Oct 3, 2018
OUTSaskatoon Inc.
The first-ever national LGBTQ2S Centre Leadership Summit brought together over 40 leaders from across Canada to explore the creation of a national network of 2SLGBTQI+ community centres. The report documents shared priorities, needs, and next steps that laid the groundwork for what would later become The Enchanté Network.
The Canadian LGBTQ2S Centre Leadership Summit, held October 2–3, 2018 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, marked a historic moment for Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ movement. For the first time, leaders from across the country convened to discuss the realities, challenges, and opportunities of operating LGBTQ2S community centres.
The gathering—organized by OUTSaskatoon and sponsored by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)—brought together more than 40 representatives from every province and territory, alongside federal departments and community allies.
Key Highlights:
National Vision and Consensus:
Participants agreed on the need for a national network of LGBTQ2S centres to strengthen collaboration, share resources, and ensure equitable access to services across Canada.Identified Priorities:
Core and sustainable funding for community centres
Regular communication mechanisms (e.g., listserv, summits)
Professional development and shared policy tools
Inclusion of Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and QTPOC voices
Improved data collection and advocacy coordination
Formation of the Committee of 13+:
Each province and territory appointed representatives to develop a work plan for creating the network and hosting a second national summit.Partnership with CenterLink:
U.S.-based CenterLink offered mentorship and temporary hosting for a Canadian listserv, supporting the early coordination of centres nationwide.Legacy:
This Summit served as the foundation for The Enchanté Network, which would formally launch as Canada’s national network of 2SLGBTQI+ organizations in the years that followed.
The Final Report, authored by Eric Plamondon with contributions from Shaylyn White, captures the discussions, decisions, and vision that set the stage for national collaboration among LGBTQ2S organizations in Canada.