Latest news with #ruralLife
CTV News
10-08-2025
- General
- CTV News
Pride festivals: breaking the isolation of LGBTQ+ people in rural areas
Pascal Lessard and his partner bought their farm in 2019. They live in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec. It's a rural area south of Quebec City. Although they were concerned about how the local population might react after learning they are a same sex couple, Lessard said he is happy they bought the farm and joined a new community. 'We never had any problems when we arrived here. We didn't hide, we didn't try to hide who we were or that we lived together. We haven't encountered any difficulties or people who reacted negatively,' said Lessard, co-owner of Les Vergers du Cap farm in Chaudière-Appalaches. 'We were very well received here in the village. We thought there might be some people who would react negatively, but that never happened.' The warm reaction may reflect a trend as new pride festivities spring up across Quebec. Flying in the face of the notion that rural areas are hostile to people of diverse sexual and gender identities, many of these festivals seek to improve the image of life for LGBTQ+ people living outside major urban centres. Like more than 300 people from LGBTQ+ communities living in rural areas or working in the agricultural sector, Lessard and his partner are members of the organization Fierté agricole. Since 2012, this non-profit organization has been helping people from LGBTQ+ communities living in rural areas meet and participate in various activities. 'In the farming community, there aren't many of us, and being so few in such a large area means that we end up pretty isolated in our homes, far from large centres and services,' explains Joé Desjardins, president of Fierté agricole. Desjardins, who co-owns the JardinsRochers farm with his partner, said the community is generally doing well and that homophobic or transphobic incidents are rare. 'People are afraid to come out or move to rural areas. We feel that sentiment a lot, but it's not true that things are worse than in the city,' Desjardins said. Desjardins adds that allies are more important in rural areas, where it is more difficult to mask one's identity. 'A village that supports a member of the queer community is a village that will support all those people,' explains Mr. Desjardins. 'Unlike in big cities, there is less anonymity because, when you live in the country, everyone knows you, but at the same time, that can be scary for some people, so allies are important.' His organization works regularly to educate people in rural areas about the realities of LGBTQ+ people. Fierté agricole regularly sets up booths at agricultural events and visits agricultural schools to raise awareness among students. 'We raise awareness so that there are fewer tragedies,' Desjardins said. 'We can't control the market price of wheat or the harvests with the rain. The only thing we can do is make sure that people in the community don't feel alone, and if we have to drive four hours, we'll be there.' Camille Paradis, co-chair of Fierté Val-d'Or, shares this sentiment about the importance of allies. Since 2019, Fierté Val-d'Or has organized its own Pride festival in the western Quebec region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue. In six years, the number of people participating in the four days of festivities has grown from about 600 to 2,300 people. Paradis said that between 50 and 60 per cent of participants are not part of the LGBTQ+ communities. 'It shows that we have a community that supports us, that we have a part of the population that wants to stand with us and say, 'We want these people to be treated like everyone else,'' Paradis said. 'Everything related to sexual orientation is now taken for granted, but gender identities are still largely unknown, misunderstood, and mocked,' said Paradis, who is non-binary. Beyond allies, Fierté Val-d'Or defines itself as an intergenerational festival aimed at 'breaking the isolation of older members.' 'We're like an anchor for people who are alone,' says Paradis. Val d'Or isn't the only rural town with a new pride festival. Mont-Laurier, a town in the Laurentian Mountains, about 190 kilometres northwest of Montreal, organized its second Pride festival this year. 'The goal is to provide a more personalized and accessible resource in the region,' explains Maxime Belisle, president and founder of Fierté Hautes-Laurentides. 'We want to be more and more present to show that it's good to live in the Hautes-Laurentides and that there is also help available.' While the festival's arrival in the region has prompted a few hateful messages online, Bélisle says the local population has largely been supportive. The first Pride march organized last year by Fierté Hautes-Laurentides brought together about 200 people in the streets of Mont-Laurier. 'People were very happy to see it,' Belisle said. 'In the region, people's comments are that we've come this far and we need this to move forward in our efforts to improve quality of life.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 8, 2025. Quentin Dufranne, The Canadian Press
