Diversity/Diversité Cornwall

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Diversity/Diversité Cornwall Our Vision

We envision a world in which all LGBTQ+ people are able to live safely, openly, and free from discrimination.

This page was created as a way for members of our community and allies to seek information about Diversity Cornwall’s Programs and services as well as other information that may be of interest to 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. Our Mission

Our mission is to promote visibility, wellness, and unity among people with diverse gender and sexual identities. We strive for equality and encourage acceptance in the Cornwall area and beyond through education and awareness. Our Values

We are guided by these values:

Diversity - We believe in being inclusive, respectful, and open-minded about the things that make us different. Respect - We strive to create an environment where everyone is respected and treated with dignity. Accountability - We are committed to acting with professionalism and integrity in accordance with governing laws and legislation.

10/20/2026

We are excited to share the following responses to our questions from a new candidate for Cornwall City Council. Thank you to Joanne Parker for your insightful responses and for taking the time to respond to our questions.


Question 1: Do you believe that 2SLGBTQ+ visibility is important? What role, if any, do the mayor and councillors play in increasing visibility, awareness and acceptance of marginalized communities?

Visibility is important as is education. People are afraid of what they don’t know or don’t understand, creating a sense of insecurity. As a councillor we need to recognize that marginalized communities are not just individuals but interconnected systems that experience exclusion based on overlapping identities. Inclusion of supportive environments help to amplify 2SLGBTQ+ voice as well as involving them in community development projects. Identifying challenges and working together to co-create solutions will play an important role in increasing visibility, awareness and acceptance.

Question 2: Do you feel that the City of Cornwall's budget should include financial support for 2SLGBTQ+ organizations such as Diversity Cornwall?

Yes

Question 3: There has previously been mention at the council table that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term. However, there are many Canadian cities that do provide consistent funding to 2SLGBTQ+ organizations. Do you agree with the assertion that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term?

I do not agree with the assertion. Ultimately, the funding Diversity/Diversité Cornwall is asking for is just a drop in the bucket for the city as an overall expense. As a city, we need to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities and we should foster supportive environments for the 2SLGBTQ+.

Thanks to the generous support of the United Way/Centraide of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, Diversity/Diversité Cornwall...
10/20/2026

Thanks to the generous support of the United Way/Centraide of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, Diversity/Diversité Cornwall will be hosting two exciting events this Halloween!

The first event is a family-friendly Halloween Party featuring snacks, games, a costume contest, exciting prizes and an all ages drag performance and meet and greet. This event is FREE to attend and open to 2SLGBTQ+ youth and their families.

Register Now to Reserve Your Spot:
https://forms.gle/KKUo2mxhdLEiFNhh9

Later that evening we will host our annual Halloween Drag Show with performances by JD Merciii, Shea D Ladie, Dulce, Tanya King and Zak Zinya, along with music by DJ Sound, a photobooth, and late night pizza and poutine buffet. Mature audiences only please.

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS EVENT

100% of the proceeds from this event will support the organization’s year round programs and services.

Get your tickers here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/halloween-drag-show-

10/19/2026

Happy Monday everyone! We hope you had a great weekend. We are continuing to share responses to our questions from candidates for mayor and for Cornwall City Council. Our next responses are from mayoral candidate Sarah Good. Thanks to Sarah for taking the time to respond.

Question 1: Do you believe that 2SLGBTQ+ visibility is important? What role, if any, do the mayor and councillors play in increasing visibility, awareness and acceptance of marginalized communities?

Visibility matters because people should be able to see themselves reflected and welcomed in our community. The Mayor and Council have an important role in setting the tone for our community. That means speaking out against discrimination, supporting opportunities for education and awareness, ensuring municipal policies and services are inclusive, and creating public spaces where people from all walks of life know they belong.

