Gay Globe Media (Photos : Gay Globe Media)
Mayoral candidate and leader of Ensemble Montréal, Ms. Soraya Martinez Ferrada, invited the press to Parc de l’Espoir in Montreal’s Gay Village on August 7 to make important announcements concerning LGBTQ+ community organizations that receive part of their funding from the City of Montreal.
During the press conference, she made a clear and firm commitment: to provide stable and structured financial support to frontline community groups that defend the rights and well-being of people from sexual and gender diversity communities.
“It’s deeply concerning that essential organizations like Interligne have to fight for funding year after year. My administration will be there to support these frontline services consistently. This is a clear commitment I am making,” stated the candidate.
Photo caption: Left – Roger-Luc Chayer from Groupe Gay Globe Média; Right – Ms. Soraya Martinez Ferrada
Interligne on the Frontlines—But Without a Safety Net
Interligne, which responded to nearly 20,000 calls for help last year, is among the hardest hit by the withdrawal of municipal funding. In spring 2023, its nighttime crisis line came close to shutting down due to a lack of resources. And Interligne is not alone—several other LGBTQ+ organizations in Montreal are facing similarly precarious situations.
Interligne’s leadership welcomed the candidate’s pledges.
“In the current context where violence against LGBTQ+ communities is on the rise, our team appreciates this commitment, which underscores the importance of supporting frontline organizations,” said Pascal Vaillancourt, Executive Director of Interligne.
A Three-Part Action Plan
Ensemble Montréal’s platform includes several concrete measures aimed at addressing the current challenges:
- An annual $1 million envelope for frontline LGBTQ+ organizations, distributed based on each group’s mission and real needs.
- Financial support for the development of the LGBTQ+ Space, an ambitious project designed to house community organizations while revitalizing the heart of the Village.
- The swift creation of an LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, composed of engaged citizens from sexual and gender diverse communities, to advise the City on relevant policies and initiatives.
For Julien Hénault-Ratelle, Ensemble Montréal’s spokesperson on LGBTQ+ community relations, the issue goes well beyond simple budget lines:
“The lack of stable funding puts the health and safety of thousands at risk. Montreal has a duty to recognize the invaluable role these organizations play and to support them in a sustainable way.”
A Call to Action
In a city where the needs of LGBTQ+ communities remain pressing and where social gains can feel fragile, this campaign promise could resonate far beyond the election trail.
Of course, none of this will be possible unless Montrealers show up at the polls on November 2, 2025, and choose to elect a new municipal administration. Let’s not forget: during the last election, voter turnout was strikingly low—allowing Valérie Plante and Projet Montréal to secure the mayoralty almost by default.
👉 Also read: Our article on voter turnout statistics from the last election. (French)
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