The First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC) is pleased to present you with the new poster on the theme of homosexuality. This poster was developed in the framework of an inter-regional collaborative agreement that focuses on the health, wellness and quality of life of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. The organizations that are parties to this agreement are the following: the Forum jeunesse de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Mouvement jeunesse Baie-James, the Conférence régionale des élus de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the Coalition d’aide aux lesbiennes, gais et bisexuels-les de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the FNQLHSSC.

With the help of the message displayed on the poster, “The diversity of the forest makes it sound, it’s no different for humans”, the targeted objective is to fight against homophobia in the Aboriginal communities. The poster illustrates the diversity of the forest and makes a connection between diversity in terms of relationships between individuals and the importance of each element in the natural balance.

Why fight against homophobia?

According to studies, the negative attitudes surrounding homosexuality stigmatize the individuals and accentuate the problems of a psychological nature, such as psychological distress, a higher suicide rate, greater vulnerability with respect to alcohol and drugs and an increased risk of being a victim of violence. These consequences can have an impact on the life of a person and could be avoided through the openness and support on behalf of the members of the community.  We would like to invite you to perform a gesture towards improving the life of lesbians, gays and bisexuals by putting posters on display in the busy areas in your community. To obtain a greater quantity of posters, please contact the FNQLHSSC at (418) 842-1540. Louise Tanguay HIV/AIDS Program officer