Khaleej Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Panchayat' Season 4 trailer gives glimpse into a fierce showdown
Prime Video has officially released the highly anticipated trailer for Panchayat season 4, confirming its worldwide premiere on June 24. The comedy-drama series, produced by The Viral Fever (TVF), continues its humorous and heartfelt portrayal of rural life in the fictional village of Phulera. Created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, and directed by Mishra along with Akshat Vijaywargiya, the new season brings back the show's signature blend of satire, warmth, and rustic charm. The story picks up with political rivalries in full swing, capturing the chaos, drama, and comedy of small-town elections. Returning to their iconic roles are Jitendra Kumar as Sachiv Ji, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, and Pankaj Jha, each adding depth and nuance to the growing tensions in Phulera. The newly launched trailer showcases a village transformed into a vibrant political battleground. With raucous rallies, campaign slogans, and behind-the-scenes scheming, the election drama between Manju Devi and Kranti Devi sets the tone for a high-stakes, laughter-filled season. The trailer teases a mix of music, mischief. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Chandan Kumar, the series' creator and writer, emphasised the show's commitment to evolving characters and relatable storytelling. "Each season unfolds naturally, always grounded in Phulera's emotional rhythms. With Season 4, we dive deeper into the relationships and introduce dynamics that keep the world fresh while staying true to its heart," he said in a statement. Neena Gupta, who reprises her role as Manju Devi, reflected on her character's transformation and said, "It's been exciting to watch her grow from a hesitant pradhan (village representative) to a confident voice in village politics. This season brings unexpected twists, it's fun, feisty, and full of surprises."
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Lincolnshire Show 2025: Everything you need to know
The Lincolnshire Show will return for its 140th year to celebrate the county's rural life and 60,000 people are expected to attend, including 6,000 schoolchildren and more than 500 first show was organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society in 1869 as a way to bring farmers and rural businesses show is best known for its livestock and equine competitions, and this year will include a royal visit. What is the Lincolnshire Show? The show is a celebration of rural life in includes trade stands showcasing the latest farm machinery and local is a range of entertainment for all ages including livestock competitions. When is the event happening? This year's event will take place on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 open at 08:00 BST and the show closes at 18:00 on both trade stands and concessions are open until 18:00 on both days. Where is the show and how do I get there? The Lincolnshire Show takes place at Lincolnshire Showground, Grange de Lings, Lincoln LN2 car - people travelling by car are advised to follow AA or RAC route planners as they include the latest travel updates. Parking is taxi - people using taxis are advised to use gate six (Burton Road) for both drop off and pick upPublic transport - Stagecoach will be running dedicated bus services from Lincoln railway station and Gainsborough bus station to the showground on both days of the show How much are tickets and how do I buy them? Advance prices: Adult (over 16): £26Child (5-16): £8.50Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £63Under 5s: FreeAdvance tickets are available to purchase until 23:00 on 17 the day prices:Adult (over 16): £36Child (5-16): £11Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £75Under 5s: Free Who organises the Lincolnshire Show? The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, a registered charity, runs the Lincolnshire the event, more than 200 stewards will be on hand to help, wearing distinctive bowler or straw hats. What's on and new for 2025? New for 2025:Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will be attending the Show on 18 June and TV presenter Matt Baker MBE on 19 JuneThe Knights of Middle England: Performances on 18 June at 10:45 and 14:30 and on 19 June at 11:00 and 16:00Rural Voices StageLive DJ performing at artificial beachOutside the White Hart Hotel Main Ring:Lincolnshire KitchenFood CourtGarden Show The Potting ShedFloral Arts marqueeThe MewsListers Toyota Countryside AreaEquine and Livestock RingsFarrier Competitions Activity and Blue Light Zones Is Lincolnshire Show accessibility-friendly? Facilities include:Hard-standing and tarmac roads to facilitate access Toilet facilities for those with mobility issues Electric mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs can be booked online two days in advance, subject to availabilityChanging places toilet located in the EXO Centre, opposite the EPIC Centre More information St John's Ambulance are located on 8th Avenue, on the west side of the EPIC Centre and next to Society OfficesVisitors are advised to bring a reusable water bottle that can be filled up at drinking water tapsA wide range of refreshments is available at stallsEach toilet block has baby changing facilitiesDogs are welcome if kept on short, fixed leadsTwo cash machines are available. Visitors are recommended to bring both cash and cardsShow guides are available to buy from booths near entry gates or along livestock and equine linesLost property should be taken to Rotary Stand on 10th Avenue, between EXO Centre and toilet block five Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
