Defence Team 2SLGBTQI+ Champions honour Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 17, 2025 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 1:30

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, commemorated on November 20, we come together to honour the memory of transgender, Two-Spirit, and non-binary individuals whose lives have been tragically lost to acts of anti-transgender violence. This day is not only a time of mourning; it is a call to reflect on the systemic discrimination that persists and to reaffirm our collective commitment to equity, dignity, and safety for all.

The reality is stark:

• 67% of trans women and 55% of trans men consider personal safety risks when deciding how to express their gender in public.
• 54% of trans women and 63% of Two-Spirit individuals report having experienced physical or sexual violence due to their identity.
• 70% of trans youth in Canada have experienced some form of sexual harassment or violence.

These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real people, including those who may be our colleagues, friends, or family members. They underscore the urgent need to support every member of the Defence Team so they feel physically safe, psychologically supported, fully respected in their identity, and able to participate in the execution of our mission in a fulsome way.

As members of the Defence Team, we each have a role to play in creating a culture of inclusion and safety. This means:

• Believing the barriers that affect transgender people.
• Confronting transphobia, homophobia, and discrimination.
• Educating ourselves and supporting learning for others about the lived experiences of transgender people.
• Assuring our policies, practices, and environments are inclusive and affirming.

Allyship is not passive, it is active, ongoing, and essential. Whether through small daily actions or broader institutional change, our support can make a profound difference in the lives of our transgender colleagues and community members.

Let us honour this day not only with remembrance, but with resolve. Together, we can build a Defence Team where everyone is safe, seen, and celebrated.

With respect and solidarity,

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