“I have never felt the need to hide who I am.” - Spotlight Interview with Master Corporal (MCpl) Meghan Beauchamp

November 1^st, 2021 - Defence Stories

You won’t want to miss this spotlight interview!

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Today we highlight MCpl Beauchamp, the founder and Deputy Chair of the Defence Team Pride – National Capital Region (DTP-NCR).

We spoke to her about her experience

1) What would you like people to know about you as a member of the LGBTQ2+ communities?

In most ways, I’m no different than anyone else. I have hopes and dreams, fears and insecurities, joy and pain. I have a loving spouse (and we’re a service couple!). I’m also old enough to remember when we weren’t allowed to be married and didn’t have many of the equal benefits, which we eventually obtained in the Queer community.

I think this places me in a great position to respect the history of the LGBTQ2+ community, the activism of which I was a part and to lean forward on the progress we’ve all made in society toward understanding and acceptance of human diversity. And I’m still learning about my community and myself almost 25 years after I first came out. One thing I have learned—or that seems apparent to me—is that most things about being human are not static. They may not always be fluid, but they are definitely not static.

2) What does wellness mean to you as a member of the LGBTQ2+ communities?

Wellness is such a broad term. It can be physical, emotional, or medical. When it comes to wellness in the workplace, especially as pertaining to the LGBTQ2+ members of the Defence Team, it starts with being able to bring your whole self to work. I am very fortunate that this has been my experience in the CAF. I have never felt the need to hide who I am and have been strongly supported in my workplace with my involvement in DND Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. It’s important for every aspect of a person’s wellness at work (physical, emotional etc.) that they be able to feel safe and secure, that they can be themselves and not be afraid it will impact their job security or career progression.

3) How can colleagues actively help to create a healthier workplace for members of the LGBTQ2+ communities?

A great start is to find a Positive Space Ambassador (PSA) at your base/wing/unit/office and ask them questions to learn about the PSA Initiative within DND or attend a PSA briefing. If there aren’t any PSAs in your workplace, feel free to reach out to me or visit the site to find resources and a list of PSAs by region. Consider becoming a Positive Space Ambassador. Also, look for the Base/Wing level LGBTQ2+ Defence Advisory Group near you. You can contact the Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization (the National group) in order to find the LGBTQ2+ DAG near you. If you’re in the National Capital Region, CFB Ottawa-Gatineau’s DAG is: +Defence Team Pride NCR - La fierté de l’Équipe de la Défense RCN@CFSU(O)@Ottawa-Hull or reach out to me directly; I’m happy to help point people in the direction of the OPIs around the CAF.

4) What is a piece of advice or guidance you received that has stuck with you? (related to mental health and well-being)

You are enough.

5) Can you please share a couple of resources (i.e., books, documentaries, videos, etc.) that you found accurate and impactful in learning about or supporting your community?

- One documentary I think every Canadian needs to see, especially as members of DND/CAF, is The Fruit Machine, to learn about the LGBT Purge. It is heart wrenching, but I think it’s important to know this part of our story as Canadians. Look for the Feature Length version (1h21m). Also, visit the website for the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity, where you can find loads of resources and information.

- I’ve been reading a lot of Brené Brown lately so I recommend reading The Gifts of Imperfection or anything she’s written. Her work references wholehearted living and building connection and belonging. This is something we all need whether we’re part of the LGBTQ2+ community or not. I find her very empowering and enlightening. Watch her TED talk The Power of Vulnerability or her Netflix special The Call to Courage. A lot of these contain similar information, but I find greater value in combining them for a broader picture. I know that’s not directly related to supporting the LGBTQ2+ community, but fostering connection and a sense of belonging is a great way to support the Queer community.

- There’s a great documentary on Netflix called Disclosure that talks about trans experiences.

- I recommend learning as much as you can about the diversity that exists within the community. The intersectionality of the Queer Community with practically every community means that you are guaranteed at some point to have friends, family, coworkers who are part of the LGBTQ2+ and that you will find common ground.

If you need additional support EAP and CFMAP are here for you.

For additional educational resources, please consult the links below

LGBTQ2 Secretariat – Provides information and resources related to improving equality for LGBTQ2 communities through the promotion of human rights and the development of inclusive federal policies, programs and laws.

Being an LGBTQ2+ Ally – Provides tips on how you can actively and consistently support, stand with, and advocate for LGBTQ2+ communities.

Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) – Provides an opportunity to deepen knowledge and examine the impact of programs, initiatives and policies on different groups of people.