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
1993
Between 1980 and 1993, the Gilford School housed several lesbian organizations until their eviction in 1993 due to the building’s sale.
Among the tenants were notably: Arts et gestes, Atelier d'autodéfense, Café-biblio Labyris, and the Lesbian Archives Traces. The Gilford School was also used by various organizations, groups, and initiatives for special events, and hosted informal group meetings.
1998
Discussion on certain issues in the Village, including a multiservice center and a cultural center.
Led by the Quebec Gay Chamber of Commerce.
2003
Discussions for the creation of Carrefour Arc-en-ciel
2005
Move-in of Fondation Émergence and Interligne to Pôle Préfontaine
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