Mon’Arc En Ciel: Monaco's First LGBTQ+ Association Launched in 2024
The establishment aims to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and foster inclusivity within the principality.
Founded in April 2024, Mon’Arc En Ciel Monaco is the first LGBTQ+ association in the principality.
The organization was established by two couples with the goal of increasing visibility for the local LGBTQ+ community, combating isolation, and facilitating dialogue surrounding rights and inclusivity in Monaco.
Cynthia Salvanhac, one of the founding members, discussed the organization's inception, its activities over the past year, future projects, and the challenges faced in a societal context that remains relatively closed to these issues.
Mon’Arc En Ciel aims to act as a unifying force within the community.
The founders realized that to change mindsets and pursue legislative advancements, establishing a formal framework was essential.
The association seeks to create a supportive environment for persons who identify as LGBTQ+, providing spaces for dialogue, solidarity, and recognition of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations within Monegasque society.
The primary mission of Mon’Arc En Ciel has been to connect individuals within the LGBTQ+ community residing and/or working in the principality.
The organization swiftly recognized the need to break the isolation often felt by LGBTQ+ individuals and affirm the presence of their community in Monaco.
The founders are striving to promote ongoing inclusion and awareness in the public sphere, aspiring to become constructive interlocutors with institutions to push for legislative change.
Despite the challenges, including low visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in Monaco and a significant silence surrounding related issues, the need for a supportive voice was clear.
Mon’Arc En Ciel aims to cultivate a more inclusive society where individuals can express their identities without fear.
To engage the local community, Mon’Arc En Ciel has organized a variety of events.
In its first year, the focus has been on fostering connections through social gatherings, such as casual meetings and question-and-answer sessions in collaboration with other local organizations.
One such event featured discussions addressing the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, in partnership with the Union of Monegasque Women and local government representatives.
Plans are underway for future initiatives, including regular monthly meetings, topical discussion groups centered on health and identity, and the creation of a network of trusted professionals, including lawyers and healthcare providers, to whom LGBTQ+ individuals can turn for support.
Additionally, the association aims to launch a local awareness campaign in partnership with institutions and other NGOs to highlight LGBTQ+ realities and encourage inclusivity across various sectors.
Operating within a unique context, Mon’Arc En Ciel faces challenges such as social discretion, a lack of clear legal framework, and the absence of dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces.
However, these challenges underscore the value of their work, which strives for a visible, confident, and expressive community.
Individuals interested in supporting or joining the association can do so by attending events or exploring partnership opportunities.
Mon’Arc En Ciel can be contacted via phone or email.
The association celebrates its one-year anniversary and is planning summer gatherings, a special back-to-school event, and an awareness campaign for later this year, details of which will be shared through their communication channels.
The organization was established by two couples with the goal of increasing visibility for the local LGBTQ+ community, combating isolation, and facilitating dialogue surrounding rights and inclusivity in Monaco.
Cynthia Salvanhac, one of the founding members, discussed the organization's inception, its activities over the past year, future projects, and the challenges faced in a societal context that remains relatively closed to these issues.
Mon’Arc En Ciel aims to act as a unifying force within the community.
The founders realized that to change mindsets and pursue legislative advancements, establishing a formal framework was essential.
The association seeks to create a supportive environment for persons who identify as LGBTQ+, providing spaces for dialogue, solidarity, and recognition of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations within Monegasque society.
The primary mission of Mon’Arc En Ciel has been to connect individuals within the LGBTQ+ community residing and/or working in the principality.
The organization swiftly recognized the need to break the isolation often felt by LGBTQ+ individuals and affirm the presence of their community in Monaco.
The founders are striving to promote ongoing inclusion and awareness in the public sphere, aspiring to become constructive interlocutors with institutions to push for legislative change.
Despite the challenges, including low visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in Monaco and a significant silence surrounding related issues, the need for a supportive voice was clear.
Mon’Arc En Ciel aims to cultivate a more inclusive society where individuals can express their identities without fear.
To engage the local community, Mon’Arc En Ciel has organized a variety of events.
In its first year, the focus has been on fostering connections through social gatherings, such as casual meetings and question-and-answer sessions in collaboration with other local organizations.
One such event featured discussions addressing the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, in partnership with the Union of Monegasque Women and local government representatives.
Plans are underway for future initiatives, including regular monthly meetings, topical discussion groups centered on health and identity, and the creation of a network of trusted professionals, including lawyers and healthcare providers, to whom LGBTQ+ individuals can turn for support.
Additionally, the association aims to launch a local awareness campaign in partnership with institutions and other NGOs to highlight LGBTQ+ realities and encourage inclusivity across various sectors.
Operating within a unique context, Mon’Arc En Ciel faces challenges such as social discretion, a lack of clear legal framework, and the absence of dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces.
However, these challenges underscore the value of their work, which strives for a visible, confident, and expressive community.
Individuals interested in supporting or joining the association can do so by attending events or exploring partnership opportunities.
Mon’Arc En Ciel can be contacted via phone or email.
The association celebrates its one-year anniversary and is planning summer gatherings, a special back-to-school event, and an awareness campaign for later this year, details of which will be shared through their communication channels.