Quebec investing nearly $24 million to fight homophobia and transphobia

On Thursday, Quebec’s Minister responsible for the Status of Women and the fight against homophobia and transphobia, Martine Biron launched a five year action plan to fight homophobia and transphobia in the province.

The government says it will be investing $23.7 million to defending the rights, dignity and well-being of LGBTQ+ people.

The plan aims to improve the quality of life of people of all genders and sexualities. The investment will go to supporting organizations that work with LGBTQ+ people.

“At a time when we are seeing a disturbing rise in hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community around the world and in Quebec, this action plan is intended as a means of strengthening the actions of groups working with the community. It’s one more step towards a more open and welcoming Quebec,” said Martine Biron, Minister responsible for the Status of Women and the fight against homophobia and transphobia, in a press release.

The action plan is dedicated to the implementation of 44 measures deployed according to 5 major orientations:

Recognition of sexual and gender diversity ($4.6 million investment);
Respect and exercise of rights ($1 million investment);
Strengthening the community and support networks for LGBTQ+ people ($11 million investment); Access to and adaptation of public services ($1.5 million investment);
Strengthening the coherence and effectiveness of actions ($1.6 million investment).

In addition to this $19.7 million in funding, $4 million has been earmarked for the Bureau de lutte contre l’homophobie et la transphobie, whose mandate is to coordinate government efforts to prevent and counter homophobia and transphobia.