Defence Team 2SLGBTQI+ Champions mark the anniversary of the End of the Formal Ban on LGBT People in the CAF

October 27, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:15

October 27 holds particular significance for the Defence Team. On this day, we mark the 1992 anniversary of the end of the formal ban on LGBT people serving in the Canadian Armed Forces as directed by the Federal Court. This historic decision affirmed what should always have been true: that every Canadian who is willing and able to serve their country should have the opportunity to do so, free from discrimination, exclusion, or fear.

Progress has been made toward building a culture where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, feels safe, valued, and respected. Yet, as this time reminds us, progress is never a destination. It is a shared journey that demands continuous reflection and action.

Respecting the dignity of all persons is at the core of our Defence Team values and it must be lived every day. Our strength as an institution does not come from uniformity; it comes from the power of inclusion and teamwork. When we welcome diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities, we unlock the innovation, resilience, and compassion that are essential to mission success. Inclusion is not simply a moral imperative; it is an operational advantage.

Solidarity, empathy, and mutual respect are the foundations for a truly inclusive Defence Team. This anniversary encourages introspection within our own communities. Even as we celebrate the diversity of identities and expressions within the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) spectrum, we must also guard against “othering” among ourselves. Exclusion, whether based on gender expression, race, identity, or experience, mirrors the very systems of bias we seek to dismantle. When we divide within, we inadvertently give strength to those who may seek to discredit or restrict us.

Remembering our history is essential to building the future we want. The stories of perseverance from those dismissed under discriminatory policies and from those who now serve openly and proudly are testaments to courage and conviction. They remind us that change is possible when people stand together for what is right. 

As another year passes since the milestone decision, let us carry its lessons forward. Let us commit to knowing our history, understanding its impact, and using that knowledge to shape an inclusive future, one where everyone can serve authentically, without fear or compromise. Our collective power lies not in sameness, but in the strength of our diversity. Through inclusion, we honour those who came before us, empower those who serve today, and assure that those who follow inherit a Defence Team where everyone belongs.

Defence Team 2SLGBTQI+ Champions:
Brigadier-General James Hawthorne and Lara Rooke
and, 
the Defence Team 2SLGBTQI+ Champions Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Senior Advisor 
CWO Ian St-Laurent