Equality Matters newsletter: July 2025

Remembering the past & honouring victims

Veterans Affairs Canada recently profiled Trudi and Nicole, two Canadian Armed Forces veterans whose careers were cut short by the LGBT Purge. As young women, they quickly became close friends, while hiding their sexuality. Both were eventually forced out of service, but their friendship endured.

Today, they continue to advocate for 2SLGBTQI+ veterans. Their story is one of resilience, connection, and allyship, as well as a reminder of the real people behind this painful chapter in Canadian history.

From the 1950s to the 1990s, thousands of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in the military, RCMP and public service were harassed, interrogated, and fired simply for who they were. This systemic discrimination, now known as the LGBT Purge, devastated lives and careers.

In 2017, the Government of Canada offered a formal apology. A National Monument is now being planned in Ottawa to memorialize historic discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada.

Let’s talk periods. 

May 28 was Menstrual Hygiene Day – a global call to action to break taboos and push for menstrual equity. Our latest Equality in Action article explores why awareness matters and what you can do to help.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but small actions make a big difference. Here are a few ways to start:

• Make space for curiosity – Keep learning and help others understand.
• Talk about it – Yes, even with men and boys!
• Challenge the stigma – Let’s normalize periods and ditch the shame.

We’re also pleased to share that Food Banks Canada is working with Women and Gender Equality Canada to lead a national pilot to address period poverty.