The small village of Chenevelles in the Vienne department of France has become an unlikely hub for LGBT+ pride, drawing thousands of visitors each summer since 2026. What began as a casual conversation has grown into a national event that challenges the notion that rural areas are unwelcoming to the LGBT+ community.
With a permanent population of just 482, Chenevelles swells to nearly 5,000 during the annual Pride event, held on the last Saturday of July. The event, organized by the association Fiertés rurales aims to make rural areas more attractive to LGBT+ individuals by providing a platform for political advocacyvisibility and celebration.
From Casual Conversation to National Event
The idea for the Pride in Chenevelles was born during a casual gathering in 2026. Étienne Deshoulières, an attorney based in Paris but with roots in Chenevelles, suggested the idea jokingly to Cyril Cibert, the village’s mayor. Deshoulières then presented the concept to Stop homophobie an association he works with, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Grégory Singer, president of Fiertés rurales explains that the event was designed to counter the stereotype that rural areas are inhospitable to LGBT+ individuals. ‘We wanted to show that not only are we accepted, but we are welcomed in villages that are looking to revitalize themselves,’ Singer says. The event has also attracted LGBT+ individuals who choose to settle in rural areas in the latter part of their lives.
The Pride Experience: Drag Queens and Tractors
Each year, the Pride in Chenevelles features a march followed by a festival with performances by around twenty artists. The event is a collaborative effort, with local volunteers of all ages helping to set up the stage, bar, and decorations. Many of these volunteers camp on-site during the event, which is scheduled after the main harvest season to ensure maximum participation.
The Pride has become a family-friendly event, with children delighting in the spectacle of drag queens perched on tractors or bales of hay. This unique blend of rural and urban elements has garnered significant media attention, thanks in part to the efforts of Étienne Deshoulières and the notability of Mathieu Ceschin, the event’s parrain and a former contestant on M6’s L’Amour est dans le pré.
Growing Popularity and Challenges
The Pride in Chenevelles has seen remarkable growth, attracting around 400 participants in its inaugural year and swelling to 4,000 last year. While the event has gained national recognition, it has also faced challenges. In 2026, activists targeted a Carrefour stand, criticizing the company’s activities in Israel and the West Bank, which sparked controversy.
Despite its success, the event has encountered financial hurdles. Grégory Singer is currently seeking 18,000 euros to meet this year’s budget, highlighting the ongoing need for support. Nevertheless, the Pride in Chenevelles continues to inspire and attract attention, with Fiertés rurales being invited to participate in various events, including a short film festival, a conference at Sciences Po Paris and a panel discussion at the Jeu de paume.
