Friday, May 17, 2024

International Day Against Homophobia & LGBTQ+ Rights in Monaco

 

May 17th marks the International Day Against Homophobia yet for all, basic human rights are still not equal.

Surprisingly to many, given all the glitz and glam of the luxury lifestyle within the Principality of Monaco, same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples in Monaco are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples. In fact, Monaco is the least developed among Western European countries in terms of LGBTQ+ equality.

The Principality of Monaco ranks in the bottom 10% of 49 European and Central Asian countries monitored annually by an international civil rights association advocating for equal civil and economic rights for LGBTQ+ citizens. Only 5 countries are rated worse than Monaco: Belarus, Russia, Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
In Monaco, numerous accounts exist detailing the stark absence of fundamental LGBTQ+ equality rights. Below are some instances of discrimination encountered by residents, non-Monegasque inhabitants, and foreign workers. The identities and nationalities of individuals involved have been altered.

Brigitte, a resident of France, has dedicated 35 years of her life to working in Monaco, diligently contributing to the Social Security and Retirement program throughout this period. At 72, she married her partner of 29 years in 2015. Despite this, Brigitte's spouse currently lacks any entitlement to spousal rights within the retirement system, meaning she will not receive any spousal "reversion" benefits upon Brigitte's passing. Brigitte's spouse, although younger, faces a medical condition that hampers her ability to work full-time, making the denial of her spousal "reversion" benefits particularly impactful.

Audrey is a Monegasque citizen and has an approved civil union PACS with her partner Sylvie. If Audrey dies before her partner, Sylvie will be forced to pay an inheritance tax on the apartment they share although a married heterosexual couple would pay no tax. In addition, the law prohibits two members of the same sex to live together in the same apartment unless they are related by birth.

Henry and James, legally wed in France, call Monaco home. But, if James were to suffer a car accident and be admitted to a Monaco hospital in a coma, Henry would face a distressing reality: he would have no legal authority to make any decisions regarding James's treatment, including critical matters such as resuscitation

Léa and Margot, Monegasques, had a child, the latter is enrolled in daycare. Margot was unable to pick up her child from daycare because she is not the biological mother. Léa had to sign an authorization so that her mother could collect it. However, the daycare charges this household on all of their income.

Maud and Louise work in the private sector in Monaco and have a child. The Medical Benefits Service in Monaco considers this household as such and takes all income into account. However, when it comes to family allowances, Maud is considered a single mother. In addition, Louise was unable to benefit from leave linked to the birth of their child.

The Rainbow Map, now in its 12th year, is published by the International Lesbian & Gay Association (ILGA) which is co-funded by the European Commission.

The Rainbow Map uses seven categories and 74 criteria to examine the LGBTQ+ laws and policies of each nation, including equality and non-discrimination in the workplace and at home.

Although Monaco’s historical ties to the Catholic Church are often cited for the poor performance, there are no other predominantly Catholic countries in the bottom 10%. In fact, the number-one rated country on the Rainbow Map is Malta whose population is 96% Catholic and whose Constitution establishes Catholicism as the state religion.

Nearly half of the 49 countries covered by the Rainbow Map recognize civil unions or marriages between same-sex couples, Monaco’s failure to recognize marriages legally binding in other countries results in a significant loss of civil and economic rights.

With this, we strive on, with a growing number of local individuals showcasing our strength.

This year for the first time in Monaco, the “MON’ARC EN CIEL” association was created to defend and promote the individual and collective rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people in the Principality.

 For more details, contact: monarcenciel@monaco.mc

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Cannes Film Festival 2024: Free Films at Cinéma de la Plage

 

The 2024 Cannes Film Festival features nightly open-air screenings showcasing iconic classics from French and international cinema, as well as premieres of French and global films. From May 14th to May 25th, audiences can enjoy a curated selection of movies at the Cinéma de la Plage, the festival's outdoor theater.

Cinéma de la Plage offers a nightly event that is accessible to everyone, whether accredited or not, making it the epitome of inclusivity at the Cannes Festival. Attendees can come dressed in a glamorous gala suit or opt for a more casual attire of jeans and sneakers, ensuring that all are welcome to enjoy the cinematic experience by the sea.

Featuring a colossal cinema screen set up on Macé Beach, beside the Mediterranean Sea and the Palais des Festivals, the outdoor film screenings cater to the general public. Whether you're a regular attendee lounging on a deckchair or simply strolling along the renowned Croisette, everyone is invited to partake in this cinematic experience.

All can relish in this assortment of beloved, high-quality films, presented in restored editions or as previews ahead of their theatrical debuts for certain titles.
In addition to the contemporary films "Transmitzvah" by Daniel Burman will be shown, and "My way" by Lisa Azuelos and Thierry Teston (which recounts the birth of the legendary song, at the edge of a swimming pool in private mansion by Claude François).

Along with the animated films “Silex and the city” by Jul, taken from his comic book series with the voices of Guillaume Gallienne, Clément Sibony and Léa Drucker.

And “Slocum et moi” by Jean-François Laguionie. We can once again watch one of the classics "After Hours" by Martin Scorsese (1985), and “Phantom of the Paradise” by Brian de Palma (1974) or, the equally entertaining, “Operation Condor” by Jackie Chan (1991).

