Keynote Address: The LGBT Purge; Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

In 1989, Michelle Douglas was honorably discharged from the Canadian Military because she was deemed “not advantageously employable, due to her homosexuality. In 1992, Michelle launched a landmark legal challenge against the Department of National Defence that resulted in Canada ending its formal policy of discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ members in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Michelle will deliver a keynote speech addressing the historical injustices of the LGBT Purge and the work done to pursue reconciliation and justice. Douglas, celebrated for her advocacy and impactful work, will explore the ongoing challenges and triumphs of the 2SLGBTQI+ movement and will highlight the importance of solidarity, the fight against discrimination, and the power of community support. By sharing personal anecdotes and actionable insights, Douglas aims to inspire and empower individuals in the fire service to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society including the need to take risks and the importance of allyship.

“When you’re feeling safe in your own circumstance, you should look up and around and wonder who else needs your help and be that ally. Change doesn’t happen by itself. Each person is called upon to contribute to the type of world that you want to see in the ways you are best suited.” (Michelle Douglas)

Michelle served as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1986 to 1989. She was honourably discharged from the military in 1989 under the military’s “LGBT purge”. She launched a landmark legal challenge against the military’s discriminatory policies against LGBT service members that resulted in the ending of Canada’s discriminatory policies in 1992. Her experience in the military was the start of 30 years of social justice and human rights activism.
Professionally, Michelle served as the Director of International Relations at the Canadian Department of Justice and retired in September 2019. Over the course of her 30-year career as a public servant, Michelle represented Canada at international meetings of the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States and the G7, and has traveled extensively in providing policy support to the Minister of Justice of Canada.
Michelle has also served on a number of boards of directors, including as chair of the board of directors of The 519 Community Centre and the Foundation for Equal Families. She has also been involved in supporting LGBT refugees. Michelle is also a member of the board of directors of the Michaëlle Jean Foundation.

Michelle holds a degree from Carleton University in Ottawa, and an honourary doctorate from Mount Saint Vincent University. Michelle was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. In 2023, she was named an Honourary Colonel of the Chief Professional Conduct and Culture organization in the Canadian Armed Forces.