Quebec residences get training to become more inclusive and safe for LGBTQ+ seniors

Residents are shown at Idola St-Jean long-term care home in Laval, Que., Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

A Quebec foundation is hoping to train 10,000 people on making seniors residences safer and more inclusive for older LGBTQ+ adults.

The Émergence Foundation says seniors who are sexually and gender diverse may feel isolated and even experience bullying inside care homes.

The foundation has already trained more than 3,000 care home staff across Quebec in both private and public facilities.

Trainer Julien Rougerie says the program helps to dispel prejudices and gives staff simple tools they can use to act as allies to residents of different backgrounds.

He says many tips are simple, such as being careful with the vocabulary used when asking residents questions about their partners or spouses.

A 2025 Léger survey of Quebec seniors residences found that one-quarter of LGBTQ+ respondents said they had hid their sexual and gender identities from staff and other residents.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2026.

The Canadian Press’s health coverage is supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for this journalistic content.

Katrine Desautels, The Canadian Press