The Predatory World of Montreal’s Nightlife

The Dangers of Being a Woman in Montreal's Nightclubs and Bars

Michelle Ilunga

Existing as a feminine-presenting person in a world that has long waged war on women is a daily feat of its own that is only exacerbated when going out at night.

As a young woman who goes out every now and then in a buzzing metropolitan city like Montreal, I know firsthand the stress and grief that ensues when out at night in spaces like clubs and bars. Being only 18 and new to the city, the nightlife scene was very unfamiliar. After a couple unsolicited grabs, some light hounding and harassment, I quickly learnt what it meant to be a woman existing in these spaces. Widely recognized as one of the country’s cultural and creative hubs, Montreal’s nightlife has been said to have a heartbeat of its own. The city’s scene has the ability to be wildly liberating and gratifying by giving people room to let loose and express themselves while getting together. This is seen with inclusionary events like Queer Night at Barbossa, invigorating throwback music at Rockette bar and more. However, this same positive scene can quickly become a breeding ground for misogyny and rape culture.

Rape culture has been defined as a subset of values, beliefs, and behaviors in a society that trivializes or normalizes sexual violence, including rape. Slut-shaming, vic- tim blaming and sexual objectification are all pillars of this culture. Unfortunately, rape culture is so deeply ingrained in our society’s psyche that these types of actions have become normalized and most people are unlikely to act when confronted with them. This bystander effect leads to attackers feeling entitled to inflicting harm due to the lack of backlash whilst also isolating victims. Thus creating a perpetual cycle of mistreatment and oppression.

When tackling the prevalence of rape culture in our social circles and practices, the factors and systems that empower this culture must be dissected at the root. For example, it’s very common to pass clubs that promote occasional “girls get in for free” policies. What may seem like a lucky money-saving opportunity is actually the active objectification and commodification of the women who oblige. This practice prompts the popular idea that if the product is free, then you’re the product. Thus making women the product, male guests the consumers and those in power—who