The province of Quebec is investing $148,000 in Diversité 02, a Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean-based organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ awareness and support, to expand its outreach through a series of informational kiosks at local events. The funding, announced Thursday, aims to proactively address rising concerns about homophobia and transphobia in the region, providing a visible presence and resources for young people and the wider community.
This investment is part of a larger $2.9 million commitment from the Quebec government, distributed to 21 organizations across the province working to promote inclusion and protect the rights of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. The funding comes at a complex moment, coinciding with a two-week strike by community organizations in Quebec, highlighting ongoing demands for increased support and resources.
Diversité 02, which employs nine people, plans to use the funds to establish a consistent presence at popular events like the Festival Virage, Jonquière en Musique, Regard, and Saguenay en Neige. The initiative, titled “Pas juste un kiosque! Prévenir l’homophobie et la transphobie en milieux jeunesse” (Not just a kiosk! Preventing homophobia and transphobia among youth), is a direct response to a growing need for inclusive spaces and educational opportunities, according to Roxanne Gervais, the organization’s director general.
Roxanne Gervais is the director general of Diversité 02. (Photo d’archives)
Photo : Radio-Canada / Béatrice Rooney
“For the past two or three years, we’ve been regularly contacted by different festivals wanting to be more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ communities and to have dedicated spaces,” Gervais explained. “They recognized the need to actively demonstrate support and provide resources.”
Creating Safe Spaces at Community Events
The kiosks will serve as “safe spaces” for young people attending these events, offering information, resources, and a welcoming environment. Diversité 02’s team of interveners will be on hand to answer questions, provide support, and distribute preventative materials. The organization intends to extend the reach of these kiosks beyond festivals, including participation in events like La Nuit des sans-abri (Night of the Homeless), demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity across diverse community settings.
Diversité 02 tient des kiosques de sensibilisation lors de différents événements au Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, chaque année.
Photo : La Presse canadienne / Facebook : Diversité 02
Investing in Intervention Training
Beyond the physical presence of the kiosks, the funding will also be used to enhance the training of Diversité 02’s intervention team. Gervais emphasized the importance of equipping her team with the skills to effectively respond to and support young people, and to navigate potentially challenging situations. “We want to ensure they are able to respond well, welcome young people, and know how to react appropriately,” she said.
The Quebec government’s commitment to combating homophobia and transphobia extends beyond this funding announcement. The Plan d’action gouvernemental de lutte contre l’homophobie et la transphobie (Government Action Plan to Combat Homophobia and Transphobia) outlines a comprehensive strategy for promoting equality and inclusion across the province. This plan includes initiatives focused on education, awareness-raising, and legal protections.
Eric Girard, the Minister responsible for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region and Member of the National Assembly for Lac-Saint-Jean, expressed his support for the initiative in a statement. “I am pleased with this important funding to support the fight against homophobia and transphobia in our communities,” Girard said. “This is crucial support for carrying out this fight on a daily basis with the population and with it, in a spirit of collective awareness of the need to change things durably to promote a more inclusive society.”
Context of Ongoing Community Strike
The announcement of this funding arrives as Quebec’s community organizations are engaged in a two-week strike, protesting for increased government funding and improved working conditions. The strike highlights the broader challenges faced by organizations providing essential services to marginalized communities, including those serving the LGBTQ+ population. The demands of the striking organizations include calls for sustainable funding models and recognition of the vital role they play in supporting vulnerable individuals. CBC News reported on the strike, detailing the concerns of organizations across the province.
Diversité 02’s work is particularly relevant in the context of a reported rise in hate speech and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The organization’s proactive approach, through the kiosks and enhanced training, aims to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the community. The funding will allow Diversité 02 to build on its existing efforts and expand its reach, providing vital support and resources to those who need them most.
Looking ahead, Diversité 02 will be focusing on implementing the kiosk project and developing the enhanced training program for its intervention team. The organization plans to begin deploying the kiosks at events in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region in the coming months, with a goal of reaching a wide audience and fostering a more inclusive community. Further updates on the organization’s initiatives will be available on their official website.
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