Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/Conference Fund/Queering Wiki Conference 2026

statusUnder review

Conference and Event Fund

Queering Wiki Conference 2026

grant start date23 March 2026

grant end date13 November 2026

amount requested (local currency)265559.28 CAD

amount requested (USD)191547.91 USD

grant typeplease specify whether this grant is for an individual, group, or organization

decision fiscal year2025-26

funding program roundRound 2

applicantBisi Alimi WMLGBT

organization (if applicable)Wikimedia LGBT+ User Group

Friendly Space Policy

Universal Code of Conduct

Application Privacy Statement

This is an automatically generated Meta-Wiki page. The page was copied from Fluxx, the web service of Wikimedia Foundation Funds, where the user has submitted their application. Please do not make any changes to this page because all changes will be removed after the next update. Use the discussion page for your feedback. The page was created by CR-FluxxBot.

Applicant details

A. Are you applying as a(n)

Wikimedia Affiliate (chapter, thematic org., or user group)

B. Full name of organization presenting the proposal.

Wikimedia LGBT+ User Group

F. Do you have an account on a Wikimedia project?

Yes

F1. Please provide your main Wikimedia Username.

Bisi Alimi WMLGBT

F2. Please provide the Usernames of people related to this proposal.

OwenBlacker

G. Are you legally registered?

No

If you are applying as an individual or your group is not a legally registered nonprofit in your country, we require that you have a fiscal sponsor.

I. Fiscal organization name.

Wikimedia Canada

Objectives and Strategy

1. Please state the title of your proposal.

Queering Wiki Conference 2026

2.1. When will the event begin? Please enter the event start date.

2026-10-23

2.2. When is the last day of your event?

2026-10-25

3.1. When will you begin preparing for your event?

2026-03-23T00:00:00Z

3.2. When will you expect to complete your last event payment?

2026-11-13T00:00:00Z

4. In which country will the conference take place?

Canada

4.1. In which city will the conference take place?

Montreal

5. Is it a remote or in-person event?

In-person event

5.1. What will be the total number of participants at the event? (including scholarship recipients + organizing team + other guests + self funded guests) (required)

110

6. Please indicate whether your work will be focused on one country (local), more than one or several countries in your region (regional) or has a cross-regional (global) scope.

International

6.1. If you have answered regional, please write the country names and any other information that is useful for understanding your proposal.

WMLGBT+ is a global organisation and QW will draw participants from across the world.

7. If you would like, please share any websites or social media accounts that your group or organization has.

WMLGBT meta page: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_LGBT%2B/Portal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wikimedialgbt/ Twitter: https://x.com/wikilgbt Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/wmlgbt.org Mastodon: https://bsky.app/profile/wmlgbt.org

8. Do you work with any thematic or regional platforms such as WISCom, CEE, Iberocoop, etc.

Yes

8.1. Please describe what platforms and your work with them.

WMLGBT+ has been working with WMEU who has played a supportive role through the strategic development of the organisation. We also work closely with Art+Feminism, the CEE Hub, and we are actively involved in regional and chapter groups.

9. Please describe the target participants for this event.

QW 2026 main participants will be LGBTQ+ contributors, editors, users with extended rights, and allies.

10. Please provide the link to the event's page if you already have one.

The event page will be created once this proposal is public.

The following questions (11-14) will refer to the Community Engagement Survey which is required in order to submit a proposal. Here is the survey form that you can copy and use (if the link does not work): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ieEI8EFf2vxjD9wN_h8-srYeRCp4fhSp7_1_wiR2jh8/edit. This survey is required to access a Conference grant.

11. How many people did you send the community engagement survey to?

100

11.1. When did you conduct the survey, and for how long?

Dec 2025/ Jan 2026 and 30 days

12. How many people responded to the survey?

30

13. What are the main objectives of the event?

The following are the set out objectives and expected outcomes for Queering Wiki 2026. It is important to note that the following objectives and outcomes are not finality, we are aware that as we continue with the planning, many objectives listed here might change, expand or deliver a different outcomes, however, we are focused that the objectives and outcomes [listed or not] will be aim towards having a QW2026 that will bring our community together, create opportunities for learning, networking and planning as well as improved Queer contents on all wiki platforms.

