This book considers the impact that the increasing number of LGBQ politicians in Canada has had on the political representation of LGBTQ people and communities. Based on analysis of parliamentary speeches and interviews with 28 out LGBQ parliamentarians in Canada between 2017 and 2020, Tremblay shows how out LGBQ MLAs and MPs take advantage of their intermediary position between the LGBTQ movement and the state to represent LGBTQ people and communities. For example, the politicians in this study introduce pro-LGBTQ bills, lobby cabinet ministers, act as a bridge between LGBTQ groups and the civil service, and give talks in schools about their identities. Most importantly, they act as role models for LGBTQ people (particularly children and teens) and contribute to lifting the social stigma around sexuality and gender identity. This latest volume in our Sustainable Development Goals series underlines that SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) can only be accomplished with political representation for the LGBTQ community and minority groups in general.

Manon Tremblay is Professor at the School of Political Studies at the University of Ottawa, Canada.