Fashion has long been more than just clothing—it is a language of identity, activism, and community. For Montreal’s queer youth, style serves as a powerful form of self-expression, allowing individuals to navigate their identities while participating in a larger cultural dialogue. This intersection of fashion and advocacy is at the heart of P[h]assion, a student-run charity that has integrated clothing with activism to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS for over 15 years.
Like many urban landscapes, Montreal hosts an eclectic fashion scene where bold self-expression flourishes. Fashion is not only worn, but lived: Designers, artists, and everyday trendsetters turn the streets into runways, showcasing a spirit of individuality, adaptability, and resilience.
In the 1980s, Montreal’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community grappled with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which disproportionately affected queer individuals. As they dealt with both the health crisis and social stigmatization of the disease, many turned to fashion, art, and activism to channel feelings of grief and uncertainty. 2SLGBTQIA+ grassroots activism in Montreal also paved the way for organizations like AIDS Community Care Montreal (ACCM), which emerged to provide crucial support, advocating for healthcare access and social services while fostering solidarity within the community. In recent years, P[h]assion has built a close partnership with ACCM, using fashion as a medium for empowerment and visibility.
“Together, [we have] created spaces where queer youth and others can explore their creativity while accessing the support and resources they need to thrive,” shared Lucy Kaskie, U3 Arts and the club’s Director of Communications, in a written statement to The Tribune.
One way P[h]assion achieves this is through its annual spring fashion show, which provides a space for students to showcase their creativity while advocating for social change. The theme of its 2024 show was “Disrupt,” setting the stage for an evening of bold, daring fashion, and encouraging students to push boundaries. Nicole Lazarovici, U3 Management and co-president of P[h]assion, explained why fashion is such a powerful medium.
“A people’s culture is woven into every stitch and fabric that shapes a garment,” Lazarovici said. “This garment then becomes a visual narrative tool, telling the stories of both the joys and the hardships of our people’s past, present, and future. At its very root, fashion has always been a collaborative effort to […] create community.”
Beyond advocacy, P[h]assion encourages students to embrace their identities while contributing to a broader conversation about inclusivity and empowerment. The organization achieves this through various initiatives, including mentorship programs and creative workshops, ensuring that young designers, models, and organizers feel seen and valued.
One key example of this integration is their work with local designer Oscar Mendoza, whose designs incorporate bold colors and intricate patterns. In Fall 2024, P[h]assion worked with Mendoza on a photoshoot that highlighted his vibrant pieces, embodying the city’s spirit of diversity and pride.
“Above all, we hope students walk away with a sense of community and belonging,” wrote Taryn Stibbe, U3 Arts and the other Co-President of P[h]assion. “Whether as designers, models, or organizers, everyone plays an equally important role in shaping our impact, and we hope students carry that sense of purpose beyond the club.”
Through creative partnerships and advocacy, P[h]assion works toward a future where self-expression is embraced and celebrated. By integrating fashion with activism, they provide students and community members with opportunities to connect, create, and support causes beyond the runway. Their efforts cement fashion’s capacity for change, helping individuals find confidence in their identities while contributing to a larger movement for equality and representation.
