Quebec LGBTQ+ candidates face online hate

As pride month celebrations take place across Canada — Quebec, political candidates from sexual and gender-diverse backgrounds running in the fall provincial election are reporting a wave of hateful messages and threats targeting them. Canada — Québec solidaire party president Roxane Milot, who identifies as bisexual, says the party faces online hate of 'exceptional' and 'alarming' proportions against its LGBTQ+ candidates. Canada — Parti Québécois candidate Philippe Schnobb reports receiving homophobic threats, including a comment referencing a '2x4'. Canada — Quebec Liberal Party leader Charles Milliard, who is gay, has denounced homophobic remarks directed at him. Canada — Conservative Party of Quebec leader Éric Duhaime, also openly gay, has received hateful comments but does not want to give them attention. The parties have set up support structures and training for candidates. Canada — Québec solidaire candidate Vanessa Durand withdrew after making hateful remarks online against Canada — Parti Québécois supporters from LGBTQ+ communities. The parties, including Canada — Coalition Avenir Québec, deplore the attacks and monitor candidates' social media.