Barbara Thornborrow

Barbara Thornborrow came out in 1977, when she was threatened with dismissal from the Canadian Armed Forces, where she was a Private in the photographic department. Following a search of her barracks room, questioning of her roommate and confiscation of personal belongings, she was questioned by an SIU Sergeant and a policewoman. The then-25 year old acknowledged her lesbianism, upon which she was offered a choice: either sign a document admitting that fact or agree to psychiatric counseling. She refused both options, asked for a lawyer, and found herself not only stating her case in the press, but sitting in on a House of Commons Committee on justice and legal affairs, where opposition MPs urged the government to prohibit discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. Her contention that her lesbianism had no effect on her ability to do her job was unprecedented, and she loudly disregarded the military stance that homosexuals were susceptible to blackmail, and thus a security risk. As she put it: "It's totally irrelevant. My private thoughts and feelings are my own business. They don't threaten anyone." At a time prior to any human rights legislation protecting gays and lesbians, Barbara's actions were incredible, heroic, and courageous.

2003

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