Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Quebec (CGLQ)

Presentation of the CGLQ

For those who are not familiar with the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Quebec (CGLQ), it is our pleasure to provide a comprehensive presentation of our organization. The Coalition is a Quebec-wide organization dedicated to the defence of rights, incorporated under Part III of Quebec’s Companies Act (non-profit organization).

Founded in 1992, our organization has the mandate to defend, promote and represent the rights of LGBT communities and individuals in Quebec. Any person, regardless of sexual orientation, can become a member of the CGLQ, individually or collectively.

The CGLQ has been equipped with a new Board of Directors, composed primarily of LGBT organizations from across Canada. With a team of dedicated volunteers, it continues to pursue programs of training, information and demystification of the realities experienced by lesbian and gay persons in Quebec.

Thanks to the work of persevering individuals, the CGLQ has remained for several years the only Quebec-based observer of LGBT realities and issues in Quebec and Canada for the UN ECOSOC. The privilege of its UN accreditation allows the reporting of discrimination, violence and inequalities affecting LGBT persons to other major international institutions.

The expertise of researchers and professionals associated with the CGLQ is recognized in Quebec, in Canada and internationally. It contributes to the development of new prevention, awareness and anti-homophobia tools. The CGLQ works with several organizations, including the CReACC-DiversityS (Centre for Research and Cultural and Community Activities on Diversities) and has the support of the IRQR (Iranian Railroad Queer Refugees).

To Defend Equality

One of the principal objectives of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Quebec has been to bring the concept of “equality” from utopia to reality. In this direction, a major milestone was reached in recent years, and the CGLQ played an important role in the following achievements:

• Preparatory work related to Bill 32;
• Collaboration with various government stakeholders on the recognition of same-sex partners (Ministry for Social Solidarity and the Quebec Pension Plan);
• Presence at hearings of the Canadian Senate on Bill C-23;
• Intervention in the file of civil marriage for same-sex partners (Canada and the United States);
• Interventions in several files concerning discrimination and intimidation;
• Participation in the National Forum on Immigration and Citizenship (workshops and a report produced by the Executive Council of the CGLQ).

In 2026, the CGLQ continues to monitor and intervene on equality issues, including systemic discrimination, the rights of transgender and non-binary persons, and the fight against homophobic cyberbullying.

To Promote Rights

Although issues relating to homosexuality and homophobia have frequently made the headlines, and even if laws have been adopted, it is not enough to guarantee full social equality despite greater legal equality. Because the system is what it is, several gaps remain.

We therefore work to promote fuller equity, including retroactive fairness (for example, in pension and survivor benefits). We also develop information initiatives within LGBT communities to clarify the differences between the various forms of legal union. The Coalition has delivered conferences, information sessions and specialized training to a wide range of audiences.

We also consider it important to support and encourage LGBT culture and creativity within the general population, and to promote accurate representation of homosexuality through media channels. These can be powerful allies when it comes to combating prejudice. Homophobia still often results from lack of knowledge.

Promoting also means supporting the actions of our partners, motivating and equipping associations, organizations and groups engaged in the collective fight against discrimination with concrete means to achieve their goals.

To Represent on the International Stage

To ensure the effective fulfilment of its mandate, the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Quebec works in close cooperation with various organizations emerging from LGBT communities throughout the Quebec and Canadian territory. Dialogue makes it possible to take positions on current issues and to move forward collectively. Our entire mission rests on representing the interests and rights of LGBT persons in Quebec.

The Coalition is often approached by regional, national and international media regarding topics related to homosexuality and homophobia. Our expertise supports in-depth interviews, and helps highlight Quebec and Canada’s role in advancing human rights beyond our borders.

This leadership has placed us on the international stage for many years. The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Quebec has participated in several international conferences and has been recognized on multiple occasions as a leader on LGBT rights.

As a former member of the Board of Directors of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), the CGLQ shared Quebec’s experience with other countries pursuing equality, while also strengthening its own capacity to serve local partners. It is essential to note that this regular international exchange not only contributes to obtaining fundamental rights for participating countries, but also serves to adequately equip our organization so that we can consistently offer services that meet the expectations of local applicants and partners.

