Defending equality
One of the main objectives of the Coalition gaie et lesbienne du Québec's mandate was to turn the word “equality” from a utopian ideal into a reality. In this regard, a major milestone has been reached in recent years, and the CGLQ has played a major role in the following achievements:
- Preparatory work for Bill 32;
- Collaboration with various government stakeholders on the recognition of same-sex partners (Ministry of Social Solidarity and the Régie des rentes du Québec);
- Participation in Canadian Senate hearings — Bill C-23;
- Involvement in the issue of civil marriage between same-sex partners (Canada and the United States);
- Interventions in several cases involving discrimination and bullying;
- Participation in the National Forum on Immigration and Citizenship (presentation of discussion workshops and preparation of a brief by the CGLQ Executive Council).
Promoting rights
Although issues concerning homosexuality have regularly made headlines in recent years and laws have been passed, this is still not enough. Given the nature of the system, certain gaps remain, and we must promote full equity.
Advocacy work also includes conducting a public information campaign to explain the differences between the various types of unions. To this end, the Coalition has delivered several talks and information sessions to a wide variety of audiences directly or indirectly affected by the cause.
We consider it equally important to support and encourage LGBT culture among the public, as well as the representation of homosexuality by broadcasters. They can prove to be powerful allies when it comes to fighting prejudice. Let us not forget that homophobia results from ignorance.
Promoting also means supporting the work of our partners and motivating and equipping associations, groups, and organizations in their efforts to combat discrimination and take concrete action to achieve this goal.
International representation
The Coalition gaie et lesbienne du Québec works closely with various groups emerging from the LGBT community throughout Quebec. Consultation makes it possible to take positions on various issues and move forward.
The Coalition is often approached by various regional, national, and international media outlets regarding topics related to homosexuality and homophobia. As a former board member of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), the CGLQ has shared its Quebec expertise with other countries seeking equality, as part of its consultative status with the UN / ECOSOC.
Major international events
- 1999 — International conference at King's College London: presentation of the Quebec model for human rights and recognition of minority rights (Bill 32);
- 2000 — United Nations Millennium Forum in New York: inclusion of discrimination based on sexual orientation in the NGO declaration;
- 2000 — “Creating Change” conference in Atlanta and International Network of Gay and Lesbian Officials conference in Phoenix;
- Participation in various ILGA world conferences in South Africa, the United States, Italy, and Switzerland;
- Creation of ILGA's Francophone network at the World Conference in Rome;
- 2006 — Presentation of training workshops as part of the Montreal OutGames;
- 2008 — Awarding of the 24th ILGA World Conference to Quebec City;
- Attainment of NGO status with the United Nations ECOSOC.
Training and awareness
Homophobia often results from ignorance. This is why the CGLQ developed various specialized training workshops for target groups to demystify homosexuality and highlight the issues LGBT people experience daily. The atmosphere encourages questions that would probably not have been asked in another setting.
The CGLQ offers training to any group that requests it: college and university groups, professional associations, police forces, and community groups.
Police training
The years 2005 and 2006 were marked by a major training initiative for all members of the Quebec City police force. In total, approximately 800 people received this training in small groups of 8 to 10 people. The success of these sessions led to an invitation to the annual police convention to present the model to other Quebec municipalities.
ILGA 2008 Conference
The CGLQ had been entrusted with organizing the 24th ILGA World Conference in Quebec City. The objective was to bring together the various North American LGBT organizations and associations to create an ILGA North American federation.
Unfortunately, a decision by the co-secretaries general of ILGA World to dissociate themselves from the CGLQ and the organizing committee on March 10, 2008, resulted in the conference being moved to Vienna, Austria, in November 2008.
This historical document provides an overview of the achievements of the Coalition gaie et lesbienne du Québec. A complete list of the organization's initiatives is beyond the scope of this presentation. The CGLQ remains available to provide further information and hopes that the pursuit of equality will be among your interests. To learn more about the organization's mandate and its board of directors, visit the dedicated pages.