Honouring the 35th Anniversary of the Start of the LGBT Purge

Curriculum Guide: What was the LGBT Purge in Canada? An unknown history with a devastating impact. 

Overview

This curriculum guide is designed to engage educators, students, and communities with the history and legacy of the LGBT Purge in Canada. It explores the systemic discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in the public service, military, and RCMP, and highlights key moments such as Michelle Douglas' 1992 legal victory and the historic 2018 class action settlement. This guide encourages reflection on the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and inspires action toward continuing the fight for equality and justice. 

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the history and impact of the LGBT Purge on 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians. 

  • Explore the legal challenges and activism that contributed to ending discriminatory policies, focusing on the role of Michelle Douglas and the leaders of the 2018 LGBT Purge Class Action lawsuit. 

  • Reflect on the significance of the 2017 2SLGBTQIA+ Apology and the ongoing fight for equality and justice. 

  • Engage in discussions and activities that promote understanding, remembrance, and advocacy for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

Lesson Plan Outline

1. The History of the LGBT Purge

  • Objective: Understand the scope and impact of the LGBT Purge in Canada.

  • Discussion:

    • Introduce the LGBT Purge, a government-sanctioned campaign between the 1950s and the 1990s that targeted 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, and Public Service. Thousands were harassed, interrogated, and dismissed from their positions based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

    • Discuss how the Cold War-era belief that LGBTQ+ individuals were "security risks" fueled this discrimination. 

  • Activity: Watch a short video or read testimonials from LGBT Purge survivors (e.g., from the LGBT Purge Fund). Ask students to reflect on how discrimination affected the personal and professional lives of these individuals. 

2. Michelle Douglas’ Landmark Legal Challenge

  • Objective: Learn about Michelle Douglas’ role in formally ending the military's discriminatory policies.  

  • Discussion:

    • In 1989, Michelle Douglas, a captain in the Canadian Armed Forces, was dismissed for being a lesbian. She took her case to Federal Court, launching a landmark legal challenge against the military's discriminatory policy. 

    • Douglas’ victory in 1992 led to the dismantling of discriminatory practices, making it a key turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Canada. 

  • Activity: Assign students to research and present on key figures in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality in Canada. Include Michelle Douglas, Todd Ross, Martine Roy, and Alida Satalic, who were involved in both the legal battles and the class action lawsuit. 

3. The LGBT Purge Class Action and the Historic Apology

  • Objective: Understand the class action lawsuit and its outcomes, including the government’s formal apology. 

  • Discussion:

    • In 2016, survivors of the LGBT Purge launched a class action lawsuit against the Canadian government. Led by Todd Ross, Martine Roy, and Alida Satalic, the lawsuit sought compensation for those who were harassed, discharged, or denied career opportunities because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

    • The lawsuit resulted in a historic settlement in 2018, which included financial compensation and a public apology from the Canadian government. 

    • On November 28, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered the 2SLGBTQIA+ Apology, recognizing the harm inflicted on thousands of Canadians and committing to a more inclusive future. 

  • Activity: Have students read and analyze excerpts from the 2017 Apology. What language and sentiments are used to express accountability? What commitments were made to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community? 

4. Reflecting on the Legacy and Continuing the Fight for Equality

  • Objective: Reflect on the impact of the LGBT Purge and the work still required to achieve full equality. 

  • Discussion:

    • While the LGBT Purge is part of Canada’s past, its effects are still felt by survivors today. Discuss the importance of continued support for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and the need for systemic changes to ensure these injustices are not repeated. 

    • Emphasize how Michelle Douglas, Todd Ross, Martine Roy, and Alida Satalic paved the way for greater equality but that there is still more work to be done in areas such as healthcare, employment equity, and legal protections. 

  • Activity: Organize a class debate or discussion: "What steps should the Canadian government take to further support 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals?" Encourage students to consider actions beyond financial compensation, such as implementing comprehensive anti-discrimination policies, supporting mental health services, and funding educational initiatives. 

Resources for Further Learning

  1. LGBT Purge Fund: 

    • A dedicated organization supporting ongoing efforts to document the history of the Purge, provide resources for survivors, and promote equality. The organization also reports on diversity and training. Visit lgbtpurgefund.com. 

  2. Documentaries and Videos:

    • The Fruit Machine by Sarah Fodey: A documentary on the Canadian government's LGBT Purge. 

    • LGBT Purge Fund: Videos and interviews with survivors of the Purge. 

    • Canadian Musuem of History: Videos and Learning section 

    • Queer Legends: A podcast featuring LGBT Purge voices.  

  3. Books:

    • My Purge Story: A First Hand Account from a Gay Purge Survivor by Steven P. Deschamps 

    • Righting Canada's Wrongs: The LGBT Purge and the fight for equal rights in Canada by Ken Setterington 

    • We Demand: History of LGBT Rights in Canada by Patrizia Gentile and Gary Kinsman. 

  4. Primary Documents:

    • 2017 2SLGBTQIA+ Apology: Access the full text of the apology delivered by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

    • Class Action Settlement Agreement: Explore the details of the 2018 settlement and the reparations provided to survivors.

  5. LGBT Purge Fund:

    • A dedicated organization supporting ongoing efforts to document the history of the Purge, provide resources for survivors, and promote equality. Visit lgbtpurgefund.com.

Answering the Call: How to Advocate and Support

  • Educate and Remember: Learn and share the history of the LGBT Purge, making sure the stories of survivors are not forgotten. Encourage students to explore the impact of discrimination on identity and equality in Canada. 

  • Support Survivors: Advocate for the rights and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those affected by state-sponsored discrimination. Support organizations like the LGBT Purge Fund, which helps preserve the history and legacy of this struggle. 

  • Engage in Activism: Write to your local government officials to ensure that anti-discrimination policies are enforced in workplaces, schools, and public institutions. Push for ongoing reconciliation and justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. 

  • Commemorate: Organize or participate in events that honor the legacy of the LGBT Purge, such as public talks, memorials, or exhibits that raise awareness about this chapter in Canadian history. 

Reflection and Action

The experiences of those who were affected by the LGBT Purge offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made toward equality and the work that remains. The subsequent historic apology and class action settlement brought some closure to survivors, but full equality and justice for 2SLGBTQIA+ Canadians must continue to be fought for. 

As educators, students, and community members, we have a responsibility to honor the courage of those who challenged systemic discrimination and to ensure that the legacy of the LGBT Purge fuels our ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and just society