The Luscious Ladies
Gartina J (Garth Johnson)
Ebony Goddess, fierce diva, multi-faceted artist. Creator, writer, singer, dancer, musician, and hypnotizing performer.
Gartina J, Garth Johnston—legendary member of the House of Pride—is a wonder to watch.
A gentle soul hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Garth comes to Montréal in the mid 1980s and discovers their many talents as they collaborate and perform with many of the city’s underground and professional stars alike. Ongoing training in dance, singing, and acting expands and guides Garth’s many skills and allows them to shine in the magical wonder of the theatre world as well as the mythical underground night life of Montreal in the late 80s and 90s. In 1993, Garth helps to create the House of Pride, and Gartina J becomes the glamorous superstar we know them to be. They flaunt their perfect physique, moving with prowess, dignity, and strength—a touch of sass, tons of class, and sometimes, yes, a little ass.
Gartina J’s brilliance, hyper-creative mind and genuine kindness, help House of Pride become an entertaining yet meaningful voice for justice in the face of intolerance—and their legacy continues to this very day. Forever our Sister!
In 2016, Garth Johnston / Gartina J left this plane of existence for a higher one, where they continues to shine their light through the House of Pride.
Gartina - we thank you for your love, and all the amazing art you create with us. We dedicate our new work to you.
Marta Marta (Martha Carter)
Mistress of dance, master teacher, director, performer, and brilliant mentor, Martha Carter is a powerful woman of many talents.
Martha meets Stephen LaReign Hues in her early dancing days, and joins him in his underground activism, where he ‘schools' her in the world of the Queer and fabulous arts. The influence of queer club culture inspires Martha’s choreography by introducing tenets of club culture—free expression, bold actions; wild, sexy theatrics.
When Martha and Stephen move into a huge warehouse space in Montreal in 1993, the foundation for House of Pride is built.
That same year, following Stephen / LaReign's inaugural performance at World Ball III, Marta Marta and Stephen envision working with a group and, within weeks, the universe brings them a bounty of gifted performers, including Garth Johnston, Jacques Besner, Joffrey Dumas, and Kiet Ha. The electric alchemy of the group is undeniable. Together these fierce performers create the House of Pride, influencing the queer club culture in Montreal and beyond forever.
Under Martha’s experienced guidance, House of Pride develops its many talents, and puts together some of the most memorable shows in Montréal during that time. As she uncovers her own diva and drag queen alter ego, Marta Marta’s presence becomes a source of strength for the group, helping them to tune into their own individual power and potential; to trust their own ‘feminine instincts' within.
Marta Marta—visionary, interdisciplinary artist and creative powerhouse—is forever in love with her ‘house’ family- not to mention house music, house dancing, house balls and house dressing(!) - and she remains a caring matriarch to HOP from her new perch on Vancouver Island, where she lives close to the her other family as well as ultimate goddess, Gaia, the true matriarch of us all.