We are here and we are queer – A proud day to remember
July 4, 2022 - Jacqueline Koughan, Edmonton DTPAO civilian co‑chair; and Tim Bryant, Western Sentinel
As we reflect on the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) first ever Pride march this year, we are also reminded of the history of discriminatory practices against LGBTQ2+ CAF members.
The ‘Purge’ that occurred between the 1950s and the 1990s resulted in the discharge of LGBTQ2+ CAF members and federal employees due to their sexual orientation.
In 2021, the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization (DTPAO), a nationwide defence advisory group (DAG), was formed with a mission to better support LGBTQ2+ members by advising leadership on ways to create safe, inclusive and non‑discriminatory policies, practices and environments.
In that same year, Master Sailor Antoine Lavoie (he/him) joined other bases around Canada to form the local DTPAO and brought the DTPAO Edmonton out of its infancy by establishing positive working relationships with the base command team and other DAGs.
Following the initial implementation of the DTPAO Edmonton, Jacqueline Koughan (she/her) and Major John McDougall (he/him) joined in to hold key positions. Over a short period of time, the DTPAO’s membership has also grown. With the assistance of Lieutenant Billie Baluyot (he/him) and Captain Colin Lussier (he/him), and support from military police, volunteers, catering and performers, our collective efforts helped turn this vision into a reality. The support from all command structures at 3rd Canadian Division Support Base (3 CDSB) Edmonton have been impactful in planning this day.
It was nearly a decade ago, in 2013, when Maj McDougall (then a Master Warrant Officer) asked for and was granted permission to have the Pride flag raised at 3 CDSB Edmonton. That occasion marked the first time a Pride flag was raised on a CAF base. Nearly 10 years later, on June 24, 2022, Maj McDougall walked in the first CAF base Pride march as the DTPAO Edmonton Champion.
While this may seem like just another parade, it holds significant meaning given its history. The first ever Pride parade was the “Christopher Street Liberation Day March.” It took place on June 28, 1970 – one year after the Stonewall Uprising, where police in New York City raided the Stonewall Inn, a club frequented by the local LGBTQ2+ community. This led to six days of protests and violent clashes along Christopher Street in New York, and ultimately gave rise to the gay rights movement around the world, led primarily by Black transgender sex workers.
The early Pride demonstrations often focused on providing members of the LGBTQ2+ community with a space to celebrate their pride and freedom in being their authentic selves, but soon extended to include allies of the LGBTQ2+ community. Today, every June, Pride marches are celebrated worldwide.
In recent years, CAF members and the RCMP have been excluded from civilian Pride events due to the long history of violence and discrimination towards LGBTQ2+ members. Recognizing the need to create systemic change, the DTPAO identified that the 3 CDSB Edmonton Pride parade would be one of many ways to show acknowledgement of wrongdoings, recognize LGBTQ2+ CAF members’ service to their country, and move forward in support with this community.
Prior to the parade, a ceremony was held at 3rd Canadian Division headquarters to speak about the importance of acknowledging and welcoming the LGBTQ2+ community, as well as to raise the Pride flag.
In attendance at the ceremony were several dignitaries, including Edmonton Centre MP Randy Boissonnault, St. John’s South–Mount Pearl (N.L.) MP Seamus O’Regan, Edmonton‑Castle Downs MLA Nicole Goehring, Edmonton‑Highlands‑Norwood MLA Janis Irwin, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw.
Also present for the flag‑raising and parade were members of the Canadian Forces Base Suffield community and members from the wider Edmonton community.
Speaking prior to raising the Pride flag, Maj McDougall touched on why a day like June 24, 2022 is needed and significant.
“It’s because five years in the future today will be a marker for how far we’ve come,” he said, stressing that in the past people were persecuted for who they were, and now they are more free to be who they are.
He added that it’s still not a perfect world – even as Pride flags are being raised and rainbow crosswalks are being painted, there are still people who will send hate mail about those gestures.
MS Lavoie added his thoughts about how the CAF has come a long way in the time he’s been in the Navy.
Caption
The assembled dignitaries and Canadian Armed Forces members with the Pride flag.
(L-R) Master Sailor Antoine Lavoie, St. John’s South–Mount Pearl (N.L.) MP Seamus O’Regan, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, Edmonton Centre MP Randy Boissonnault, DTPAO Edmonton civilian co‑chair Jacqueline Koughan, Edmonton‑Castle Downs MLA Nicole Goehring, Dave Gilbert (husband of Major John McDougall), Edmonton‑Highlands‑Norwood MLA Janis Irwin, 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (3 CDSG) Acting Sergeant‑Major Chief Warrant Officer Leonard Power, 3 CDSG Commander Colonel Rob McBride, 3rd Canadian Division Sergeant‑Major Wayne Bantock, Maj John McDougall and 3rd Canadian Division Acting Commander Brigadier‑General Dave Awalt.
Photo by Cpl Daniel Chiasson, Garrison Wainwright Imaging
Caption
Major John McDougall (centre left), who was instrumental in raising the Pride flag on a Canadian Armed Forces base in 2013, raises the Pride flag at 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton on June 24. He was joined in the occasion by LGBTQ2+ advocate Murray Billett (left), St. John’s South–Mount Pearl (N.L.) MP Seamus O’Regan (centre right) and Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi (right).
Photo by Cpl Daniel Chiasson, Garrison Wainwright Imaging
Caption
The first‑ever Pride parade to take place on a Canadian Armed Forces base makes its way along the streets of 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton on June 24.
Photo by Cpl Daniel Chiasson, Garrison Wainwright Imaging
“Thirteen years after joining the CAF, I could not imagine standing here as a proud gay man,” he said, going on to say that the past shapes the present and it’s important always to speak out against discrimination.
Boissonnault took an opportunity to issue a challenge to those in attendance.
“Why be an ally when you can be a champion?” he asked.
An ally has your back when you’re in the room with them, he explained. But a champion will have your back when you’re not in the room.
O’Regan’s comments were especially heartfelt. As a gay man with a brother in the CAF, he had close knowledge of the history of the military’s connection with the LGBTQ2+ community.
“This is really emotional” he said. “You can’t help be the 16‑year‑old who struggled with who he was.”
He added that inclusivity and representation matter, because that’s how you get the best people into your organization.
O’Regan also said it’s crucial never to stop fighting. Freedoms that have been given can be taken away.
“We won’t let that happen,” he said.
Following the speeches, Maj McDougall did something he hadn’t done in 2013 when the Pride flag was first raised at 3 CDSB Edmonton – instead of just being present at the flag’s raising, he hoisted it to the top of the flagpole.
“That does put a big smile on my face,” he said.
The DPTAO is proud of the work it has accomplished so far, as this day will be forever etched into history as the first Pride march on a CAF base, drawing more than 100 participants and spectators as the parade made its way around the base.
Caption
Members from Canadian Forces Base Suffield (right flag) and the British Army Training Unit Suffield (left flag) made the trip to Edmonton to take part in the first‑ever Pride parade on a Canadian Armed Forces base on June 24.
Photo by Cpl Daniel Chiasson, Garrison Wainwright Imaging
Caption
The first‑ever Pride parade to take place on a Canadian Armed Forces base makes its way along the streets of 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton on June 24.
Photo by Cpl Daniel Chiasson, Garrison Wainwright Imaging