CGLQ Political Sponsorship Program

What is LGBT political sponsorship?

Political sponsorship is an innovative CGLQ program that allows elected officials at all levels of government to formally commit to equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It is a public commitment through which a politician agrees to become a sponsor of the LGBT cause in their region or constituency.

This program is part of Quebec's tradition of defending human rights and aims to create a network of active political allies. Unlike mere symbolic support, sponsorship involves concrete actions: public statements, participation in events, legislative support and the promotion of inclusive policies.

The program has existed since the CGLQ was founded and has helped forge lasting ties between LGBT communities and Quebec's political sphere. Several elected officials from different parties have chosen to join, demonstrating that the defence of LGBT rights transcends party lines.

How politicians can participate

The sponsorship program is open to all Quebec and Canadian elected officials, whether municipal, provincial or federal. Here are the steps to becoming a sponsor:

1. Initial contact – The elected official contacts the CGLQ by email through the contact form or is approached by a Coalition representative.
2. Formal commitment – The politician signs a declaration of commitment confirming their support for the principles of equality and non-discrimination toward LGBT people.
3. Public announcement – Participation in the program is made public by the CGLQ and the elected official to maximize the impact of this commitment.
4. Ongoing action – The sponsor participates in awareness-raising activities, brings LGBT issues into political debates and supports CGLQ initiatives in their region.

The commitment is non-partisan: it is based solely on the conviction that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and equality, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Program objectives

The political sponsorship program pursues several complementary objectives that contribute to advancing LGBT rights in Quebec:

• Create a network of political allies – Build a network of political support across all regions of Quebec.
• Raise the visibility of LGBT issues – Keep equality and non-discrimination issues in public debate and on the political agenda.
• Promote inclusive legislation – Encourage the adoption and strengthening of laws protecting the rights of LGBT people.
• Combat institutional homophobia – Work with government bodies to eliminate discriminatory practices.
• Support regional communities – Provide political representation for LGBT people living outside major urban centres, who are often more isolated.
• Promote education – Raise awareness in political circles about the realities experienced by sexually and gender-diverse people.
• Strengthen public trust – Demonstrate that democratic institutions are actively committed to all citizens, without exception.

Benefits for communities

The political sponsorship program generates positive outcomes for both LGBT communities and Quebec society as a whole:

For LGBT people

• A stronger sense of recognition and legitimacy through the support of elected officials
• Easier access to political bodies where they can voice their concerns
• Greater visibility for issues affecting them in the media and public debates
• Concrete support in cases of discrimination or violence

For participating elected officials

• A better understanding of the realities experienced by some of their constituents
• A tangible commitment to human rights and inclusion
• Access to CGLQ expertise to inform their decisions

For society

• A stronger democratic fabric through the inclusion of all voices
• Reduced homophobia through the example set by elected officials
• Improved social cohesion through recognition of diversity

2026 context: the importance of political allies

In 2026, the role of political allies remains fundamental for Quebec's LGBT community. Despite the legislative advances of recent decades, new challenges continue to emerge:

• The rise of regressive rhetoric in some public spheres requires strong political voices in support of equality.
• The rights of trans and non-binary people require particular attention from legislators.
• Homophobic and transphobic cyberbullying is a growing issue requiring appropriate political responses.
• LGBT people outside major urban centres still need political representatives to make their voices heard.

The CGLQ sponsorship program is adapting to these new realities by offering elected officials updated tools and training. The goal is to ensure that every region of Quebec has at least one elected official formally committed to the rights of sexually and gender-diverse people.

To learn more or nominate an elected official, contact the CGLQ through the contact form.