During my term on Council, I have consistently supported equity, diversity and inclusion. I brought forward the motion that should have led to the creation of the City's external EDI committee through the Mayor's Task Force, I supported Cornwall becoming a signatory to the IDEA Community Coalition, and later brought forward a motion reaffirming the City's commitment to this work when progress had stalled.
I have participated in several Diversity Cornwall fundraisers over the years, beginning when I first attended a comedy show with my niece at La Maison back in 2019, continuing throughout the years, from the Online Auction to the Cold Plunge, marching in the Pride Parade with my family and friends and painting the fountain at City Hall. I have consistently made personal donations, and have shared events and shown up in support of Diversity Cornwall.

Visibility alone does not eliminate discrimination, but it sends an important message about the kind of community we want Cornwall to be: one where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Question 2: Do you feel that the City of Cornwall's budget should include financial support for 2SLGBTQ+ organizations such as Diversity Cornwall?

I believe the City should be able to financially support organizations and initiatives that provide a demonstrated community benefit, including those serving the 2SLGBTQ+ community. I also believe municipal funding needs to be allocated through a fair, transparent and accountable process. One of the concerns I raised during the 2026 budget, which I had flagged previously in the term, was that the City did not have a clear policy for funding requests that fell outside our established Municipal Grants Program. That can create inconsistencies in how organizations are evaluated and funded.

I subsequently brought forward a motion to create a new funding stream for non-profit organizations whose work does not fit within the City's existing grants program. My goal is not to eliminate support for community organizations, but to create a more sustainable and transparent way of providing it.

Question 3: There has previously been mention at the council table that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term. However, there are many Canadian cities that do provide consistent funding to 2SLGBTQ+ organizations. Do you agree with the assertion that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term?

I would not make a blanket statement that the City cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term. I believe the better question is how can we evaluate what services and outcomes the City is supporting, and what funding model is fair and sustainable. That is the standard I believe we should apply to all organizations seeking ongoing municipal support.

Diversity Cornwall has provided a growing list of programming, services, and events for 2SLGBTQ+ residents in Cornwall and the surrounding region. Those services serve an important need in our community. At the same time, I believe ongoing municipal funding for any independent organization should include clear expectations, accountability and an appropriate funding process.

As Mayor, I would support having that process in place so organizations such as Diversity Cornwall can seek municipal support based on the services they provide and the outcomes they achieve, rather than having their future funding determined through an ad hoc budget process each year.

Question 4: How have you previously voted on decisions impacting the 2SLGBTQ+ community of Cornwall, Akwesasne and SD&G? (For example: municipal funding decisions impacting Diversity Cornwall, the request for a rainbow crosswalk, etc).

Throughout my term, I have consistently supported initiatives that advance inclusion and visibility for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, including the completion and re-painting of rainbow crosswalk, Pride recognition and participation, the City’s EDI work, and municipal funding for Diversity Cornwall.

I have also brought forward motions to strengthen the City’s approach to equity, diversity and inclusion and to create a clearer, more sustainable funding process for community organizations.

During the 2026 budget, I first voted in favour of a motion that would have maintained the full proposed $35,000 for Diversity Cornwall and $30,000 for Your Arts Council, while also providing $54,000 to the Social Development Council. When that motion was defeated, I proposed what I felt was a reasonable compromise that provided $25,000 to each organization. That motion passed. The decision was not vetoed by the Mayor prior to the final budget approval in late January 2026. My record reflects a consistent commitment to ensuring that everyone in Cornwall feels welcome, respected and included.

We had an incredible turnout for this morning’s Pride Drag Brunch! Thank you to everyone who attended, to United Way/Cen...
10/17/2026

We had an incredible turnout for this morning’s Pride Drag Brunch! Thank you to everyone who attended, to United Way/Centraide of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry for making the event possible, to our performers Shea D Ladie and Zak Zinya, and to the Knights of Columbus for graciously hosting us year after year!!

