Maxine Robert, our Executive Assistant and Office Manager, has recently gotten more involved with the franco-queer community. She reflects on the ways that society is changing, how Réseau Compassion Network is involved, and what she hopes is still to come.
Réseau Compassion Network: You recently joined the board at the Collectif LGBTQ* du Manitoba, a non-profit organization that supports the health and well-being of the queer community, as well as helping ensure its safety and belonging. Tell us about how you got involved.
Maxine Robert: I’ve known about the Collectif since its inception in 2019, but when RCN wanted to start a dialogue with them, I thought it was pretty cool that our organization was reaching a hand out to the community, because that’s another one of my communities. It got me a little closer to the Collectif, and I’m involved because it touches me directly. I married my wife Chantale last summer, after 24 years of adventures together, and with the rights of queer (2SLGBTQI+) communities experiencing backlash in recent years (surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, rising hate crimes, and increasingly hostile political rhetoric)… the timing felt right for me.
RCN: You’re in an uncommon position: being a member of the queer community and working for a Catholic organization. How does that feel for you?
MR: Truthfully, some days can be harder than others, but the openness of both groups is what’s giving me hope. Knowing that RCN is willing to reach out… that reassures me that there are Catholics who love and accept us, just as we are. We’re part of this community; we want to contribute to it like everyone else. RCN is setting a good example – maybe other organizations might start to engage in a more meaningful way. And then, just being part of the Collectif is giving me energy. It’s a safe space with people like me, who care and who are working towards something better.
RCN: From where you’re standing, how do you think RCN is doing on its road to creating more inclusive health and social service spaces?
MR: I’m pretty proud of RCN for taking a step towards the queer community. It’s very forward-thinking to open the door for dialogue and learning. It makes me sad that the Church isn’t moving faster on including LBGTQ* people and women more fully. To me, supporting the queer community is totally in line with RCN’s mission, with a Catholic mission. These are often people who face more obstacles than others – they live at higher rates of poverty and financial instability because of systemic discrimination in housing, employment and social services, leading to higher rates of homelessness, lower homeownership and increased income disparity. Also, stigma and discrimination lead to higher rates of depression and poor mental health. If our mission is to support those on the margins, then we’re headed in the right direction.
RCN: When you’re a member of a marginalized community, it takes a lot of energy to stand up and advocate for change. How do you find the courage to work for a more inclusive world?
MR: There’s a really good group of people in the Collectif, and at RCN, and in the francophone community at large. My dream is that some day, we won’t have to talk about this anymore. I dream of a day when no one questions who you love, how you live, or what makes you feel complete. If it’s love, it should be enough – enough for everyone to live freely and be accepted as they are. That’s a pretty big dream, I know, but for now, we’ll start with creating more safety in small spaces. I feel that there’s a lack of compassion and empathy in the world lately; for each other, for the Earth itself, and all across the globe. But empathy is what makes change happen – it humanizes people, it motivates action, it builds connection and reshapes values. Empathy turns awareness into care, and care into action. When we show up with love, we can make a difference. And I know I wouldn’t be able to talk about this topic so openly at work without the empathy, acceptance and support of the team at RCN. Our communities can grow and be safe, together.