The Canadian Forces base in Moose Jaw, Sask. made history Tuesday by becoming the second base in Canada to raise a rainbow-coloured Pride flag.
CFB Edmonton was the first base to raise the flag in 2013 after Master Warrant Officer John McDougall, an openly gay Canadian Forces member, asked if the flag could be raised for the city’s pride week celebrations.
READ MORE: Pride history made at Edmonton military base
15 Wing Moose Jaw then followed suit by raising the rainbow flag this year.
The request for the flag-raising came from Sarah Fahie, an aerospace control operator with 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
In a letter to the Canadian Forces, Fahie described herself as a friend and ally to the LGBT community. She also said she volunteers with Moose Jaw Pride.
Fahie went on to write that it is the responsibility of members of the Canadian Armed Forces to uphold the country’s laws and rights.
She added this includes the Canadian Charter of Human Rights, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, mental and physical disability, and sexual orientation.
“While inclusivity is the law in Canada, the actions of our organizations and individuals will determine the reality for marginalized people,” Fahie said in her letter.
“LGBT people have served openly in the Canadian Armed Forces since 1992. As members of the CF, the LGBT community contribute to military operations and culture. By raising the rainbow flag, the CF recognizes the contributions of their LGBT members.” – block quote
Joe Wickenhauser, the executive director for Moose Jaw Pride, said the flag raising was a step forward for the city.
“There have always been LGBT+ people serving in the Canadian Forces and it is wonderful to see their contributions to our country being recognized here in Moose Jaw,” Wickenhauser said in a written statement.
Moose Jaw Pride Week runs from May 29 to June 4.
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