Our mandate: defending the rights of LGBT persons in Quebec

The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Quebec

Founded in 1992, the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Quebec (CGLQ) is a Quebec-wide rights defence organization, incorporated under Part III of Quebec’s Companies Act (non-profit organization). Its mission is to defend, promote and represent the rights of LGBT communities and individuals in Quebec, which it represents at the UN ECOSOC.

It is composed of individual members and organizational members. Any person or organization that shares the values of equality and respect for diversity can join the CGLQ.

The CGLQ bases its action on respect for Section 10 of the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations. These two fundamental texts guarantee the equality of all persons, without distinction or exclusion based on sexual orientation.

To the best of its ability, the CGLQ is present in all national files concerning the realities and current issues of LGBT persons. This includes holding government authorities accountable, producing public lecture series, information sessions and professional training. It also maintains a presence in various media.

To promote LGBT rights, the CGLQ organizes, participates in and contributes to awareness campaigns on homosexuality, homophobia and the rights of these persons in Quebec and Canada. For the CGLQ, it is important that the general population and all these persons are well aware of the realities they experience and understand the rights and demands of these persons, in order to put an end to homophobia — social, individual and community — as well as strategies of exclusion, intimidation and rejection of which too many persons are still victims.

In 2026, despite the considerable legislative advances of recent decades, systemic discrimination persists in new forms: cyberbullying, violence against transgender and non-binary persons, prejudice in access to employment and services. The CGLQ remains more essential than ever in defending the rights of LGBT persons in Quebec.

An international presence

The CGLQ has been present on the international stage for many years. Its reach extends well beyond Quebec’s borders and allows it to carry the voice of Quebec’s LGBT persons to global bodies.

It is a member of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) and of Amnesty International. It is the founder of the Francophone Space for gays and lesbians, created at the ILGA World Conference in Rome, a unique initiative aimed at bringing together Francophone LGBT organizations from around the world.

It participates in international forums and presents conferences and workshops on the different realities specifically affecting LGBT persons in Quebec, sharing Quebec’s expertise with countries seeking equality.

Through the accreditation it holds with ECOSOC, the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (UN), the CGLQ ensures Quebec’s presence on the international stage. It is the sole Quebec-based organization to hold this privilege.

On July 24, 2007, the UN granted the CGLQ the status of global observer of the realities and issues experienced by LGBT persons — lesbians, gays, bisexuals and all transgender persons. This status allows it to report discrimination, violence and inequalities affecting LGBT persons to other major international institutions.

In 2026, the CGLQ continues its international advocacy by contributing to the UN’s periodic human rights reports, participating in global equality forums and denouncing situations of persecution of LGBT persons around the world. Its expertise is recognized in Quebec, Canada and internationally.

Concrete actions

The CGLQ intervenes on multiple fronts to improve the daily lives of LGBT persons in Quebec. Here are the main areas of action of the organization:

• Political interventions – Interventions with political and social leaders on all matters affecting LGBT persons, including participation in legislative work and the production of briefs
• Conferences and workshops – Production of public lecture series, information sessions and training for groups and professionals
• Specialized training – Training workshops for school settings, professional associations, police forces and community groups to demystify LGBT realities
• Media presence – Regular presence in regional, national and international media to inform the public on LGBT issues
• Information and awareness campaigns – Organization and contribution to campaigns to stop all forms of discrimination, intimidation and homophobia
• Rights defence – Defence of rights in general or in specific cases of discrimination
• Legal information – Informing LGBT persons of their legal rights and guiding them in their steps in cases of discrimination
• Referrals – Referring LGBT persons to other organizations according to their specific needs
• International representation – Reporting Quebec and Canadian LGBT issues to UN ECOSOC and international forums

LGBT+ rights in Quebec: a progressive legal framework

Quebec is recognized worldwide as one of the most advanced societies in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. This progressive legal framework constitutes the foundation upon which the CGLQ bases its action and represents a model that the organization promotes internationally through its status with UN ECOSOC.

As early as 1977, Quebec became the first Canadian province to include sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination in its Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. This pioneering provision laid the groundwork for a legal framework that has continued to strengthen over the decades. Section 10 of the Quebec Charter thus guarantees the equality of all persons, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Bill 32, adopted in 1999, was a decisive advance by granting same-sex partners the same rights and obligations as heterosexual partners in more than 40 Quebec laws, covering family, tax, social and succession law. The CGLQ actively participated in the preparatory work for this historic law. Subsequently, same-sex marriage was legalized in Canada in 2005, making the country the fourth in the world to recognize this union. Quebec, through its Court of Appeal, had already declared same-sex marriage constitutional in 2004.

As a leading Quebec LGBT organization, the CGLQ ensures respect for this legal framework and its concrete implementation. In 2026, despite these solid legal protections, challenges persist. Systemic discrimination particularly affects transgender and non-binary persons in access to health care and employment. Homophobia and transphobia in schools remain concerning, with high rates of cyberbullying targeting LGBTQ+ youth. The Quebec government’s Action Plan Against Homophobia and Transphobia, regularly renewed, reflects the need for continued vigilance.

The CGLQ collaborates with numerous LGBT organizations in Quebec to ensure the full implementation of these rights. For more information, see our detailed article on LGBT rights in Quebec.