International Events

Here are some international events in which the Coalition has participated over the years:

• Summer 1999 – International conference at King’s College London gathering lawyers from Commonwealth member states, supreme court judges from Australia, South Africa, Canada, the United Kingdom, the International Court of the United Nations, Norway and the Netherlands. Goal: to present the Quebec model in human rights and recognition of minority rights (Bill 32);
• Tourism Montreal collaboration – Meetings with the North American gay press to present Montreal’s “gay-friendly” profile and to explain Bill 32;
• ILGA World Conferences – Participation in conferences in South Africa, the United States, Italy, Switzerland, and more;
• International support – Assistance in Ecuador, Uganda, Fiji, the State of Vermont and elsewhere in their pursuit of equality;
• May 2000 – Participation in the UN Millennium Forum in New York (inclusion of discrimination based on sexual orientation in the declaration of participating NGOs). This declaration was presented to heads of state and government gathered in New York for the Millennium Summit;
• ILGA Francophone space – Creation of ILGA’s French-speaking space in collaboration with other Francophone and Francophile gay groups at the ILGA World Conference in Rome;
• Atlanta 2000 – Participation in the “Creating Change” conference and the International Network of Gay and Lesbian Officials in Phoenix (Arizona);
• Tupilak Gold Award – Award given to Mrs. Claudine Ouellet (former Executive Director of the CGLQ) in Sweden for her very active participation at the Millennium Forum of NGOs in New York and in developing a joint declaration on the political, social and cultural rights of homosexuals;
• OutGames Montreal 2006 – Presentation of training workshops within the framework of the OutGames held in Montreal;
• Quebec City 2008 – Obtaining the 24th ILGA World Conference for Quebec City, also celebrating the city’s 400th anniversary;
• ECOSOC status – Obtaining NGO status with the ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council);
• Ottawa 2014 – Participation in the Social Forum of the Peoples of Ottawa with workshops on aging, diversity, and anti-sexist and anti-racist education.

Training and Awareness

Specialized Workshops

We know that homophobia often results from ignorance. This is why we developed specialized training workshops for targeted groups to demystify homosexuality and highlight the issues faced by LGBT people in everyday life. The format encourages questions that might not be asked in other settings.

We offer training to any group that requests it. To date, we have developed experience with college and university students, professional associations, police forces and community groups.

Police Forces Training

The years 2005 and 2006 were marked by a major training program delivered to all members of the Quebec City police forces. A total of approximately 800 people participated in small groups of 8 to 10 persons. The success of these meetings was so considerable that we were invited to the annual police congress to present the training model to other Quebec municipalities. Many of them expressed great interest in this pioneering program.

International – The 24th ILGA Conference

The CGLQ was entrusted with the mandate to organize the 24th ILGA World Conference in Quebec City. Through this assembly, we aimed to bring together LGBT organizations in the United States and Canada to create a North American ILGA federation.

Unfortunately, a decision by ILGA’s World Co-Secretaries separated the CGLQ and the Quebec ILGA 2008 Organizing Committee on March 10, 2008. Following this decision, the conference was postponed and relocated to Vienna, Austria, in November 2008.

The CGLQ in 2026

In 2026, the CGLQ’s commitment is more necessary than ever. Despite the legislative advances of recent decades, LGBT individuals continue to face significant challenges: systemic discrimination, violence, inequalities in access to services, and the persistence of homophobia in certain environments.

The CGLQ remains an essential voice for these communities, with ongoing efforts in:

• Monitoring and reporting on LGBT rights issues to the United Nations through its ECOSOC observer status;
• Developing new prevention and awareness tools against homophobia and LGBT-phobias;
• Advocating for the rights of transgender and non-binary persons;
• Combating cyberbullying and online hate targeting LGBT communities;
• Collaborating with international organizations to advance human rights globally.

Quebec is recognized as one of the most progressive societies in terms of LGBT rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005, and the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding systemic discrimination and the full inclusion of transgender persons.

Conclusion

This document was designed to give an overview of what the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Quebec is. It is impossible to list all achievements here. We will be pleased to provide additional information upon request. We hope that the pursuit of equality is also part of your interests and that future collaboration is possible.

David Risse, President of the CGLQ

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