It will also be an opportunity to rediscover Hayao Miyazaki's somewhat forgotten masterpiece "Porco Rosso" (1992).

Also available to watch, "Exils" with Romain Duris, Lubna Azabal in the film by Tony Gatlif (2004) and, "Indigènes", about forgotten soldiers of the first French army recruited in Africa by Rachid Bouchareb (2006).

More offbeat, the film "The Nine Queens" by Fabian Bielinsky (2000) will immerse the beach in the world of Argentine burglars.

This event offers free admission, with screenings starting at 21:30. Space is limited though, so it's advisable to arrive early if you wish to secure a deck chair and blanket, or alternatively, you can bring your own beach towel.

More information can be found on the Cannes Film Festival website.

Queer Palm 2024

 

Queer Palm keeps with tradition as being one of the most anticipated LGBTQ+ events alongside the Cannes Film Festival. This prestigious occasion reveals the contenders vying for its coveted prizes in both short and feature films categories.

This year for Queer Palm, John Cameron Mitchell left his place as president of the jury to Lukas Dhont, who will be surrounded by Juliana Rojas, Brazilian director (Les Bonnes Manners, Cidade; Campo), Sophie Letourneur, French director and actress (La Vie at the ranch, Huge, Travels in Italy), by Jad Salfiti, British-Palestinian journalist (The Guardian, Arte, BBC, etc) and Hugo Bardin (Paloma), actor, director and French drag queen, first winner of Drag Race France.

The Queer Palm List for 2024
LONGS METRAGES / FEATURE FILMS
SELECTION OFFICIELLE / OFFICIAL SELECTION / COMPETITION

Bird / Andrea Arnold
Emilia Perez / Jacques Audiard
Marcello Mio / Christophe Honoré
Motel Destino / Karim Aïnouz

SELECTION OFFICIELLE / OFFICIAL SELECTION / HORS COMPETITION / OUT OF COMPETITION

La Belle de Gaza (The Beauty of Gaza) / Yolande Zauberman / Séance spéciale
Les Femmes au balcon / Noémie Merlant / Séance de minuit
Miséricorde (Misericordia) / Alain Guiraudie / Cannes Première
Vivre, mourir, renaître / Gaël Morel / Cannes Première

SELECTION OFFICIELLE / UN CERTAIN REGARD

My Sunshine / Hiroshi Okuyama
Viet & Nam / Truong Minh Quý

SEMAINE DE LA CRITIQUE / CRITIC’S WEEK

Baby / Marcelo Caetano / Compétition
La Pampa (Block Pass) / Antoine Chevrollier / Compétition
La Mer au loin (Across the sea) / Saïd Hamich Benlarbi / Séance spéciale
Les Reines du drame (Queens of Drama) / Alexis Langlois / Séance spéciale

QUINZAINE DES CINEASTES / DIRECTOR’S FORTNIGHT

Eat The Night / Caroline Poggi et Jonathan Vinel
Most People Die on Sundays / Iair Said

COURTS METRAGES / SHORT MOVIES

Three / Amie Song / Cinéfondation
As minhas sensações são tudo o que tenho para oferecer (My Senses Are All I Have to Offer) / Isadora Neves Marques / Semaine de la Critique
Sannapäiv (Sauna Day) / Anna Hints & Tushar Prakash / Semaine de la Critique
Las Novias del Sur (Southern Brides) / Elena Lopez Riera / Semaine de la Critique
Immaculata / Kim Lêa Sakkai /Quinzaine des Cinéastes

More details about Queer Palm can be found here.
See you on May 14 for the opening of the Festival!

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Nice Rainbow Festival 2024

 

To mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia on May 17th, the Centre LGBTQIA Cote d’Azur is organizing the second Nice Rainbow Festival in association with the city of Nice. Last year's edition attracted 4,000 people. 


Around thirty associations, institutional bodies, retail outlets, and media partners are collaborating with the Centre LGBTQIA Cote d’Azur to present this remarkable event in Nice from May 16 to 19, 2024.

The aim is to champion the values of equality, awareness, harmony and inclusivity, while highlighting the dedication of various local people and interests.

PROGRAM:

Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. : Polychromes Association LGBTQ makes its best of: theater, readings, short films at Le Croque Bedaine Nice.

Friday May 17, 2024: screening and roundtable discussion "Homophobic awareness: how to cope and fight back?". Screening of the Mediapart documentary "A Lookout for Invisible Crimes" and discussion with one of the directors, David Perrotin.

Saturday May 18 from 10:00 to 23:00: large village of stands, round tables and free family fun activities. Drag queen picnic, sports demonstrations, snack bar, heel race and purse-throwing contest. Festive aperitif from 19:00.

Sunday May 19 at 3pm, enthusiastic march against LGBT phobias.
Plus: shows "Drama queen" by Mahaut on May 16 at 20:30 and "Stand up drag" by Lolla Wesh on May 17 at 20:30 at Théâtre de la Cité with Les Culottées Association.

More detailed information to follow. Keep checking back here.