Objective 1- Host Queer Wiki 2026- Host an in-person Queer Wiki conference- Our foremost objective is to host the QW2026 as an in-person event. This year will mark 6 years since the first attempt by the UG to host an in-person event, that was eventually cancelled due to the COVID19 pandemic.

Outcome 1- the following are the ways to know we have succeeded in doing this

• find a local hosting partner with suitable venue and on the ground support
• set up a COT within the UG and the host country to facilitate the process
• apply for conference grants
• open calls for scholarship
• open event page on Meta and eventyay
• open call for presentations and posters

Objective 2- Representation in participation- We are aware how challenging global events can be for global majority in terms of visa and even challenging for people with disability in terms of access and for Trans people in terms of acceptance. QW 2026 second objective is to make sure that we have as many representation from our community in all its diversity as possible.

Activities 110 participants from across the world and all the spectrum of diversity meeting in Montreal 20 Queer representation from global majority 10 representation from Trans community 5 organisations outside of the Wikimedia ecosystem

Expected outcome Increased community representation Opportunities for networking and collaboration Community building and solidarity

Objective 3- Content & Knowledge Production Outcomes through edit-a-thon- one of our biggest challenge as UG is that we sometimes do not have a physical space to work together collectively. While the online space has allowed us to reach more people globally, access continue to be a barrier. This conference will allow us to organise side event that will lead to creation of more contents, but also inspire our members to be inspired to go back home and organise more similar events.

Activities that will plan to carry out during the conference 10 new or significantly improved LGBTQ+ articles on Wikipedia 10 new queer biographies, especially from underrepresented regions (Africa, Global South) 100 media files uploaded to Wikimedia Commons 50 new citations added to existing LGBTQ+ articles 50 articles translated into additional languages

Expected Outcome 3 Reduced knowledge gaps on queer topics on wiki platforms Activate more representation of queer communities, stories and realities from restrictive environments Better global visibility of African and Global South LGBTQ+ stories

Objective 4- Governance and Organisation development- as we continue the process of our registration as organisation, we will use this conference to engage with our members on the process and get endorsement. It will also be a process to have in-person conversation on what the UG would be.

Expected activities Share the UG strategic plan for the next 3 years Create space for feedback and endorsement

Expected outcome- 4 Shared strategic plan with members Minute of members discussion of the strategic plan Approved strategic plan by members Members getting more involved in UG governance including board members

Objective 5- UG grassroots development- In the last 24 months, our grassroots community is growing and we want to be more intention on how we support them. Grassroots community growth will be intergral in this conference with experience sharing and presentation.

Activities Experiencing sharing from different groups within the UG Networking among different local groups within the UG

Expected Outcome 5 5 new of WMLGBT local group created Increased in local UG collaborations Increased in local WMLGBT groups activities including but not limited

14. Based on survey responses, what are the most important things your community should do at the conference to achieve these objectives?

Based on the survey responses, the most important things the community wants to do at the conference to achieve the above objectives include and not limited to:

• Editathon: The community believes that a session that allows for them to edit at the conference will not only increase the queer contents on Wiki platforms but it will inspire others to learn on the spot.

• Presentations: The community believes that sessions that allow them to share the work they are doing locally will give them the opportunity to share, while at the same time learn from others.

• Networking gathering: Aside from the learning and working, there will be time to meet, greet and unwind in a social setting, allowing for participants to relax and connect.

• Ideas driven Firechat and conversation

The conference will be structured in the following ways:

• Plenary: this will be expert from within the community or someone with research experience connected to the issue within the community giving a 30 mins talk
• There will be parallel sessions based on tracks to be identified by the organising committee.
• Editathon and hackathon: There will be active editathon and hackathon all through the 3 days

15. Please state if your proposal aims to work to bridge any of the identified CONTENT knowledge gaps (Knowledge Inequity)? Select up to THREE that most apply to your work.

