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
2006
Needs assessment for Carrefour Arc-en-ciel. Project abandoned before completion.
This project was overseen by Fondation Mario Racine and was to be located above the Théâtre Olympia.
2008
Eviction of 8 LGBTQ+ organizations for renovations at 2075 Plessis Street.
Following the Plessis eviction and other challenges within the Village, a collective effort emerged to create a common space. Several organizations later came together (including Jeunesse Lambda and the Coalition of LGBTQ+ Youth Groups). After several years, this led to the creation of Astérisk. As for the building, the tenants were able to regain their spaces in less than a year.
2013
Creation of l’Astérisk, bringing together P10, Jeunesse Lambda, and Alterhéros
Over the years, l’Astérisk became too small to meet the growing demand.
2015
Other organizations join Pôle Préfontaine.
These include GRIS Montréal and the Coalition of LGBT Families.
We would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their contributions to the creation of the timeline:
-
Alexandre Chanady
-
Alexandre Savoie
-
Archives lesbiennes du Québec
-
Archives gaies du Québec
-
Bruno Laprade
-
Centre communautaire LGBTQ+ de Montréal
-
Coalition des groupes jeunesses LGBTQ+
-
Conseil québécois LGBT













