Trailblazing Canadian gay rights advocate, Michael Hendricks, dies age 84
From his work honouring those who died during the HIV/AIDS epidemic to paving the way for same-sex marriage in Canada, Hendricks leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten
By Aaron Sugg
Michael Hendricks, a trailblazing Canadian gay rights advocate, died aged 84 on 18 July after suffering from a degenerative lung disease.
Hendricks leaves behind his husband of more than 21 years, René Leboeuf. The couple were the first same-sex couple to be legally married in Quebec, Canada, in 2004.
Hendricks’ journey in advocacy began during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s, when he and his future husband campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights. Together, they led efforts with ACT UP activists and worked with the City of Montreal to create a permanent memorial to Quebecers who died of AIDS.
Michael Hendricks legacy of HIV/AIDS advocacy
As a result of their determination and efforts, Parc de l’Espoir was built in the heart of Montreal’s Gay Village – a monument that has since become even more significant.
At the age of 80, Hendricks found himself fighting to protect the memorial’s place in Montreal, as he and his husband, Leboeuf, organised and encouraged members of the LGBTQ+ community to oppose the local government’s plans to alter Parc de l’Espoir.
Following the strong community campaign, spearheaded by the late LGBTQ+ trailblazer, the local authority abandoned its proposed changes and went back to the drawing board.
Hendricks’ impact on same-sex marriage in Canada
As previously mentioned, Hendricks and Leboeuf made history as Quebec’s first legally married same-sex couple.
Beginning in 2001, the couple spent six years and $300,000 (£224,267) fighting in court for the right to marry before their wedding on 1 April 2004, after already being together for 30 years.
Hendricks famously once said: “If you look at our photos, look at the smile on our faces.”
“All those years of fighting and struggle” – Hendricks on getting married to René Leboeuf.
“The officiant, who was a lovely woman, was reading our vows and we realised we finally made it. […] And it was just a question of five minutes and it would be over and all those years of fighting and struggle would be concluded.”
Same-sex marriage officially became legal nationwide in Canada on 20 July 2005, following legalisation in several provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia in 2003 and Quebec in 2004.
A testament to his lifelong dedication to advocacy, Quebec recorded 11,087 same-sex marriages between 2004 and 2023.