PROJECT ORIGINS
Since the 1960s, LGBTQ+ communities have experienced numerous mobilizations that led to the creation of many community organizations and significant social and legal gains. Despite these advances, many goals remain to be achieved and obstacles to overcome.
LGBTQ+ community organizations have faced challenges in finding affordable, accessible, safe, and well-suited spaces tailored to their specific needs, located close to the living areas of their communities. Faced with this chellenge, it became clear that collective action was necessary. This is how the Espace LGBTQ+ project was initiated to address this urgent issue.
By pooling efforts and resources, Espace LGBTQ+’s mission is to support the improvement of conditions and accessibility for LGBTQIA2S+ social and cultural organizations, including by developing and managing through shared responsibility a network of inclusive and diverse community hubs. By joining forces, we aspire to overcome remaining obstacles and continue moving toward a better future for the LGBTQ+ community.
TIMELINE
1970
Founding of Coop Femmes to provide a socializing space outside of bars
1970
Several lesbian gathering places at Pôle Saint-Laurent/des Pins
These included Coop-Femmes, Women’s Information and Referral Centre, Powerhouse Gallery, and others.
1980
Relocation of LGBTQ+ communities within the Village to address the neighborhood's decline
1990
Discussions about creating a 'large community center'
We would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their contributions to the creation of the timeline:
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Alexandre Chanady
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Alexandre Savoie
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Archives lesbiennes du Québec
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Archives gaies du Québec
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Bruno Laprade
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Centre communautaire LGBTQ+ de Montréal
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Coalition des groupes jeunesses LGBTQ+
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Conseil québécois LGBT