Honouring the 35th Anniversary of the Start of the
LGBT Purge
A Landmark Moment in the Fight for Equality
2025 marks the 35th anniversary of when Michelle Douglas launched her pivotal legal challenge against the Canadian military's discriminatory policies targeting LGBT service members. In 1989, Douglas, a lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces, was dismissed for being a lesbian. Her courageous fight in Federal Court challenged the military's systemic discrimination and became a turning point in Canada's history of LGBTQ+ rights.
Douglas’ victory was a significant moment in dismantling the policies of the LGBT Purge, a decades-long campaign where thousands of 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians were harassed, interrogated, and discharged from the public service, military, and RCMP simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. However, ending discrimination by policy and ending discrimination is other ways are two different things. Douglas went on to become a life-long activist in the LGBTQ community.
The LGBT Purge Class Action and Historic Apology
The fight for justice didn’t end with Douglas. In 2016, survivors of the LGBT Purge came together to launch a nation-wide class action lawsuit against the Canadian government. The lawsuit, led by three brave representative plaintiffs—Todd Ross, Martine Roy, and Alida Satalic—sought justice for the class members who had been purged from their careers, stripped of dignity, and forced to live in fear due to their identity.
This legal battle culminated in a historic settlement in June 2018, marking a momentous step toward healing. The settlement included financial compensation for the survivors and led to a public apology from the Canadian government—an acknowledgment of the harm inflicted on 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals through state-sponsored discrimination. Additionally, more than $23million was set aside for reconciliation and memorialization measures. This work is now lead by the LGBT Purge Fund.
Remembering the Apology and Commitment to Justice
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Apology, delivered by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on November 28, 2017, was a powerful moment in Canadian history. It formally recognized the injustices of the Purge and the enduring trauma experienced by thousands of individuals. The apology also signaled a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable Canada.
Answering the Call: Advancing Equality and Justice
As we reflect on these important anniversaries, we are reminded of the ongoing struggle for equality and the need for continued action to honour the legacy of the LGBT Purge survivors. Answering the call to justice requires each of us to contribute to a future where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated with respect and dignity.
How You Can Help:
Educate and Remember: Learn about the LGBT Purge and share the stories of those who were affected by this dark chapter in Canadian history.
Support Survivors: Advocate for policies and programs that support the health and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those who endured state-sponsored discrimination.
Engage in Activism: Call on your local and national representatives to continue the work of reconciliation for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Preserve the Legacy: Participate in commemorative events, such as memorials or public talks, to ensure the lessons of the LGBT Purge are not forgotten.
Looking Forward: Continuing the Fight for Equality
While the LGBT Purge is part of Canada's past, the struggle for full equality is ongoing. Celebrating the bravery of people like Michelle Douglas, Todd Ross, Martine Roy, and Alida Satalic inspires us to continue advocating for justice and inclusion for all 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians.
As we recognize the 35th anniversary of the start of Douglas’ landmark legal challenge, we also recognize that the work is not over. By standing with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and fighting for human rights, we help ensure that the injustices of the past are never repeated.