Content Gender gap, Geography, Sexual Orientation, Cultural background, ethnicity, religion, racial

15.1. In a few sentences, explain how your work is specifically addressing this content gap (or Knowledge inequity) to ensure a greater representation of knowledge. (optional recommended).

As an organisation with global reach, we have been working to build a knowledge bank that takes into account the geographical location of our members [including time zones, language and political landscape]. This is helping us to not just increase LGBTQ+ contents on Wiki platforms, but to also cater to the needs of our members and provide a safe space for them to contribute and grow.

WMLGBT+ works towards a global community of mutual support and collaboration, and we will continue offering programmes for this community to be built. We expect the conference to be an important milestone in our global work commitment.

The conference will address the gender and sexual orientation gap

The conference will address the cultural background, ethnicity, religion, racial by

The conference will address the geography gap by

16. Please state if your proposal includes any of these areas or THEMATIC focus. Select up to THREE that most apply to your work and explain the rationale for identifying these themes.

Human Rights, Diversity

17. Will your work focus on involving participants from any underrepresented communities?

Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation

18. Do you intend to invite or engage with non-Wikimedian individuals or organizations? If so – can you explain your intention for this outreach?

Queering Wiki 2026 will be the first time that the WMLGBT will be opening its space for other LGBTQI+ organisations outside of the movement to be part of our events. This year we became a member of ILGA world, the global umbrella organisation for LGBTQI groups around the world.

We are also working with chapters and thematic groups to have an LGBTQI+ working group, as such, for QW26, the following are the partners we have identified and in discussion with to be part of our conference.

Within the Wikimedia Movement, Wikimedia Canada will be our host partner.

Partners that will have representation at the event and also make presentations also include:

• Wikimedia Europe
• Wikimedia UK
• Wikimedia Deutschland
• Art+Feminism
• Others to be confirmed

Outside of the wiki movements, we are in conversation with donors, and other LGBT groups and organisations to participate.

As this is our first in-person conference, we are keeping expectations relatively low.

19. What will you do to make sure participants continue to engage in your activities after the event?

The WMLGBT+ operates a Telegram group that is very active and engaging. We also host quarterly community meetings as well as events and activities all through the year, including in person meetings, social activities and more. With the (currently in-progress) recruitment of a Learning and Development officer, we are also planning to increase the amount of online and in person training we conduct annually. These activities will help keep the community engaged and active beyond the conference.

Last year we helped incubate Wiki For Human Rights Nigeria, which is the Nigerian arm of WMLGBT+, the group is now functioning with members and staff; our plan at WMLGBT+ is to further incubate other local and original groups, this feeds into our new strategic plan to expand.

Last year, in partnership with students of the University of Virginia, we developed a very interactive, easy to translate training manuals for people new to the wiki movement. This is in line with our mission to improve and increase training and education within our community, and this is backed up with the recruitment of a learning and development officer. All of these will feed into our post conference activities to:

1. Incubate more communities who can engage with WMLGBT+ programmes
2. Increase the diversity of organisers and participants in our Wiki Loves Pride campaigns
3. Increase our learning and development programmes
4. Host at least 4 themed virtual activities including community town hall, games and talks to keep the global network alive.

20. In what ways do you think your proposal most contributes to the Movement Strategy 2030 recommendations. Select a maximum of THREE options that most apply.

Increase the Sustainability of Our Movement, Provide for Safety and Inclusion, Ensure Equity in Decision-making, Identify Topics for Impact

Logistical Aspects

21. Do you have any proposed venue for the event?

Centre Mont Royal, Montreal, QC, Canada. This is the venue that has been suggested by Wikimedia Canada; they have used this venue before for other conference events.

22. Is the event venue and hotel accessible for people with physical disabilities?

Yes

23. How many scholarships would you like to offer?

60

24. What expenses will the scholarship cover?

Considering this is our first in-person conference, we strongly believe offering more scholarships will be the best way to get more people into the conference. However, we are aware of the cost implications and this is why the scholarship has been divided into three main categories.

