G.R.I.S.-- Montreal
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Mission Statement
GRIS-Montreal (Groupe de Recherche et d’Intervention Sociale) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure a better awareness of the homosexual and bisexual reality and to make it easier for gays, lesbians and bisexuals to integrate into society. As is the case for the fight against racism, the integration of any minority can only be achieved by trying to eliminate ignorance and prejudice. Since the values of our youths are being shaped in school and since schools are where knowledge takes precedence over ignorance, GRIS-Montreal focuses most of its actions in the school system, providing demystification of homosexuality and bisexuality workshops to establishments in the Greater Montreal Area. GRIS-Montreal’s Objectives Demystify homosexuality and bisexuality within society in general Do research in connection with the demystification activities Refer those who express a need for it to other resources in the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community.
About This Cause
The comments of young people collected following our homosexuality demystification workshops and those of the teachers whose classes welcome our volunteers show that GRIS-Montréal’s workshops have an effect on everyone. Founded 20 years ago, GRIS-Montréal (Groupe de Recherche et d’Intervention Sociale) is today Québec’s largest organization that discusses homosexuality and bisexuality in schools. Its mission is to promote better understanding of sexual diversity and improve the integration of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in society. This non-profit organization has some 200 gay, lesbian, and bisexual volunteers who meet young people, tell their stories, and answer their questions as openly as possible, based on their lives instead of statistics or theories. GRIS-Montréal’s workshops let young people put a face on realities that may scare or disturb them. Whether in dealing with racism or homophobia, the integration of a minority into society requires the eradication of ignorance and prejudice. Schools are places where young people’s values take shape, so they are GRIS-Montréal’s top priority for its homosexuality demystification services. It also offers workshops adapted for various other audiences, from health professionals to new immigrants. GRIS-Montréal also does research on homophobia in schools, evaluates the effects of its workshops, and refers people to useful resources in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans) community. In the last year alone, GRIS-Montréal volunteers spoke with more than 26,000 students in 201institutions. “Everyone benefited greatly from these sessions, which combined honesty, humour, and respect. The people I saw were full of integrity, and this showed the students that it is possible to be comfortable with yourself regardless of who you are or what the rest of society thinks. Your workshops opened doors for them.” – Nathalie Ste-Croix, teacher, École Sophie-Barat, Montréal Comments We will close with a few more comments from teachers and students who have participated in GRIS-Montréal interventions: “Thanks for everything. You’re an essential service for our young people!” – Nancy Vézina, teacher, École polyvalente Lucien-Pagé, Montréal “Thanks to you, I know a lot about gays and lesbians, and it’s not shocking to me to see them any more. Thank you for taking away the hate I had for them.” – 15-year-old boy, Montréal “I thought it was really good; you gave us all the answers we wanted and it opened my mind. Thank you!!!” – 12-year-old boy, Brossard “You are doing extraordinary work that young people appreciate a great deal. They admire what you do and we do too. There’s nothing we could do better to open our young people’s minds.” – Robert Tessier, teacher, Collège Mont-Royal, Montréal “I think it’s brave to be able to say what you think when it’s difficult. My friend on the Internet hasn’t told anyone because she doesn’t know how to deal with it. At any rate, it’s good to hear from people like you who accept it.” – 14-year-old girl, Laval “I liked the meeting because it helped me understand gays a little better and I’ll be even more comfortable with my uncle. You were really nice.” – 15-year-old girl, Montréal “I thought it was really interesting to have gay people’s REAL point of view instead of the media’s, and I think you’re doing great work!! Keep on going!!” – 16-year-old girl, Laval “A great session. It takes courage to do what you’re doing, and it helps people. On our own behalf and theirs, thank you.” – 18-year-old man, L’Assomption