Lieutenant (Navy) Michele Newman
Peter Mallett,
Employee Writer
During the colors rites on March 31, the transgender pride flag sprang up atop lampposts at Naden, Work Point, and Duntze Head.
Over the Easter long trip, related flag raisings took place at Canadian military installations. The International Transgender Day of Visibility was an opportunity for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organizations (DTPAO). The day raises awareness of the discrimination faced both globally and nationwide by celebrating the endurance and courage of trans people who are able to be themselves and express themselves.
One military member proudly celebrating the day of recognition is CFB Esquimalt’s DTPAO Military Co-Chair and Engineering Officer Lieutenant (Navy) Michele Newman of Naval Training Group Headquarters.
“This day of recognition is crucial because it demonstrates the ability for transgender people to be visible, not just in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), but also everywhere that recognizes us,” according to Lt(N) Newman. “Transgender individuals have been minimized and discriminated against for so much, it has been greatly destructive. Being able to see different transgender persons, as well as the appreciation and support, helps fight that stigma.”
Lt(N) Newman finally felt confident enough to speak out to her department and shipmates as a transgender woman while she was the engineering officer of the Marine Systems Engineering Department aboard HMCS Calgary last year.
“To my delight, it was a moment of nothing but acceptance for me, acknowledgment and support from my shipmates and it was a great feeling,” said Lt(N) Newman. “I got smiles, numerous offers of assistance, and even some applause.”
Lt. N. Newman, who spent her first 14 times in the Marines hiding her personality, and several times before that as a child, explains that the moment of truth was years in the making. Her coming-out moment marked a withdrawal stage for a brighter, happier potential where she could ultimately be true to herself.
Lt. (N) Newman is of the opinion that recognizing the International Transgender Day of Visibility on military installations is essential to removing barriers to discrimination and putting a stamp on transgender identities in the CAF.
“We want to be accepted. To live, to laugh, to enjoy, and feel healthy, just like everyone else,” she said.
Coming out to her classmates was a significant act of courage for her and, to her shock, for the people on the ship. In the weeks following her statement, other members approached her for advice and support. She hopes that others will possess the confidence to be themselves in the workplace and have the courage to share her story.
“Although transgender people are still facing stigma and obstacles in our public and private lives, I believe we are moving in a more positive direction, so awareness and understanding is a crucial component of the effort to advance,” said Lt(N) Newman.
Steven Cleugh, DTPAO Civilian Co-Chair, says military trans people need gratitude, support, and understanding for their courage and determination.
“I have family and friends who are transgender, and I can tell them the prejudice and discrimination they experience every day,” said Cleugh. “I also witness the bravery our trans people show in my part with the DTPAO, and I admire their resilience.”
The second Transgender International Day of Awareness
The second International Transgender Day of Visibility, held in 2009, recognized the discrimination, poverty, and violence that transgender people face, while also honoring the resilience and accomplishment of transgender people around the world.
In 2021, there was the first observation at CFB Esquimalt. Other trans people of the Center, such as Chief Petty Officer Second Class Lynne Edmondson and Sailor First Class Danielle Dewitt, took part in the flag-raising meeting at Duntze Head during that ancient time.
