January 2010

Happy New Decade

FROM THE CHAIR

This is the last CLGRO Newsletter.

You will see from the Minutes Summary that the resolution to dissolve CLGRO was passed by the membership on May 2, 2009. The Distribution of Assets shows what the Directors decided to do with the remaining funds. Queer Ontario describes a new organization designed to carry on some of CLGRO’s work and preserve the history and documents of the work CLGRO has done.

We appreciate the support you have given us over the past 34 years and hope that you will be able to join us at the “CLGRO Farewell – Queer Ontario Launch Party.”

 Brent Southin, Chair

MINUTES SUMMARY

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

A brief Annual General Meeting was held on May 2, 2009 in Toronto to approve the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting and elect the directors and present the financial report (which was included with the April Newsletter).

The directors Brent Southin, Chair; Nick Mulé, Secretary; and Tom Warner, Treasurer were reelected by acclamation.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

There were 11 paid up voting members and four group members represented, constituting a quorum for this meeting.

Resolution to Dissolve CLGRO:

Whereas the CLGRO Steering Committee has consulted with the members of CLGRO on the future of CLGRO and its continued existence;

And Whereas the CLGRO Steering Committee at a meeting held on January 10, 2009 agreed to recommend to the membership that CLGRO be dissolved and, in accordance with the provisions of By-law 702(c)(ii), that a Special General Meeting of the members be held on May 2, 2009 for the purpose of presenting to the members for adoption a motion to dissolve CLGRO;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario be and is hereby dissolved, effective May 2, 2009, and further that the directors be and are hereby directed pursuant to By-law 1702 and By-law 1703, upon payment of all debts and liabilities of CLGRO, to dispose of all of the remaining property of CLGRO to one or more community or charitable organizations having as objects the rights, interests or welfare of the lesbian, gay, or bisexual communities.

The Resolution was carried unanimously.

Proposals: There has been a proposal for “Queer Ontario” network: There has been lots of positive feed-back to the proposal to form a group which would carry on the philosophy of CLGRO and preserve its history. A brief proposal was received from Community One (previously the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal) for a scholarship sponsored by CLGRO. A proposal was also received from the Rainbow Health Network (RHN) which was formed by CLGRO. Also, CLGRO has been in communication with the Lesbian and Gay Archives.

Discussion of distribution of funds: There was discussion about the distribution of funds. It was suggested that the funds should be distributed to no more than three groups, one suggestion was RHN, Queer Ontario and the Archives; the other was Queer Ontario, RHN and Community One. It was agreed that the final decision would be left to the directors.

Richard Hudler, Administrator

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS

In accordance with the resolution adopted by the members at the May 2, 2009 Special General Meeting, the CLGRO directors have approved the distribution of CLGRO funds in equal amounts to the following three community organizations:

• Rainbow Health Network
• Queer Ontario
• Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives.

The organizations were issued cheques in November 2009 in the amount of $6,400 each.

As at December 31, 2009, CLGRO’s only asset was cash in the amount of $1,238.09. $317.39 is earmarked funds remaining from a grant received to sponsor annual events for International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).  The directors are negotiating with another community group for the transfer of the earmarked funds to that organization to help fund future IDAHO events.  Following the transfer of those funds and the payment of any outstanding salary, banking charges and the expenses incurred for the printing and mailing of this final newsletter, CLGRO will have no liabilities or obligations. Should there be any cash remaining upon the transfer of the earmarked funds and the payment of last expenses, the remaining cash will be dispersed in equal amounts to each of the three above-named community groups.

Tom Warner, Treasurer

QUEER ONTARIO

 CLGRO Bids Farewell – Queer Ontario Launches

The Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario (CLGRO) resolved to dissolve at a Special General Meeting in May 2009.  CLGRO concluded a rich history of over 34 years of being at the forefront of lesbian, gay and bisexual activism in this province and beyond.  A multi-issued organization that for the most part operated on few resources, it challenged homophobia, heterosexism and discrimination against queer communities winning numerous victories along the way.  Nevertheless, its ability to continue to function as a coalition with a dwindling membership and decreasing resources determined its decision to dissolve.

As this decision was being made a proposal was put forth to create a new provincial queer entity that would be technologically based to create a modernized outlet for queer liberationist activism in Ontario.  Since June of 2009, a group of committed queer activists have been meeting in Toronto to create the foundations of such an entity called, Queer Ontario.  With the generous donation of part of CLGRO’s remaining assets, Queer Ontario is now ready to launch by hosting a party, part of which will commemorate a farewell to CLGRO.  As past CLGRO members and supporters you are especially invited to attend:

“CLGRO Farewell –
Queer Ontario Launch Party”
Saturday, January 30, 2010
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
12 Alexander Street, Toronto, ON

Free event featuring speakers, information, vegan refreshments, entertainment, official Queer Ontario website launch, networking and socializing

CLGRO has benefited greatly from your support over the years.  We at the new Queer Ontario organization feel it is essential that a queer liberation perspective continues in this province.  Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to join Queer Ontario to ensure a queer liberation voice thrives.  Simply e-mail us at info@queerontario.org and you will be added to Queer Ontario’s membership list, then sent posts such as our new website, information on the latest queer happenings and plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Once again, thank you for your support of CLGRO and we look forward to having you aboard the new Queer Ontario.

Nick Mulé
CLGRO Secretary,
Queer Ontario Founder