“Ignorance is the base of all discrimination; sexual diversity and gender diversity are no exception to the rule. Only education can overcome these injustices.”
Historical and legal context
A pioneer for equal rights, Québec was one of the world’s first jurisdictions to prohibit all forms of discrimination against homosexuals.
Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1969 and is now listed in the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms as a prohibited ground of discrimination. From equal to legal... It just took a law. In June 2002, the National Assembly of Québec unanimously passed a law recognizing civil unions between same-sex couples, giving them the legal freedom to adopt children or seek assisted reproduction. It goes without saying that married couples in Québec’s LGBTQ community enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples.
Maybe this will inspire you to pop the question or even marry your life partner during your visit to Québec!
Two major cities
Montréal is the metropolis of the province with more than 2 million inhabitants, and it boasts Québec’s largest gay district: the Village. Renowned worldwide, it is located around the Beaudry metro station and is a hub of festivities come summer.
The Village is home to more than 50 restaurants, shops, terraces and over twenty bars. A true crossroads of diversity, it is visited by people from the LGBTQ+ community, as well as by families and elderly people. From Mile-End to HoMa (Hochelaga-Maisonneuve) via the Plateau, each district offers different activities and places. The Tourisme Montréal website offers an interesting section for LGBTQ+ travellers.
In the city of Québec, rue Saint-Jean brings together the majority of LGBTQ+ businesses and those displaying the rainbow flag. Cafés, restaurants and shops coexist there. Drague Cabaret Club is the main LGBTQ+ bar in Québec City. Note that, for several years, the sector of rue Saint-Joseph in Saint-Roch has also been seen as a very “gay-friendly” neighbourhood.
Events and areas popular among LGBTQ+ visitors
Québecers like a good party, the LGBTQ+ community included. Here are some activities that might interest you.
CHARLEVOIX
May – Fierté Charlevoix takes place from Baie-Saint-Paul to Saint-Siméon and introduces you to its rich and diverse community. From the Fierté agricole, which highlights the Charlevoix region, to the drag queens of the Casino, including theatre and the visual arts, the entire region vibrates with the colours of the rainbow.
MONTRÉAL
July – The Festival MTL en Arts event showcases visual arts in the Village, and features artistic performances and works by some 200 artists.
August – Montréal Pride is more than just a parade, it’s the biggest LGBTQ+ festival in the francophone world. Eleven days of dancing and shows, capped off by the dazzling parade.
November – Founded in 1987, Image+Nation is Canada’s first LGBTQ+ film festival, and the second in North America.
February – Massimadi, an LGBTQ+ afro film and arts festival, takes place during Black History Month in February.
QUÉBEC
August to September – The Québec City Pride Festival is a socio-artistic celebration of LGBTQ+ pride in the heart of Québec City. Free shows, animation, theme nights and more.
SHERBROOKE
September – The Fierté Sherbrooke Pride event celebrates diversity in the Eastern Townships.
LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations
To help you find the ideal accommodation for your stay, our search engine includes a clever algorithm that will find all the LGBTQ+ friendly locations. In the search box (upper right), simply enter “LGBTQ+ accommodation” or “Gay friendly” for the desired results. Welcome one and all!