Helem Montréal

Helem Montréal is an organization that works for the rights and visibility of LGBTQIA+ people from Middle Eastern, Maghrebian and North African communities in Montreal, Canada.

• Increased inclusion and visibility: Helem Montréal aims to increase the inclusion and visibility of LGBTQIA+ people from Middle Eastern, Maghreb communities, and more broadly from North Africa, in Montreal. This includes initiatives to raise public awareness, create safer and more welcoming spaces, and fight discrimination and prejudice.
• Support services and resources: We seek to expand and improve the support services available to LGBTQIA+ people in these communities, such as counseling, support groups, mental health and wellness resources, and access to legal and social services.
• Advocacy and activism: We try to advocate for equal rights and fight discrimination, both locally and nationally. This includes efforts to change government policies, promote anti-discrimination laws and support awareness campaigns.
• Strengthening community networks: Helem seeks to strengthen community networks between LGBTQIA+ people from Middle Eastern, Maghreb and wider North African communities, promoting solidarity, cultural exchange and resource sharing.
• Education and awareness: We aim to provide educational programs and awareness-raising initiatives aimed at informing community members and the general public about the specific issues facing LGBTQIA+ people from communities in the Middle East, North Africa and the Maghreb - including participating in discussions, panels, conferences and cultural exchanges.

In short, Helem Montréal's vision for the future is centered on creating a more inclusive, respectful and egalitarian society for LGBTQIA+ people from Middle Eastern, Maghreb and broader North African communities in Montreal and beyond.

Mission

Helem Montréal aims to create community and temporary safe spaces as well as cultural and social events for LGBTQIA+ Middle Eastern and North-African diasporas members (arab speaking - SWANA). Helem welcomes everyone who's in need in community, wherever they come from.