On June 10 and 11, 2026, Equitas participated in the International Roundtables organized by Dignity Network Canada in Ottawa.
Since their inception about a decade ago, these biennial meetings have grown significantly, bringing together more than 200 leaders from civil society, philanthropy, human rights movements, and governments this year. Participants from more than 40 countries gathered to collectively reflect on current challenges and the role Canada can play in protecting the rights of LGBTQI+ people worldwide.
This year’s event took place against a particularly troubling backdrop. In many parts of the world, the rights of LGBTQI+ people are under attack, while democratic spaces are shrinking and civil society organizations face growing obstacles. The Roundtables thus provide a vital space to strengthen international solidarity, share experiences, and identify common courses of action.
Supporting Organizations Defending the Rights of LGBTQI+ People
As a human rights organization and member of the Dignity Canada Network:
Equitas emphasizes the importance of supporting networks and organizations that defend the rights of LGBTQI+ people, particularly in contexts where sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression can lead to discrimination, criminalization, or other human rights violations.
Financial support, capacity building, and strategic guidance for local communities remain essential to promoting more inclusive societies, protecting fundamental rights, and advancing equality for all people.
Building on Partnerships and Collective Action
The 2026 Roundtables also highlighted initiatives supported by the Act Together for Inclusion Fund (ACTIF), managed by Equitas in collaboration with Dignity Network Canada and funded by Global Affairs Canada. Several Canadian and international partner organizations participated in the event to share their experiences, lessons learned, and the impacts of their work on the ground.
Jean-Sébastien Vallée, Director of Human Rights Education Programs at Equitas, led a session on partnerships, and Odette McCarthy, Executive Director of Equitas, co-moderated a workshop on best mobilization strategies.
The discussions highlighted the essential role of alliances between civil society organizations, community movements, and institutional partners in amplifying the voices of LGBTQI+ communities and increasing the impact of advocacy and social transformation initiatives. The discussions also underscored the importance of building and maintaining strong solidarity networks capable of supporting human rights defenders, collectively responding to emerging challenges, and advancing sustainable change at the local, national, and international levels.
Strengthening Canada’s Commitments to Human Rights
Against a backdrop marked by a resurgence of attacks on the rights of LGBTQI+ people and as some countries are backing away from defending human rights, the Dignity Network Canada International Roundtables underscored the importance of Canada’s role as a leading advocate for the principles of non-discrimination and equality. The discussions highlighted Canada’s responsibility, and opportunity, to demonstrate leadership by supporting organizations and networks that defend the rights of LGBTQI+ people and by speaking out strongly in favor of human rights and inclusion on the international stage.
During Pride Month, Equitas was proud to contribute to these essential conversations and to work alongside committed partners to build communities that are more inclusive, resilient, and respectful of human rights.
