Diane Pitre, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the Canadian Armed Forces, received one of Canada's highest honors, the Order of Canada, for her decades-long fight against discrimination. This recognition comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's apology in 2017 for past state-sanctioned discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
More than 40 years after being told she was a threat to Canada because of her sexuality, Diane Pitre is being given one of the country's top honours. The advocate for LGBTQ+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces , who was kicked out of the service in 1980 as part of what has become known as The Purge , is among 88 new appointees to the Order of Canada announced Wednesday.
They include 'Deadpool' movie star Ryan Reynolds, Holocaust survivor and educator Mariette Doduck, geneticist David Chitayat, curler Kevin Martin and Heather Rankin, a member of the award-winning band The Rankin Family. 'I'm still in shock, and it's surreal for me. I never expected it,' Pitre said from her home in Campbellton, N.B. Pitre spent decades after being kicked out of the military lobbying for an apology from the government. That came in 2017 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood in the House of Commons and apologized for past state-sanctioned discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community in Canada. Douglas Elliott, lead counsel in a class-action lawsuit related to The Purge, was also appointed to the Order of Canada this year. This year's list of Canadians deemed to have made extraordinary contributions to the nation features scientists including internationally recognized E. coli expert Carlton Gyles, pediatric neuro-oncology researcher Nada Jabado and speech-language pathologist Aura Kagan. Musicians and artists on the list include Don Alder, one of the top acoustic fingerstyle guitarists in the world, internationally renowned sculptor Ruth Abernethy, and multimedia artist Stan Douglas. Gov. Gen. Mary Simon thanked the appointees for their'perseverance, fearless leadership and visionary spirit.' “Members of the Order of Canada are builders of hope for a better future. Each in their own way, they broaden the realm of possibilities and inspire others to continue pushing its boundaries,' she said in a statemen
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Canadian LGBTQ+ Advocate Awarded Order of CanadaDiane Pitre, a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces who was dismissed in 1980 due to her sexuality, has been awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors. Pitre spent decades lobbying for an apology from the government, which came in 2017.
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LGBTQ+ Advocate Diane Pitre Receives Order of CanadaDiane Pitre, an advocate for LGBTQ+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces who was discharged in 1980 due to her sexuality, has been appointed to the Order of Canada. Pitre spent decades lobbying for an apology from the government, which came in 2017. This year's Order of Canada appointees also include Ryan Reynolds, Mariette Doduck, David Chitayat, Kevin Martin, Heather Rankin, and Douglas Elliott.
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Advocate for LGBTQ+ Veterans Gets Order of CanadaDiane Pitre, a former Canadian Armed Forces member discharged due to her sexuality, has been awarded the Order of Canada. This honor comes after decades of advocacy for an apology from the government, which was finally issued in 2017.
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LGBTQ+ Advocate Diane Pitre Receives Order of CanadaDiane Pitre, an advocate for LGBTQ+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces who was discharged in 1980 during a period known as 'The Purge,' has been appointed to the Order of Canada. Pitre spent decades lobbying for an apology from the government, which came in 2017. This year's list of appointees also includes Ryan Reynolds, Mariette Doduck, David Chitayat, Kevin Martin, Heather Rankin, and Douglas Elliott.
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LGBTQ+ Advocate Awarded Order of CanadaDiane Pitre, an advocate for LGBTQ+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces who was discharged in 1980 due to her sexuality, has been awarded the Order of Canada. This honour recognizes her decades of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and her resilience in the face of discrimination.
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Canada Honors LGBTQ+ Advocate and Other TrailblazersThe Order of Canada recognizes individuals for exceptional contributions to the country. This year's list includes Diane Pitre, an LGBTQ+ advocate who was expelled from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1980 during 'The Purge,' and other notable figures in various fields.
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