We were thrilled to see lots of familiar faces and some new faces as well. We want to take the time to highlight the importance of events such as this one in bringing the community together and providing folks who are new to the area an opportunity to form connections with other 2SLGBTQ+ families and get access to our programs and services. This mornings event allowed us to provide several new community members with access to mental health services, access to a virtual gender affirming clinic and to gender affirming clothing and undergarments. We cannot overstate the importance of programs like these in creating a safer and more diverse and accepting community. Please keep this in mind when voting in our upcoming municpal elections. Our diversity is our strength and supporing organizations like Diversity/Diversité Cornwall builds a stronger, healthier and safer community!

10/16/2026

Good morning members! We are continuing to share responses from the candidates for Cornwall City Council. This morning we are sharing the responses we received from Christopher Leclair For City Council of Cornwall

Question 1: Do you believe that 2SLGBTQ+ visibility is important? What role, if any, do the mayor and councillors play in increasing visibility, awareness and acceptance of marginalized communities?

I have a family member who is part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and I’ve seen how much the hate and negativity directed toward this community can affect someone. In the future, I would absolutely be willing to participate in a 2SLGBTQ+ march. I want to listen to people’s stories, hear about their experiences, and better understand the challenges they face. Supporting a community means more than just saying the right words. Actions speak louder than words, and I believe in showing that support through action.

I firmly believe that everyone has the right to be themselves, express who they truly are, and live without fear of discrimination or hatred. One of the great things about being Canadian is our commitment to individual freedoms, including freedom of expression, which is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. We may not all share the same experiences or perspectives, but we can still listen to one another, learn from each other, and work toward a community where everyone feels welcome and accepted.

Question 2: Do you feel that the City of Cornwall's budget should include financial support for 2SLGBTQ+ organizations such as Diversity Cornwall?

In reality, I believe everyone deserves support and understanding. However, I would want to reach out to members of the community, listen to their perspectives, and learn more about the specific issues they face. I believe it’s important to have meaningful conversations with the people directly affected so I can better understand their needs and determine how I can best support them.

Question 3: There has previously been mention at the council table that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term. However, there are many Canadian cities that do provide consistent funding to 2SLGBTQ+ organizations. Do you agree with the assertion that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term?

Cornwall is already facing significant budget pressures, with taxpayers potentially facing a 5.49% property tax increase and continued water rate increases that have previously been projected at approximately 9.5% annually over the next 10 years.

We have to recognize that many residents are struggling financially. With the rising cost of living, housing, utilities, and other necessities, I would be hesitant to ask taxpayers to shoulder additional costs without first exploring other options.

However, I would support exploring an annual grant program for Cornwall’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. Community organizations could apply for funding each year through a transparent and accountable process, with a standardized application outlining a set of questions, eligibility requirements, and clear evaluation criteria.

This approach would allow the City to consider supporting meaningful community initiatives while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Applicants should understand how funding decisions are made, how much funding is available, and how the money will be used.

My goal would be to find a balance between supporting our diverse community and respecting the financial realities facing Cornwall’s taxpayers.

10/15/2026

This morning we are sharing responses from Dan Beaudoin, candidate for Cornwall City Council. Thank you Dan for your kind words regarding Diversity/Diversité Cornwall's work, and the opportunity to share your thoughts with our members.

Do you believe that 2SLGBTQ+ visibility is important? What role, if any, do the mayor and councillors play in increasing visibility, awareness and acceptance of marginalized communities?

Absolutely I believe that. The mayor and councillors in Cornwall (and any municipality) serve as the face of the city, for better or for worse - and for those of us who are not a direct part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, it is our responsibility to be proactive in our support as allies.

On a personal level that means being an ally in day-to-day life with our friends, family, and coworker. On an individual level, it means things like speaking out when we see injustice and exclusion, or actively participating in pride celebrations, during pride month or otherwise. And on a group level, it means taking actions to improve the systems that have historically limited diversity.

Do you feel that the City of Cornwall's budget should include financial support for 2SLGBTQ+ organizations such as Diversity Cornwall?

