“I want this fight plan to be a response to counter violence, intimidation and intolerance,” said Minister Martine Biron on Thursday, unveiling Quebec’s new plan for the fight against homophobia and transphobia.
In total, Quebec is injecting $24 million into the fight against homophobia and transphobia in its new 2023-2024 plan. The Minister of the Status of Women Martine Biron, responsible for the file, made the announcement Thursday at a press conference. The “lion’s share” of this budget will go to community organizations that work on the ground with the different LGBTQ+ communities, or $11 million.
The director general of the Quebec LGBT Council, James Galantino, welcomed this announcement. He called it a “balm for the heart” during these difficult times for communities.
“The rise of intolerance is our new daily life, and we don’t know what we did to deserve such a fate,” he said.
Minister Biron also highlighted her concern about the rise in hate speech and harassment against LGBTQ+ people. Speeches, according to her, came from the United States.
The new plan contains five directions that will affect all Quebec ministries, said Ms.me Biron.
More details to come.