Aug 13, 2025
The Enchanté Network
Momentum in Motion: Building Together, Rooted in Care
What does momentum look like when it’s grounded in community?
Sometimes, it’s 10,000 people seeing a post about Black queer joy in Halifax. Other times, it’s 85 organizations and 25 academics uniting to demand better gender-affirming care in British Columbia. It’s a board recruitment form that dares to imagine new leadership, vendors showing up, advocates holding space, and members making room for one another.
This month, instead of just looking ahead, I’ve found myself pausing to notice what’s already moving around us. Our membership has now grown to nearly 300 Organizations, a sign of how much can happen when we show up, participate, and care together. Each highlight in this issue—whether it’s a new campaign in New Brunswick, a summit moment, or a call for new board voices—reminds me that real change isn’t about one big leap, but about the everyday steps we take as a community.
Across provinces, across languages, across lived experiences, our network grows because we’re rooted in something deeper than visibility: we are held together by care—and we move forward, together.
Thank you for being part of this journey,
In Solidarity,
Executive Director,
The Enchanté Network / Le réseau Enchanté
Featured Story: Advocacy in Action – A Letter to BC
On August 7, something powerful happened: more than 110 organizations and academics came together and spoke as one. The Enchanté Network, alongside 85 2SLGBTQI+, feminist, and healthcare organizations and 25 academics, delivered a message to the BC Minister of Health that couldn’t be ignored—expand access to gender-affirming care.
Gender-affirming care is not a trend. It is healthcare. It is dignity. It is survival.
This collective action demonstrates the strength and solidarity of our network. By standing together, we amplify the call for healthcare that respects dignity and saves lives—and we show what’s possible when communities and allies unite for change.
Read the full letter and learn more about how this advocacy is making an impact:
Inspired to bring this kind of momentum to your own region?
📢 Let’s connect and keep the momentum going.
Regional Highlights: Black Queer Canada in Halifax
What does it look like when a movement goes on tour?
July saw Black Queer Canada/ Noir·e·s et queer au Canada bring their vibrant movement to the East Coast, lighting up Halifax with their first-ever regional summit in the city. The event pulsed with energy—a bustling marketplace, a social media takeover, and a presence rooted deeply in community connection.
10,000+ organic Instagram impressions
200+ new followers
New collaborations and vendor interest
“This was our first time in Halifax—and it felt like home.”
The momentum doesn’t stop here.
Next up: Calgary (September)
Join the movement—follow @blackqueercanada, share this with your circle, or invite a friend to the next stop. Community is stronger when everyone’s in the room.
Federal Advocacy in Action: Funding the Future of 2SLGBTQI+ Communities
This summer, The Enchanté Network—alongside over 50 organizations from coast to coast—delivered an urgent message to the Government of Canada: it’s time to fund the future of 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
Our 2025 pre-budget submission lays out a practical, forward-thinking vision for inclusion, equity, and resilience. Here’s what we’re calling for:
Three Key Investments for Systemic Change
$2 million/year for the Community Capacity Fund
$1.5 million for 2SLGBTQI+ Health Research
$15 million for Canada’s LGBTQ2I+ International Assistance Program
This is not just funding—it’s infrastructure for inclusion, survival, and sovereignty.
Why These Investments Matter
The Community Capacity Fund provides a vital safety net for organizations on the front lines, helping them continue life-saving work in increasingly hostile environments.
Investment in health research targets persistent gaps in care, especially for trans, racialized, and rural communities.
The International Assistance Program acknowledges Canada’s global responsibility to support LGBTQI+ people facing violence, criminalization, and displacement.
What we’re really asking for is a future where every 2SLGBTQI+ person can live with pride, purpose, and hope. Each recommendation is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves safety, respect, and the freedom to be themselves. This is how we move from survival to true belonging.
Get Involved or Learn More
While the full pre-budget submission isn’t published here, we’re happy to share key highlights and our rationale. Contact us to learn more, request details, or discuss how you can support this advocacy.
Let’s work together to build a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient future for all.