I do. Given the impact that your work has had and continues to have on the community (as well reflected throughout the city's own social media presence), we should be viewing organizations like Diversity Cornwall as a close partner and ensuring that they (and you) are supported as much as we're able.

Do you agree with the assertion that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term?

Our budget for organizations like Diversity Cornwall in 2026 is only 40,000$ total - less than 1% of just the Community Partners slice of our city budget. I see no rational explanation behind suggesting that we should further reduce the budget allocation we have seen here. If anything, we should be working closely with Diversity Cornwall to help improve your budget, whether through municipal allocation or through help with provincial or federal grant applications.

10/14/2026

Today we are sharing responses from Councillor Elaine MacDonald. Thank you, Elaine, for taking the time to respond to our questions and for your ongoing support for Diversity/Diversité Cornwall

Question 1: Do you believe that 2SLGBTQ+ visibility is important? What role, if any, do the mayor and councillors play in increasing visibility, awareness and acceptance of marginalized communities?

Visibility is essential. The officer space downtown established Diversity Cornwall as belonging in the mainstream, in the heart of downtown. I hope the space doesn’t get rented for a while yet, until DC can afford to move back in or find some other equally visible site. Public officials can help personally by public association at every opportunity. Public association like attending Diversity events is a good start.

Question 2: Do you feel that the City of Cornwall's budget should include financial support for 2SLGBTQ+ organizations such as Diversity Cornwall?

Diversity is one of a fairly long list of marginalized communities that languish for want of support even though they merit it. It would be a very hard sell. But an alternative possibility that comes to mind is for Diversity to seek special status designation for expensive initiatives like Pride week celebrations by securing “signature event” designation from council. That would assist you in allowing you to allocate money to core services and have city help in supporting a very popular community event. A focussed week or month relates to the visibility of question 1, and more importantly provides an extended occasion wherein community engagement is the order of the day. The city missed out this year, sadly.

Question 3: There has previously been mention at the council table that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term. However, there are many Canadian cities that do provide consistent funding to 2SLGBTQ+ organizations. Do you agree with the assertion that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term?

I disagree but there needs to be some strategic planning in the proposal if one is to come forward. A close study of why the initiative didn’t advance in the past is a start, as well as research into the reasoning of the communities that provide support is the second place to look. Diversity would have to present itself as distinct from all the other marginalized communities with a claim on council for support.

Question 4: How have you previously voted on decisions impacting the 2SLGBTQ+ community of Cornwall, Akwesasne and SD&G? (For example: municipal funding decisions impacting Diversity Cornwall, the request for a rainbow crosswalk, etc).

I have supported every motion that supports and promotes Diversity Cornwall, and will continue to do so.

10/13/2026

Good morning everyone! We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Today, we are sharing responses from councillor Todd Bennett. Todd is currently a councillor with the City of Cornwall, but opted not to respond to question 4 regarding his previous votes in support of Diversity/Diversité Cornwall.
Thank you Todd for taking the time to respond to our questions.

Question 1: Do you believe that 2SLGBTQ+ visibility is important? What role, if any, do the mayor and councillors play in increasing visibility, awareness and acceptance of marginalized communities?

I believe the best way to help with visibility is to be present when it matters. I have marched in all but one of the Pride parades in the last several years missing only one due to being away on vacation at the time. I also show up to the pride flag raisings when I can because I think it matters when leaders show public support for marginalized communities. When leaders stand shoulder to shoulder with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, it shows those who would act out or speak against this community that they are the problem, and that they have the support of civic leadership. I don’t take that responsibility lightly.


Question 2: Do you feel that the City of Cornwall's budget should include financial support for 2SLGBTQ+ organizations such as Diversity Cornwall?

As chair of the Grants Committee, I have led changes to the intake process that now opens up to groups who need support for operational needs, not just event based or seed money for new organizations. This means organizations like yours will now qualify for funding year over year where you wouldn’t have in past years. There is a budget envelope for outside agencies that will be open for groups and organizations like Diversity Cornwall.