1. Full Scholarship: These will pay for flight, accommodation and food. This scholarship tier is intended to favour participants from Africa and Latin America

25. How will scholarship recipients be selected?

A scholarship committee with experience, global reach and gender balance will be tasked with the responsibility to choose the successful applicants. We will consider geographical location, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability as well as participation in the Wikimedia movement. We will also consider partners who are not yet Wikimedians.

26. In which ways can Wikimedia Foundation staff support your event onsite?

We hope to work with the WMF conference team to help with some of the logistics, including flight, hotels, safe places and other logistics. We will also be inviting the WMF team to make presentations on topics and issues that focus on inclusion and belonging. We will extend an invitation to the new CEO of the Foundation to give a keynote address.

26.2. Do you intend to invite any WMF staff members to your event? (please note that all WMF staff travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the foundation). Please indicate what is the limit number of WMF staff members you would like to welcome at your event.

Yes; we are expecting to have Foundation staff members as part of the event. In our past conferences we had presentations from the Foundation in the area of trust and safety, belonging and more.

For this conference, we will love to have more presentations from the foundation staff and team on how the activities of WMF impact us as a key group in the movement. While we cannot be certain at this stage of planning, we will make adequate space in our programming for presentations from the WMF and we will solicit submissions from Trust and Safety, and from the Human Rights Team.

27. Please outline the roles and responsibilities of the organizing team for the conference.

WMLGBT+’s COT will lead on organising the events, designing the event meta page, select proposals for the presentations and select successful scholarship applications. We will also work closely with WMCA who are our hosting partners and also liaise with the WMF conference team.

The three staff of WMLGBT+ (Exec director, Director of programmes and the Learning and development officer, for which we are currently hiring) will play a leading role in all the activities.

They will be supported by 7 members of the COT including 5 community members and two board members.

The COT will be supported by volunteers from Wikimedia Canada and will include:

1. Logistics: headed by the ED and Wikimedia Canada team and will include registration, meet-and-greet and other on-the-ground support
2. Programming: programme announcement and selection will be led by the WMLGBT programme director with two members
3. Scholarships: this will be led by a member of the COT with support from the team.
4. Communication: Our director of programmes will lead a small team on comms
5. Tech and support: The volunteer who led on this during our last conference and will be in charge for QW26 and will be supported by another volunteer from the User Group and a support team from Wikimedia Canada

28. Do you have plans to co-organize the event with other Wikimedia communities, groups or affiliates?

Yes

28.1. If yes, can you please explain how you are going to co-organize the event and what responsibilities each partner will have.

In terms of role distribution, the arrangements we have with Wikimedia Canada are the following:

• Help with the logistics regarding hotel and accommodation
• Help with sourcing contractor for food
• Help with sourcing with security for the event
• Work with the COT and volunteers from WMLGBT to organise on the group technical support for the conference.
• Wikimedia Canada will not be involved in the programming, scholarship, or communications.

29. What kind of risks do you anticipate and how would you mitigate these?

After due conversation with WMCA and the COT, we have identified the following as key risk factors and are putting measures in place to address them.

We are aware that Montreal is a low risk for LGBTQI+ people, and the political situation in Canada is stable.

• Visa denial: We are aware that many people from the global majority might be denied visas, and we are working with WMCA to make sure that we reduce the number of rejections as much as we can. We are aware that we have limited control on this. We have planned to call for scholarships to go out in March and allow 8 weeks maximum for scholarship applications, allowing enough time for people to apply for a visa.
• Verification of participants: In view of the incident in New York during WCNA, we have plans to close registration 16 weeks before the conference and not allow for late registration. This will give us the time to share the list with the WMF team to make sure that everyone attending the conference has the necessary security clearance to be at the conference.
• Abuse and attacks: We are aware that there is an increasing rise in the number of right-wing activities in the Global North, and as part of this, we will put in place safe spaces and friendly space policy in place to make sure that participants have the support they need to fully enjoy the conference in dignity.

