Montréal

Policy

The acronym LGBTQ2+ refers to sexual and gender diversities including lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans,
queer, and two-spirited people. The “+” sign recognizes diverse identities not reflected in the acronym.
Variations such as LGBTQ+ and LGBTQIA2S are sometimes used.
Montreal wants :

  • Recognition of the diversity of needs within LGBTQ2+ communities
  • Access to municipal services
  • People in the city to feel safe
  • Fight against the social profiling of LGBTQ2+ communities
  • The revitalization of the village

Goal

As part of its commitment to LGBTQ2+ communities, Montréal is taking action to become a more
inclusive city and combat prejudice and discrimination.

Focus Areas

2019, LGBTQ2+ communities and partner organisations were consulted to better understand the
challenges and barriers LGBTQ2+ communities face in accessing city services
2. Modification of the Montreal Charter of Rights and responsibilities in 2021
Montreal added discrimination based on gender identity and expression, lesbophobia and transphobia
with other elements about discrimination at large already included in the Charter to combat
homophobia.
3. Educating and training city employees
Montréal has developed awareness tools to help its employees learn more about the realities of
LGBTQ2+ communities and to prevent all forms of discrimination. Specifically, the city has pledged to:

  • Train 200 city employees, including police officers, on sexual and gender diversity issues each year
  • Produce a lexicon to help employees understand the different realities of LGBTQ2+ people, along with a guide to support employees in transition.

4. Fostering community initiatives
Montréal assists the most vulnerable LGBTQ2+ people at risk of social exclusion by:

  • Supporting Interligne, a specialised front-line centre
  • Funding the Montréal Pride festival
  • Supporting LGBTQ2+ organisations in the access of community space

Municipal sectors/services involved

Police department, Diversity and Social inclusion department, Mayor’s cabinet, districts, City’s department of Culture, neighbourhoods.
Collaboration with advocacy / interest groups, NGO´s, healthcare
Fondation Emergence, for training

Which administration section will implement the policy?

Diversity and social inclusion department, important Arrondissements such as Ville-Marie, downtown
Montreal. The rights of the LGBTQ2+ community in Montreal is an important matter addressed on a
transversal way.