Selective Remembrance: LGBTQ Veterans will not be forgotten!

Toronto: This November 11^th Egale Canada, Canada's National LGBT human rights organization, joins Canadians in honouring the sacrifice of our military veterans, but asks that we consider all veterans, especially those often deleted from the historical record because of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. Remembrance Day would not be complete without remembering those Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) veterans who were and are targeted by military officials because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. This November 11^th, consider the contributions of those who were targeted, "discharged with ignominy," or had their "service terminated," lest their sacrifices be forgotten.

Throughout Canada's extensive military history, it has regularly been the case that people discharged in this manner have not only suffered the loss of their pensions and benefits, but they have also had their civilian lives destroyed by tainted records and rumours. These effects echo onwards, despite the landmark policy change in 1992 when the Federal Court of Canada declared that policies restricting the service of "homosexuals" were contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In fact, regardless of these advances, many trans individuals continue to face discrimination in military processes because of enrolment medical policies that prevent the recruitment of individuals who are in the process of transitioning.

This November 11^th Egale Canada again joins voices with concerned Canadians calling for a concerted effort on the part of the Government of Canada to acknowledge and make reparations for the injustices done to many of these individuals. As well, Egale Canada encourages everyone to include LGBTQ veterans in their thoughts and discussions this November 11th^th, 2011.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Helen Kennedy, 416.964.7887 ext. 21, helen_kennedy@egale.ca

Egale Canada ©2011

Canada's LGBT human rights organization: advancing equality, diversity, education, and justice.