About Fondation   Émergence

Fondation Émergence was founded in 2000 through the initiative of activist Laurent McCutcheon, then President and CEO of Gai Écoute, a support, helpline, and information center, (now known as Interligne).

In June 2003, Fondation Émergence established the world’s first national day against homophobia, which later became the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The inaugural edition featured the impactful "Shocking? For homophobes" campaign. May 17 was chosen as the official date for this observance, commemorating May 17, 1990, when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses.

Established in 2003, the Prize for the fight against homophobia (Prix de lutte contre l'homophobie) has been awarded annually to recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the fight against homophobia and transphobia. In 2014, the award was renamed the Laurent-McCutcheon Award, with its first recipient being Janette Bertrand.

In 2007, Fondation Émergence and Gai Écoute invited public figures to participate in the Pride Parade, providing vital support for the recognition of gay and lesbian rights. This initiative was later adopted by Fierté Montréal, further amplifying visibility and advocacy efforts.

Thanks to the initiative of Laurent McCutcheon, then President of Fondation Émergence, Quebec adopted a policy to fight against homophobia in December 2009. Fondation Émergence played a key role in the development and implementation of this policy.

With financial support from the Ministère de la Famille et des Aînés (Quebec Ministry of Families and Seniors), Fondation Émergence and Gai Écoute launched the Aging Gayfully program. This initiative aimed to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ realities among professionals working with seniors. Recognized internationally, the program has become a leading reference in the field of LGBTQ+ aging and inclusion.

Fondation Émergence organized a two-part exhibition: "Les Couples imaginaires" (The imaginary couples), featuring photographs by artist Olivia Ciappa, at Complexe Desjardins, and "Tomber dans l'œil" (Catch someone's eye) at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. This initiative brought together over 30 Quebec artistic personalities, posing as fictional same-sex couples to challenge perceptions and celebrate LGBTQ+ representation.

In collaboration with Aide aux trans du Québec (Help for Quebec trans people), Fondation Émergence published the first French-language guide to help companies foster the inclusion of trans employees. In 2019, the initiative expanded with the launch of the ProAllié program, designed to promote inclusive workplaces that respect and celebrate sexual and gender diversity.

On December 9, 2020, Fondation Émergence played a key role in the adoption of Quebec’s Act to protect persons from conversion therapies provided to change their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Since then, the organization has continued its efforts to raise awareness and prevent these harmful practices through its "Putting an end to conversion therapies" program.

After two decades of recognizing individuals and organizations committed to fighting homophobia and transphobia, Fondation Émergence launched the Gala Émergence—a festive evening of networking, featuring new award categories and celebrating those making a lasting impact on LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Fondation Émergence innovated once again with the launch of the Réseau Allié. This program aims to bring together and support companies that implement meaningful initiatives for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals while adopting an inclusive approach in their services.