A local non-profit organization, Qmunity, has initiated a fundraising campaign to complete a new community centre dedicated to Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This announcement coincided with National Coming Out Day on October 11, marking a significant moment for the organization and the community it serves.
The under-construction facility, located at the prominent intersection of Davie and Burrard streets, is envisioned as a safe haven for queer and trans individuals. Campaign Chair Sid Koshul emphasized the importance of the centre, stating, “It’s a visual statement… a reminder that queer and trans people do belong here, and there’s a safe space for you to come when sometimes it feels like there’s nowhere else to go.”
Last year, Qmunity reported that over 15,000 people accessed its services, underscoring the urgent need for improved infrastructure. Koshul pointed out that the current facility at Davie and Bute streets has been in use for nearly 40 years and was intended to be a temporary solution. He noted, “It’s honestly deteriorating. And, more importantly, it’s inaccessible: you have to walk up a flight of creaky stairs to get up there.”
The necessity for a dedicated space has become increasingly pressing amid rising concerns about the treatment of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Anoop Gill, Qmunity’s executive director, described the situation as “under attack,” highlighting rising tensions both online and in everyday environments such as schools and workplaces.
The political landscape reflects these challenges. Recently, the One BC party introduced a private member’s bill aimed at banning puberty blockers and allowing retroactive lawsuits against doctors for providing gender transition treatments. The bill was defeated before reaching the first reading, but advocates like NDP Deputy Premier Niki Sharma expressed concern over its implications, calling it “a sad day in B.C.” Sharma criticized conservative politicians for attempting to influence parental decisions regarding their children’s health.
Gill pointed out the real impacts of such legislative actions on youth, noting that queer and trans youth experience disproportionately high rates of suicidal ideation, homelessness, and food insecurity. “Queer and trans youth are disproportionately at higher rates when it comes to suicidal ideation; higher rates of youth homelessness; higher rates of food insecurity,” he said.
Qmunity is optimistic that the new community centre, expected to open in 2027, will help mitigate these issues and provide essential support to those in need. The organization aims to create a welcoming environment that reflects the shared values of inclusivity and safety for all members of the community.
As the fundraising campaign progresses, Qmunity hopes to gather the necessary support to transform the current exposed metal supports and barren slabs into a vibrant, functional space that champions the rights and well-being of Vancouver’s 2SLGBTQIA+ population.
