Theme
The theme for this year’s Queer History Month (QHM) is visibility, with a focus on 2S/LGBTQIA+ visibility/invisibility in navigating barriers and/or access to sexual and gender affirming care in Canada.
What does it mean to be seen? We are affirmed when we feel seen by our friends, our family, our communities. Yet, our visibility/invisibility also determines how we are seen by health practitioners and professionals—people who we rely on to guide us on our journeys of wellness and affirmation. Now, more than ever, sexual and gender-affirming care is a critical factor in the lives of 2S/LGBTQIA+ folks. Now, more than ever, being seen is the difference between surviving and thriving.
Programming
As with past years, QHM events will offer a mix of opportunities for 2S/LGBTQIA+ community members and their allies to gather in-person and online.
The keynote address for this year's Opening Ceremony will be delivered by Dr. James A. Makokis, a proud Cree, Two-Spirit physician from the Saddle Lake First Nation in Northern Alberta. Dr. Makokis is a leading figure in North American healthcare, renowned for pioneering one of the most progressive family medical clinics committed to serving both the 2S/LGBTQIA+ and First Nation peoples across Canada.
Join us throughout the month of October for in-person and online events organized by the McGill Equity Team and units at McGill, which include a creative writing workshop, panel discussions, and a homecoming event for queer alumni and their allies. Questions? Contact shannon.wood [at] mcgill.ca (subject: RE%3A%20QHM%202024) .
Partners and sponsors
Queer History Month is organized by McGill's Equity Team in the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice-President (Academic), in partnership with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and in particular, the Department of Family Medicine, and the Indigenous Health Professions Program, with support from the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. The organizers thank the Government of Quebec for its financial support.