The Independent
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Gillian Anderson's new film is picture-postcard perfect… but it doesn't show the real Cornwall
The South West Coast Path is full of contradictions. One minute you're breezing across lush clifftops – the next you're slogging your way up a crag. It's a beautiful but cruel mistress. The 630-mile route – which runs from Minehead in Somerset, along the Cornish coast and ends in Poole in Dorset – is the setting for The Salt Path, a heartwarming new film about a couple who walk the path after being made homeless. Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs lead the cast, but the coast path is the real star. And so it should be. I spent nearly two decades living just down the road from the path in rural Cornwall. It became a constant in my life for everything from Christmas Eve family stomps to afternoon strolls, which often turned into boozy evenings on the cliffs, discussing life, love and the universe. I once walked a 30-mile section dressed as a nun – and few people even batted an eyelid. Such craziness isn't uncommon on the path, which has become a pilgrimage for waifs, strays and loveable rogues looking for an adventure, or a purpose. Why? Because its residents probably have a greater generosity of spirit than anyone else in the UK: the rough and tumble of rural life requires it. Aged 18, I moved away for university and never returned to live in Cornwall. It may seem like a crazy decision, but the sad reality is that it's a common one for people my age, thanks to the complete vacuum of skilled jobs. This isn't a personal tragedy though; it's a massive regional problem with far-reaching consequences. The South West is a place of extreme beauty, but also extreme poverty. If you look beyond the glorious coastline and posh fish restaurants (largely owned by celebrity chefs like Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth), you'll realise there are lots of issues making life unaffordable. While smaller coastal towns across the UK generally have higher deprivation levels than non-coastal towns, those in Cornwall, in particular, face wage rates that are £10,000 below the UK average. House prices are above national levels, though, thanks to the tidal wave of second homeowners and Airbnbs increasing demand. Many are facing job losses, as the farming sector, which employs one in five Cornish people, attempts to navigate inheritance tax changes. It will be difficult for workers to upskill though, as the one – yes, one – train line in and out of the region is under constant threat of falling into the sea near Dawlish, deterring big companies from investing and bringing in well-paid jobs. If these issues were happening north of Bristol, politicians and broadcasters would be discussing them far more. Yet they remain largely unreported. The problem is too far away. Reporters can't take a train from London, film a TV report, and get home in the same day – so they don't. Rarely do politicians visit either, as the South West isn't quite red or blue enough for Labour and the Conservatives to have a political fistfight like they've had over northern England's 'Red Wall'. When Rishi Sunak did come to Cornwall last year while on the campaign trail – a last-ditch attempt from the then-prime minister to win over voters – he donned a monogrammed £750 designer backpack as he wandered around Penzance – a town that has long been one of the nation's poorest. It seems even hosting the G7 summit in 2021 didn't do much to shift the spotlight on these issues, either. This has left communities feeling ignored, and their disillusionment is starting to show. In a shocking, but not surprising result, Reform UK won the recent council elections in Cornwall and Devon. I hope this is the moment which finally makes our leaders wake up and address the structural challenges the South West faces. I fear the consequences if not. So, if you see The Salt Path, gasp at the beauty of the beaches, and drool at the Cornish ice cream, come down for a visit (if you're willing to listen to locals moan about holidaymakers, even though they need your money as much as you need their beach). But respect the people who farm the fields and look after the coasts. Life in the South West is glorious, but, just like the coast path, it can be a cruel mistress, too.