Additional Advocacy effort
Board Recruitment: Help Lead the Future
The Enchanté Network is growing—and so is our vision for what’s possible. As we look ahead, we’re inviting new voices to join our Board of Directors and help guide the next chapter of our work.
We’re seeking visionary, equity-driven leaders who are passionate about community-led change and governance rooted in care. This is an opportunity to shape a national network that serves over 200 2SLGBTQI+ organizations across Canada, and to help set the direction for advocacy, capacity-building, and connection in the years ahead.
✨ We especially welcome applications from those with lived experience in 2SLGBTQI+ organizing, nonprofit governance, and intersectional equity work. Diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and skills make our network stronger.
If you’re ready to bring your experience, passion, and commitment to the table, we want to hear from you.
🗓️ Applications are due October 30th, 2025
Not sure if it’s the right fit, or have questions about the role?
Reach out—we’re happy to chat about what board service means and how your voice could help shape the future of The Enchanté Network / Le réseau Enchanté.
Together for Change: Conference Season Begins
The countdown is on!
Mark your calendars and get ready to join 2SLGBTQI+ leaders, advocates, and allies from across Canada for a powerful gathering of ideas, inspiration, and collective action. Our national Together for Change conference returns this fall—and we can’t wait to welcome you.
Attending Together for Change last year was transformative. I left feeling connected, inspired, and ready to take action in my own community. — Past Attendee
Have you joined us before?
Share your favourite moment or biggest takeaway in the comments, or post about your experience on LinkedIn using #TogetherForChange and tag us. Your story could inspire someone new to join this year’s event!
🗓️ Save the Date: October 15th - 17th
Together for Change Conference
Location: [TCC Collaboration Centre, Ottawa, Ontario: 150 Elgin St Floor 8 Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4]
Expect inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect with changemakers from coast to coast. Whether you’re a returning member or joining us for the first time, you’ll find space to learn, lead, and help spark real change.
🎟️ Early bird registration launches this month—members get priority access and discounts!
🎤 Presenter announcements and keynotes to be unveiled in September!
Interested in sponsorships or partnerships? Contact info@enchantenetwork.ca
Spread the word, tag a colleague, or invite your network—Together for Change is where our community comes together!
In Case You Missed It
July was a month of momentum and connection across The Enchanté Network:
📈 Membership reached nearly 300—and continues to grow.
🏳️⚧️ Over 110 organizations and academics united in an open letter to the BC Minister of Health, demanding expanded access to gender-affirming care.
🌈 Black Queer Canada’s Halifax summit brought new energy, collaborations, and community connections.
💡 Board recruitment is underway—inviting visionary leaders to help guide our future.
🗓️ The countdown to the Together for Change conference has begun—early bird registration opens soon!
Want to be part of what’s next?
Get involved, share your ideas, or invite someone new to join our network. Every action—big or small—helps us grow stronger, together.
Thank you for showing up, for supporting one another, and for building a future rooted in care. We’re so glad you’re with us.
Connect with The Enchanté Network / Le réseau Enchanté
🌈 Who We Are: The Enchanté Network supports over 200 2SLGBTQI+ organizations across Canada. We build capacity, amplify impact, and drive systemic change.
Our work is focused on:
Empowering members to grow their organizational capacity and deliver community-rooted services
Breaking down silos by connecting members and fostering collaboration
Advocating to funders and governments for what our communities truly need
How you can get involved:
📚 Explore Resources: Access toolkits, templates, and best practices for grassroots work
🗓️ Attend Workshops: Register for upcoming sessions and capacity-building events. 💸 Funding Alerts: Stay informed about grants, microfunding, and fellowships 📩 Stay Connected: Sign up to never miss an update.
Why Become a Member?
🤝 Networking: Build meaningful connections with peers and organizations nationwide
📈 Capacity Building: Access programs tailored to grassroots organizations. 📣 Advocacy:Make your needs and priorities part of our national policy work
🎓 Exclusive Programs: Join mentorship streams and apply for microgrants.
Ready to grow with us?
Discover more and become part of a thriving, supportive network at www.enchantenetwork.ca
#EnchantéNetwork #2SLGBTQILeadership #InclusiveCommunities #QueerFuturesNow