CGLQ Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Coalition gaie et lesbienne du Québec (CGLQ) oversees the organization's sound governance, the consistency of its actions, and compliance with its mission. Chaired by David Risse, it ensures an inclusive, respectful, and safe working environment, and promotes a prevention and information-based approach in support of LGBT rights in Quebec.
Role and mission of the Board of Directors
The CGLQ Board of Directors is the organization's central decision-making body. Its primary responsibility is to oversee the sound governance of the Coalition gaie et lesbienne du Québec, ensuring that every action taken remains consistent with the organization's founding mission: to defend, promote, and represent the rights of LGBT people in Quebec.
Since its founding in 1992, the CGLQ has distinguished itself through its unwavering commitment to social and legal equality. The Board upholds this vision by ensuring, in particular:
- An inclusive, respectful, and safe working environment for all members, volunteers, and partners of the organization;
- A prevention and information-based approach in all CGLQ activities;
- The consistency of actions undertaken with the organization's values and mission;
- Compliance with the bylaws and the legal obligations of the non-profit organization.
The Board meets regularly throughout the year. Together, the president and its members, elected at the Annual General Meeting, develop the upcoming action plan and ensure the proper implementation of the plan presented to members. The Board positions the CGLQ as a major stakeholder in the social, political, and economic realities of LGBT people, both nationally and internationally, and also works to ensure its sustainability.
Members of the Board of Directors
The members of the Board of Directors volunteer their time and expertise in support of the CGLQ's mission. The current composition of the Board is as follows:
| Position | Name | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| President | David Risse | Write to us |
| Director | Joachim Alegret | — |
| Director | Maxime Paradis | — |
| Director | André Phan | — |
| Director | Paul Durber | — |
Each director brings a unique and complementary perspective, enabling the Board to make informed decisions on issues affecting Quebec's LGBT communities. President David Risse coordinates the Board's work and represents the CGLQ before government bodies, the media, and international partners.
Strategic directions for 2026
In 2026, the CGLQ Board of Directors continues its mission with renewed strategic priorities, adapted to the contemporary challenges facing LGBT people in Quebec and around the world.
Strategic direction
Define the CGLQ's key directions for the years ahead, based on a rigorous analysis of the needs of Quebec's LGBT communities. The Board identifies action priorities, allocates the necessary resources, and regularly assesses the results achieved.
Partnerships
Strengthen and develop strategic partnerships with community organizations, government institutions, and international organizations. These alliances enhance the CGLQ's capacity for action and broaden its reach.
International representation
Maintain and strengthen the CGLQ's presence on the international stage, particularly with ECOSOC-UN. The CGLQ remains the only accredited Quebec NGO serving as a global observer of LGBT realities and issues at the United Nations.
The Board is also committed to supporting the development of new prevention and awareness tools, in collaboration with specialized researchers and practitioners. These efforts aim to combat all forms of discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Governance principles
The CGLQ's governance is based on three fundamental principles that guide all decisions and actions of the Board of Directors:
Transparency
The Board of Directors is committed to complete transparency in its management. Strategic decisions, budgetary directions, and activity reports are communicated to members at general meetings. This transparency is essential to maintaining the trust of members, partners, and the communities served.
Inclusion
Inclusion is at the heart of the CGLQ's mission. The Board ensures that the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and experiences is represented in decision-making processes. This means actively listening to the voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people from every region of Quebec, and ensuring that programs and services meet their actual needs.
Accountability
Each member of the Board of Directors is accountable for their decisions to the organization's members. The Board reports through detailed annual reports and general meetings where members can ask questions, express their concerns, and contribute to the organization's future directions.
Connection with Quebec's LGBT communities
The CGLQ Board of Directors maintains close ties with LGBT communities throughout Quebec. These ties take several forms:
- Regional coordination: The CGLQ works closely with community organizations and regional groups to ensure that local realities are taken into account in national directions.
- Member consultation: The Annual General Meeting allows individual and organizational members to participate in strategic decisions and elect the Board's directors.
- Training programs: The Board supports training and awareness programs for professionals, police forces, educational institutions, and community organizations.
- Media representation: The CGLQ regularly responds to requests from regional, national, and international media concerning issues affecting LGBT people.
Through its accreditation with ECOSOC-UN, the Board of Directors also ensures Quebec's presence on the international stage regarding LGBT rights. The CGLQ remains the only Quebec organization to hold this privilege.
CGLQ structure and history
To learn more about the CGLQ's internal organization and history, see the following pages:
CGLQ structure
Discover the CGLQ's organizational chart, how the Board of Directors operates, and the allocation of responsibilities within the organization.
View the structure →CGLQ history
Trace the CGLQ's key milestones since its founding in 1992, its major achievements, and its progress on the national and international stage.
Read the history →Frequently Asked Questions About the Board of Directors
Who chairs the CGLQ Board of Directors?
The CGLQ Board of Directors is chaired by David Risse. As President, he provides strategic leadership for the organization and represents it before government bodies, partners, and the media. You can contact him by email through our contact form.
How many members are on the Board of Directors?
The CGLQ Board of Directors currently has five members: President David Risse and four directors — Joachim Alegret, Maxime Paradis, André Phan, and Paul Durber. Members are elected at the Annual General Meeting.
What is the role of the Board of Directors?
The Board of Directors ensures the organization's sound governance, the consistency of its actions, and compliance with the CGLQ's mission. It sets strategic directions, oversees partnerships, ensures the organization's international representation, and maintains an inclusive, respectful, and safe working environment.
How can I contact the Board of Directors?
You can contact the CGLQ Board of Directors by email at Write to us. For any other inquiries, visit our contact page.