Emerging from the LGBT Purge (INC1-E38)

Overview

Delivery method

Online

Duration

1 hour

Audience

All public servants at all levels

Description

The LGBT Purge refers to a dark chapter in Canadian history that took place during the mid-20th century, particularly from the late 1940s to the 1990s, when government authorities and military organizations systematically targeted and persecuted 2SLGBTQIA+ people on the basis of national security considerations. The LGBT Purge involved discriminatory policies, investigations, interrogations, firings, criminal charges, and even involuntary medical treatments aimed at identifying and removing 2SLGBTQIA+ people from positions in the government and military.

This event, features stories from survivors of the LGBT Purge and explores Emerging from the Purge, a report produced to support the Government of Canada in its efforts to foster a more diverse workplace that is equitable and inclusive, and highlights some of the actions that address the report’s recommendations.

Participants will learn about the LGBT Purge, its impacts on the federal public service, as well as the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in the Government of Canada.

This event is presented in partnership with the Public Service Pride Network.

Learn more about Public Service Pride Week events.

Speakers

• Shannon Mezzetta (she/her), Manager, Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Natural Resources Canada
• Marc-André Millaire (he/him), Director General, 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat, Women and Gender Equality Canada
• Michelle Douglas (she/her), Executive Director, LGBT Purge Fund
• Kaye Low (she/her), Executive Inclusion Officer, Veterans Affairs Canada

Moderator

• Jason Bett (he/him), Public Service Pride Champion and Visiting Senior Advisor for 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion, Public Service Pride Network