The Corporations de développement communautaire (CDC) de la Montérégie and their members gathered for the second edition of Journée Arc-en-ciel on January 30, which focused on a crucial issue: the fight against transphobia and homophobia. This day of mobilization and awareness-raising gave organizations the tools they needed, while raising public awareness of these worrying realities.

An alarming context

Transphobic and homophobic manifestations are on the rise, a worrying situation highlighted by a recent survey by the GRIS-Montréal research and social intervention group. The study reveals a rise in hostile attitudes, particularly among young Quebecers.

Sébastien Legros, Director of CDC Vaudreuil-Soulanges, adds: "The rise in homophobic and transphobic manifestations demands a strong, united response from our communities. To remain silent is to let hatred gain ground. Let's act together, denounce intolerance and support those in need."

Édith Gariépy, Director of the CDC Beauharnois-Salaberry, also stresses the importance of affirming our values of inclusion in an uncertain global context: “The context of the change of government in the United States brings a great deal of anxiety, and it's important to demonstrate that here at home, the values of inclusion and openness still have their place.”

Jessica Grenon and Dominique Théberge, from the LGBT+ organization JAG, stressed the urgent need for action: "The increase in homophobic and transphobic manifestations is a disturbing reality that calls for an immediate collective response. At Le JAG, we work every day to support young people and adults in their identity and reality. This Journée Arc-en-ciel was a valuable opportunity to mobilize and equip allied organizations in the Montérégie region, because every action counts in the fight against hate."

A large-scale mobilization

At the heart of the day, an intellectual self-defense training session, led by Le JAG, enabled organizations to better respond to transphobic and homophobic discourse. The scale of the mobilization was obvious: over 200 community organizations from the Montérégie region took part in this essential initiative.

Johanne Nasstrom, of the Table régionale des organismes communautaires et bénévoles (TROC) de la Montérégie, reaffirmed the importance of concerted action: "Social justice is at the heart of autonomous community action. As community organizations, we need to join forces to create a strong and inclusive regional network. Only by working together can we be true allies for the LGBT+ community and contribute to a more just and egalitarian society."

A call for local solidarity

Rémi Pelletier, from the CDC Haut-Saint-Laurent, stressed the importance of a collective response: "Community organizations alone cannot meet the challenge of countering transphobia and homophobia. It is together, with the support of our partners and the public, that we can create safe and inclusive environments. The Journée Arc-en-ciel demonstrated that local solidarity can have a profound impact."

Concrete commitments for an inclusive future

The event also highlighted promising initiatives, such as the Inclusive Municipalities project, which encourages cities and municipalities to adopt policies promoting inclusion and diversity in municipal places and bodies.

At the press briefing, Mélanie Villeneuve, Mayor of Otterburn Park, took the floor to underline her municipality's commitment as an Inclusive Quebec Municipality. She emphasized the key role of municipalities in creating safe and inclusive spaces, stressing the importance of adopting concrete measures to combat hatred and discrimination.

Rainbow Day is a regional initiative in the Montérégie region, spearheaded by JAG LGBT+ organizations; TROC-Montérégie; and CDC de la Montérégie. The organizing committee is made up of Jessica Grenon and Dominique Théberge, JAG LGBT+; Catherine Jetté and Johanne Nasstrom, TROC-Montérégie; Virginie Bernier, CDC Roussillon; and Simon Proulx, CDC des Maskoutains.