Imagine a haven. It is a place where young hearts find solace. Right here, stands AlterHéros. It is an organization with a powerful mission. It fosters growth for individuals. This involves sexual orientation and gender identity. It also includes sexuality.
AlterHéros began in 2002. Marc-Olivier Ouellet founded it as a school project. By 2010, it welcomed 150,000 visitors monthly. Most came from Canada, France and the U.S..
In 2010, AlterHéros transformed. It divided into four distinct sites. These were AlterHéros.org, AlterCité, Parles-en aux experts and AlterHéros.com. Social media specialist Michelle Blanc supported this change. Researchers Bill Ryan and Line Chamberland became spokespeople.
AlterHéros celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012. The celebration took place at Petit Medley in Montreal. Daniel Breton, a Member of the National Assembly, gave a special mention. He recognized the volunteers’ work.
In 2014, AlterHéros created its first paid part-time position. This was thanks to funding. The Bureau de lutte contre l’homophobie du gouvernement du Québec provided it. A second part-time position followed in 2015.
Since 2015, AlterHéros’s offices are in Astérisk. This is a living space for LGBTQ youth aged 14 to 25.
The Neuro/Diversités project took off in 2017. Justice Québec subsidized it. AlterHéros also hosted Espace sécuritaire jeunesse. This was part of Fierté Montréal.
During Fierté Montréal 2017, the organization turned 15. The feminist bookstore l’Euguélionne hosted the celebration.
The AlterHéros website was updated in the same year. The new site focused on psychosocial intervention. It featured Pose ta question! It also highlighted initiatives related to neurodiversity. These initiatives connected to sexual and gender diversity.
In 2020, the demand for AlterHéros’s services increased. It rose by 200% due to the pandemic.
AlterHéros is involved in Quebec’s LGBTQ+ community. It was a founding member of youth coalitions. These fought against homophobia.
AlterHéros contributed to a report. It addressed the fight against homophobia. Julie-Maude Beauchesne testified for trans rights. She spoke before the Assemblée nationale du Québec.
AlterHéros has won several awards. These include the Force Avenir prize in 2004. It also includes the Gala Arc-en-Ciel prize in 2010. Volunteers have also received individual awards.
AlterHéros continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of the community. It remains a vital resource for LGBTQ+ youth in Montreal. It stands as a beacon of hope. It promotes understanding.
AlterHéros has a simple mission. It aims to foster the development of individuals. It focuses on sexual orientation, gender identity and sexuality. It offers anonymous online support. It provides personalized individual support. It arranges group meetings for youth. They are at the intersection of neurodiversity.