Gender equality depends on all people having the opportunity to participate fully in Canada's economic, social and political life. Removing systemic barriers with respect to sexual orientation, gender identity or expression through the inclusion of 2SLGBTQI+ communities will ensure a better future for all Canadians. This includes honouring and preserving the history of the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Canada and sharing it with Canadians and the world.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced $417,420 for The ArQuives, a 2SLGBTQI+ organization with national reach. This investment was made possible through Women and Gender Equality Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Community Capacity Fund, which provides capacity-building support to 2SLGBTQI+ organizations and networks to advance equality in communities across Canada.
The ArQuives was established over 50 years ago to aid in the recovery and preservation of 2SLGBTQI+ heritage by collecting, preserving, and sharing material documenting the histories of 2SLGBTQI+ people and their communities. Today, The ArQuives is recognized as the largest independent 2SLGBTQI+ archive in the world.
