The Q LGBTQ Creative Network (The Q) is a registered non-profit 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy organization dedicated to the advancement of 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and creatives, and focused on growing and fostering awareness of the 2SLGBTQIA+ creative community.

Since 2018 The Q has been researching and connecting online with various 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, creative outlets, and organizations to learn the extent of the Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ creative population as they are not distinguishable in mainstream media. That is a question which The Q has sought answers to: Why, amongst the many artistic platforms, organizations, and  communities that exist in Canada, are 2SLGBTQIA+ creatives not more identifiable?

During the time since its inception, The Q has continuously and dedicatedly shown a committed support to the 2SLGBTQIA+ creative community via online connections and through creating opportunities to bring attention to, and create awareness of, 2SLGBTQIA+ artists and creatives.

To achieve our goals The Q:

• Utilizes social media to support artists and connect community
• Creates platforms for artists to be seen and heard (radio show/podcast)
• Creates digital opportunities for artists to be discovered (Music Chart/Blog)
• Advocates for better representation of 2SLGBTQIA+ in media and entertainment
• Advocates to Pride organizations to diversify their programming for stronger inclusion
• Connects with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and community organizations to educate them on the 2SLGBTQIA+ creative community
• Provides LGBTQ creatives with support and direction to further and pursue their goals

In the beginning, the music sector was the most primary group of creatives we assisted. To aid in educating the general population about the 2SLGBTQIA+ artistic community and to assist creatives with exposure and visibility, The Q has created opportunities to share art and experiences via radio programs, podcast, video series, blog articles, and interviews. Eventually a creative online database was established to begin providing a space for these artists to be discovered by the general 2SLGBTQIA+ population.

During the beginning months of the Covid pandemic, The Q held numerous live social media conversations with artists and creatives, panel discussions, and executed an online 3-day music festival during Pride month in June of 2020 called “One Love Live”. The Covid pandemic allowed for greater online access to artists and quickly demonstrated the need and desire of 2SLGBTQIA+ creatives for support and resources through a mechanism which understood their specific intersectional needs as a marginalized community in the Arts.

Because 2SLGBTQIA+ artists all need support, The Q aims to be that single space where audiences can discover music, art, and media from the world of 2SLGBTQIA+ creatives. Built on  advocacy, The Q strives to unite 2SLGBTQIA+ creatives to better support one another and build new audiences to discover the art and work being created within our vibrant community.

Let’s come together as the strong vibrant community that we are!