As an organization dedicated to representing all Canadian composers and sound artists, the Canadian League of Composers is committed to using inclusive language that represents the diversity of our community. This includes gender-diverse Francophone composers, many of whom struggle to see themselves reflected in existing linguistic binaries.
In the spring of 2024, the CLC National Council took steps to pursue a policy that would ensure queer, non-binary, and trans Francophone composers felt supported by our organisation. To achieve this, we asked our Assistant General Manager Gabo Champagne to develop gender-inclusive French guidelines for our French-language correspondence. These guidelines were approved by our Equity committee, and then approved unanimously by the CLC’s National Council in April 2024. Part of these guidelines involve the use of the gender-neutral noun compositaire, which we continue to use without enforcement, or condemnation/judgment of the use of the gendered compositeur/compositrice.
As of this date, the CLC has received concerns and criticisms over the adoption of these policies. While many of them are respectful and in good faith, others cross the line into derision and bigotry. This includes a number of transphobic personal attacks directed at Gabo Champagne, including the publication of a hateful opinion article in a widely-circulated Québec tabloid newspaper.
While the CLC welcomes healthy and respectful conversation, we condemn bigoted personal attacks on our employees, and on all queer, non-binary, and trans people.
As we move forward with addressing the concerns of our French language policy, we ask that composers be mindful that the language they use can harm queer, non-binary, and trans members of our community. It behooves us all to approach this subject with the respect and seriousness it deserves.
Sincerely,
The National Council of the Canadian League of Composers
