Pink Parade - Pride 2022

It’s Pride time again in the Cote d’Azur and this year it all takes place on Saturday, July 23, 2022 with the parade route starting at Theatre de Verdure at 16H (4pm).

In Nice, affectionately known as the center of everything LGBTQ in the region, the Pink Parade is open for anyone to join in the extensive route through the center of the city where it then leads along the seaside on the Promenade des Anglais as it winds back into the core of Nice.

Instead of watching a variety of floats go by from a standing point, people are encouraged to follow along the route, while everyone is cheering, Pride flags are waving and a variety of music is played for everyone to enjoy.

In the French Riviera, Pride is always about community spirit and love for one another.

The after-parade party will of course take place at any number of outdoor terraces until the nightclubs open up but in the meanwhile, be sure to support the Centre LGBT Cote d’Azur at 123 Rue de Roquebiliere where a beautiful "Soirée des Fiertés" will be held outside, in front of the premises, on Saturday, July 23rd from 7 pm to 11 pm!

Open to everyone, this will be a celebration filled with music, aperitif, exhibitions, slogans, and flags from the LGBTQIA+ community with speeches, photocalls, etc., in a safe and inclusive area. 

A Monaco First! Marital Status Changed For Transgender Person

It’s a first and essential move forward in Monaco.

On July 4, a decision was rendered with the court of the first instance of Monaco authorizing one of its nationals to modify his gender and his first name in the civil status.

It was mentioned that “female sex” must replace “male sex” on his birth certificate.

“We approached the Monegasque court on the basis of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights”, explains Me Patrice Spinosi, one of the applicant’s lawyers, with Thomas Giacardi. While France and most European countries have implemented legislation allowing a transgender person to change marital status, the Principality of Monaco had no provision of this nature yet.

“It is a happy decision, all the more remarkable in a traditionally conservative country where Catholicism is the state religion,” supports the council.

The individual, who wishes to remain anonymous stated, “My country does not turn its back on me.”

This historic and unprecedented request had been made by a person born a woman in 2000 but who, at the age of 4, realized, he was a male with the process of physical transformation having started in 2020.

The individual, who also has French nationality, was able to modify his marital status with the French courts.

There have been many firsts in the past few years with Monaco also having celebrated its first Pride event on June 1, 2022.

Photo credit: Jean-François Ottonello

The Prince’s Private Car Collection in Monaco

 

The Prince’s private car collection has found a new home in Monaco!

On Thursday, July 7, 2022, Prince Albert ll and members of the Princely family were on hand to inaugurate the new Collection of the Prince of Monaco’s Automobiles.

Originally located in Fontvielle, the amazing array of cars can now be found at the new home at Port Hercules where it will open to the public on Friday, July 8, 2022.

At the inauguration, Valérie Closier, director of the Collection said, “This Collection should be open to all and interest a large public. We have to make it more lively so that even the locals come back regularly to discover new things.”

With Monaco known for having an extensive racing history, this new location for the Collection places it on the edge of the famous “piscine” section of the iconic Formula 1 circuit, where the new 3,500m2 facility will be home to 70 vehicles.

Even if you only have a slight interest in cars, the Collection does offer something for everyone.

There are Formula 1 cars that are mounted on the walls of the Collection, to more personal pieces including those in which Princely family weddings took place.

The goal of the Collection is for the experience to be more immersive so here you will see historic films broadcast on giant screens along with touchscreens that allow visitors to actively engage with the cars.

Not only is it possible to discover the characteristics of the cars, but it is also possible to digitally visit the interiors of some of these historic vehicles. “In this way, we in some way enter into the intimacy of the Princely family,” said Closier.

This new opportunity for the Prince’s Collection allows everyone to come and enjoy the myriad of cars both historic and new in a prime location.

Photos by Michael Alesi, Government Communication Department

Camping La Paoute Drag Queen Show in Grasse

 

Here’s a new one in the region. A drag queen show at a camping site.

The super sexy owner of Camping de la Paoute in Grasse, with the help of an amazing array of local drag queens, is putting together a full-on drag show to take place at his campground later this month on July 28th.

This should be quite the extraordinary event and one that will be most memorable given its location, other than a nightclub or cabaret-style bar.

You’ll need to plan ahead for this one and get your tickets as soon as possible as it will most certainly sell out.

Promoted as the drag show of the summer. There will be nine drag queens performing a variety of songs next to the edge of the expansive swimming pool along with a DJ in attendance providing the dance beats for the evening. 

Word is getting out fast so it’s advised one purchase tickets in advance that include a meal (excluding drinks) at 25 EUR per ticket and a possibility of only attending the show and having drinks in the restricted areas. 

Given the location, it's best any time not to drink and drive so if you don't have a designated driver and have a desire to camp at the site, there are a number of options available besides pitching a tent, like an apartment rental and mobile homes on site but again, inquire and book early.