Question 3: There has previously been mention at the council table that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term. However, there are many Canadian cities that do provide consistent funding to 2SLGBTQ+ organizations. Do you agree with the assertion that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term?

I would be in favor of providing support to Diversity Cornwall through the Grants Program that helps organizations with support for operational costs. The Grants Program is a transparent way for the city to support qualifying groups and it will have an intake process that will be open year-round which will now align with organizations that may have a different year end reporting period than the cities year end.

10/12/2026

We have more responses to share from our candidates for Cornwall City Council! Thank you Denis Sabourin for taking the time to respond.

Question 1: Do you believe that 2SLGBTQ+ visibility is important?

It is important in a community because it validates identities, reduces social isolation and helps improve mental health and safety outcomes.

What role, if any, do the mayor and councillors play in increasing visibility, awareness and acceptance of marginalized communities?

The municipal council shapes local policies, allocates resources, and uses its public platform to ensure all residents are represented and head.

Question 2: Do you feel that the City of Cornwall's budget should include financial support for 2SLGBTQ+ organizations such as Diversity Cornwall?

I am supportive of limited funding and suggest after several years of support the organization and it does not matter which organization or what their cause may should have established their base of support and become self dependent.

Question 3: There has previously been mention at the council table that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term. However, there are many Canadian cities that do provide consistent funding to 2SLGBTQ+ organizations. Do you agree with the assertion that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term?

As indicated in question 2, organizations asking for tax payer support should strive to become independent and able to sustain their operation without relying on annual tax payer contributions. It is interesting to note that funding can come from coffers from all levels of government with the level of support assessed on the reason for the application and projected outcomes. In many of these applications for funding a municipal government is often included as a co-applicant which can give an impression

Question 4: How have you previously voted on decisions impacting the 2SLGBTQ+ community of Cornwall, Akwesasne and SD&G? (For example: municipal funding decisions impacting Diversity Cornwall, the request for a rainbow crosswalk, etc.).

I have voted in favour of the Rainbow Walk at first and Pitt St. I’ve attended Pride week Celebrations and flag raising, I also voted in favour of the 2026 budget which resulted in a ten thousand dollar cut from Diversity Cornwall funding from 35 to 25,000.00 dollars.

10/10/2026

Happy long weekend everyone! Diversity/Diversité Cornwall is would like to express our thanks to council candidate Joël Côté for taking the time to respond to our questions. Here are his answers:

Question 1: Do you believe that 2SLGBTQ+ visibility is important? What role, if any, do the mayor and councillors play in increasing visibility, awareness and acceptance of marginalized communities?

I believe that no one should have to hide or hide who they are. As for playing a role, I believe we have to lead by example. I am a very open and welcoming person, I have never discriminated against anyone based on orientation (or gender, race, ethnic background, religion). I have also participated in the past as a volunteer for what I believe was then called Pride Cornwall.

Question 2: Do you feel that the City of Cornwall's budget should include financial support for 2SLGBTQ+ organizations such as Diversity Cornwall?

The city has given financial support in the past. To reiterate my response above, I think we should lead by example. As for committing to funding, as with any request I would need to see an actual request in dollar amounts. The city recently revised it's policy on providing funding to outside agencies. My hope would be that this funding envelope could be used to support Diversity Cornwall.

Question 3: There has previously been mention at the council table that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term. However, there are many Canadian cities that do provide consistent funding to 2SLGBTQ+ organizations. Do you agree with the assertion that the City of Cornwall cannot continue to support Diversity Cornwall over the long term?

I would need more information to answer fully. I'm not prepared to say I would never support Diversity Cornwall, nor can I commit to a dollar amount with knowing all the information. I would suggest that in principle, funding for any outside agency should help with start-up and sustaining it over the mid-term.

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Cornwall, ON

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Tuesday 8am - 12:30pm
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Thursday 8am - 12:30pm
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