, rescind the ban, and initiate an independent investigation into how such a shameful decision was made under its leadership.
“Fierté Montréal has grossly exceeded its moral and organizational authority. If it cannot serve the entire LGBTQ community—including Jews—then it has no business existing in its current form. It should seriously consider disbanding or undergoing a complete restructuring,” said Besen. “You don’t get to hijack Pride and transform it into a vehicle for exclusionary politics. This is our community too.”
TWO is also urging Jewish LGBTQ organizations in Montreal to peacefully but firmly defy the ban and show up at the parade regardless of Fierté’s directive.
“We call on Jewish groups to stand their ground—literally and symbolically,” said Besen. “You have every right to be there. This ban is illegitimate and does not reflect the views of the broader LGBTQ community. Show up, be proud, and do not let this disgraceful decision go unchallenged.”
Truth Wins Out emphasized that while the LGBTQ community must remain vigilant against Islamophobia and anti-Arab bigotry, it must also be courageous enough to reject antisemitism—even when it masquerades as social justice.
“Pride was born from resistance to oppression,” said Besen. “We dishonor that legacy when we become the oppressors. This is not activism—it is abuse.”
The organization is calling on allied LGBTQ groups, human rights organizations, political leaders, and community members across North America to speak out forcefully against Fierté Montréal’s ban and stand in solidarity with Jewish LGBTQ individuals.
About Truth Wins Out
Truth Wins Out is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to advance liberty and democracy, protect the rights of LGBTQ people and other minorities, combat religious extremism, and fight against the spread of disinformation.
Media Contact:
Contact: Wayne Besen, Executive Director
Email: WBesen@truthwinsout.org
Website: www.TruthWinsOut.org