LGBTQ+ in the Canadian Military

Every single day, all around the world, there is discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community. This has been happening for a long time and is often ignored when we reflect on our history, particularly in Canada.  

During the time of the Cold War (1947-1991), the Canadian government had an extremely hateful and intolerant view of LGBTQ+ citizens. These innocent people were fired from their jobs and banned from the military. They were treated poorly by the country that they were loyal to. They were criminalized by a homophobic government that they thought they could trust.

After all these years, the Canadian government is finally taking the time for a necessary yet overdue apology to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer citizens of the country. On November 28, 2017, Justin Trudeau (the Prime Minister of Canada), apologized on behalf of the entire Canadian government to the members of the LGBTQ+ community who faced oppression.

The public apology was necessary to mending the relationship between the Canadian government and the LGBTQ+ community. There is much work that still needs to be done for equal rights for all people around the world, but this serves as a step towards acceptance.

We can never go back and change history, but we must learn from all the mistakes made. We must not ever forget the shameful events that took place during the period of the Cold War and all throughout history. The apology will have a lasting effect on all people regardless of gender and sexual identity.