Carmen Paquette

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Carmen Paquette, born in 1946, is a Franco-Ontarian feminist, who, for almost three decades, has purposefully bridged different social movements in Canada and internationally. Carmen's history of accomplishments in the Ottawa LGBT community includes significant roles with Gays of Ottawa, the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights in Ontario, and Ottawa's Pink Triangle Services. She was a lobbyist with, and President of, Equality for Gays and Lesbians Everywhere (EGALE) and the founder of Ottawa's first International Lesbian Week.

A former Human Rights Commissioner, Carmen received the Lifetime Achievement Award at Capital Xtra's 'Heroes of 2000: Lesbian and Gay Community Achievement Awards" ceremony. She has been a valued volunteer with Ottawa Senior Pride Network for a number of years.

She states: "I have always strongly believed that all oppressions are linked and that therefore those fighting for social justice need to be aware of and support other struggles".

(taken in part from the bio from Carmen Paquette’s induction in the CLGA’s National Portrait Collection)