OUTniagara, Legion to recognize 2SLGBTQ+ veterans with wreath
OUTniagara, Legion to recognize 2SLGBTQ+ veterans with wreath
November 11, 2020 (Niagara) – The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 24, will lay a wreath on behalf of Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ veterans at this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony.
“Branch 24 responded to our request to lay a wreath without hesitation,” said Celeste Turner, chair of the board of OUTniagara, an organization that acts as an umbrella group for, and stands in solidarity with, Niagara’s sexual- and gender-diverse communities.
“They acknowledged the value of the gesture immediately, and for that we are grateful,” said Turner.
Because of COVID-19, the Legion is discouraging public attendance at the Nov. 11 ceremony. The ceremony will be live-streamed and shown on Cogeco cable television. Wreath contributors will be read out.
“We are so proud to honour the 2SLGBTQ+ veterans and soldiers who have contributed to Canada’s freedom, many of whom sacrificed their lives,” said Turner, “or who have sacrificed mental, emotional and physical health upon return.”
Branch 24 recognizes the right of all community groups to participate in the Remembrance Day ceremony.
Turner said that 2SLGBTQ+ soldiers who fought during the World Wars would have likely hidden their orientation to protect their personal safety or careers.
Placing a wreath that represents sexual- and gender-diverse veterans who have contributed to our nation is not without precedence. In 2019, a transgender support group in northern Ontario honoured 2SLGBTQ+ veterans for their sacrifices by laying a Remembrance Day wreath in Sudbury. In 2016, gay and lesbian soldiers were honoured during the Remembrance Day ceremony in Calgary.
Michelle Douglas, a 2nd lieutenant, was honourably discharged in 1989 from the Canadian military in what was known as the “LGBT Purge.” Douglas launched a legal landmark challenge to the Federal Court of Canada, a lawsuit that was settled in 1992 and prompted the government to strike down the law that prevented lesbian and gay personnel from serving their country.
In November 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued an emotional apology in the House of Commons to civil servants, military members and others who endured discrimination and injustice based on their sexual orientation.