• Security*

We are deeply aware of the security challenges in our community due to the specificity of the theme we work on and we are working with Wikimedia Canada and Wikimedia Foundation Trust and safety team to put in place robust security measures. These measures include but not limited to;

• Submitting intended participant names and user name to the foundation for checks
• Provide the options for participants to not include their names, usernames and locations on public information regarding the conference
• We will not publicly disclose the hotel and the venue of the conference
• Work with Wikimedia Canada to recruit a security company that are understanding and sensitive to LGBTQI issues.
• Work with Trust and Safety, with the leading personnel from WMLGBT to provider safe and wellness space and volunteers all through the conference.

30. Friendly space policy - Please add the link to the friendly space policy that your community will be using for this event.

We will be using the standardised Friendly space policy for Wikimedia conferences: https://wikiconference.org/wiki/2024/Safe_Space_Policy We are committed to the UCoC.

Learning, Sharing, and Evaluation

31. What do you hope to learn from your work organising this conference?

The main thing we would like to learn if we have created the change we wanted would be that the participants of the conference feel a sense of belonging that encourages them to become organizers or community leaders at a local level. We want to spark networking and leadership at QW26, so editors connected to WMLGBT+ global community feel confident and find themselves supported by WMLGBT+ to become organizers and community leaders.

feel a sense of belonging. That we would have created a warm, welcoming environment for everyone within the Movement or new to the Movement.

We hope that attendees will have a better understanding of Wikimedia projects, contribute more to the platforms, and learn from the different presentations at the conference. We also hope that these dynamics and meetings spark collaboration long-term outside the conference, encouraging new communities to emerge.

32. Main open metrics

Main Open Metrics Data

Main Open Metrics	Description	Target
Attendees	We are hoping to have between 100–110 attendees and be intentional about the diversity of attendees (skill level, cultural and racial background, gender and age diversity, as well as geographic diversity)	110
Program Coverage	We hope to have significant diversity in our programming to reflect our community and their lived experience. Building on our past virtual QW experience, we are hoping to have one track for the content, taking into account the vast learning opportunities available in our community, covering a wide range of topics, lightning talks, or thematic meetings at once.	N/A
Local Community Partners	We are hoping to engage between 3–7 local LGBT community partners for the conference	7
Safety	Participants learned at least 2 safety measures and strategies around editing sensitive topics at Wikimedia projects.	N/A
Organizers and community leaders	Participants have a feel of belonging to WMLGBT community and are willing to organize an activity or spark a local community	30

Financial Proposal

33. What is the amount you are requesting from Wikimedia Foundation? Please provide this amount in your local currency.

265559.28

34. Select your local currency.

CAD

Requested amount in USD

191547.91 USD

35. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it.

• QW Montreal 2026 (2).xlsx

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DRkP-Of4lC3UQ2Iefl7fUHVCUdzu5J1sMa9Y4nvtJKQ/edit?gid=161582568#gid=161582568

36. Do you expect to receive funding for this conference from other organizations to support your work?

Yes

36.1. If yes, what kind of resources are you expecting to get?

In kind grants and support

We/I have read the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and Universal Code of Conduct.

Yes

Please use this optional space to upload any documents that you feel are important for further understanding your proposal.

Other public document(s):

Endorsements and Feedback

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Community members are invited to share meaningful feedback on the proposal and include reasons why they endorse the proposal. Consider the following:

• Stating why the proposal is important for the communities involved and why they think the strategies chosen will achieve the results that are expected.
• Highlighting any aspects they think are particularly well developed: for instance, the strategies and activities proposed, the levels of community engagement, outreach to underrepresented groups, addressing knowledge gaps, partnerships, the overall budget and learning and evaluation section of the proposal, etc.
• Highlighting if the proposal focuses on any interesting research, learning or innovation, etc. Also if it builds on learning from past proposals developed by the individual or organization, or other Wikimedia communities.
• Analyzing if the proposal is going to contribute in any way to important developments around specific Wikimedia projects or Movement Strategy.
• Analysing if the proposal is coherent in terms of the objectives, strategies, budget, and expected results (metrics).

Endorse