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Calling all allies: sharing and learning from CCDI queer professionals

Posted in : Blog
Posted on : July 15, 2025

By Anthony Lombardi, Iván Barradas, MacKenzie Pudwell, and Viktória Belle

In recent months, Canada, long regarded as a progressive and inclusive nation, has witnessed a disturbing rise in threats and hostile actions directed towards 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Despite legal protections and social advancements, individuals identifying as part of this diverse collective continue to face increasing aggressions, violence, and discrimination. From alarming instances of hate crimes to the amplification of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric in media and political discourse, the safety and well-being of many Canadians are under growing threat.

To raise awareness of this challenging reality, CCDI has formulated the following question to four members of our staff who identify themselves as queer persons:

Considering the rising threats to DEIA efforts in our country, what is your personal and professional contribution to help building safety and inclusion for other 2SLGBTQIA+ persons in Canadian workplaces?

Here are their answers.

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Anthony Lombardi (he, him)

Growing up gay, the fear of being found out followed me everywhere I went and seeped into everything I did. Now, as a secure and confident gay man, that fear no longer haunts me. However, I recognize that the depth of the shame I carried for two decades determined the direction that my life would take, and it informed how I would get there. It was at the root of my decision to do everything I could so that others who live in similar shame would find the support needed to overcome the barriers that inhibit the expression of their true self. I had decided that anything less than authentic was just not good enough.  

The journey of my activism started with volunteering a few evenings a month at a help and information phone line for those grappling with their sexual and/or gender identity. It was heartbreaking to know that there were so many people out there who still had not come to the realization I had come to – that they were just as worthy of love and respect as everyone else.  

Outside of my volunteer hours, I began speaking freely about gender and sexual inclusion because even though people around me were not struggling with their identity, their ability to understand certain issues that were distant from their own reality greatly influenced their world view – one that may not have recognized the need for the safe spaces I was trying hard to create.

Now, another two decades later, I am working at the Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion with organizations dedicated to creating safe workplaces. Once I turn off my computer at the end of the day or on a Friday afternoon, I step back into a world where my meetings and projects may be invisible, but the threats to inclusion continue to wreak havoc. So, if I truly want there to be safe spaces for the diversity that surrounds all of us, I must understand that this mission is not one that I can simply relegate to the confines of a 40-hour work week or the occasional volunteering opportunity. I must weave this effort into both the professional and personal spheres of my life, through empathy-building, awareness raising, education, and active listening.

I have worked hard so that I would not be forever scarred by the shame that enslaved my identity for 20 years. It is impossible to understand the feeling of such heavy shame when your existence is not under constant opposition. I argue that it is not even necessary to really understand it. What indeed is necessary is the collective act of sharing our spaces without casting onto each other the burdenous obligation to justify one’s existence in it. This practice is something that I speak about with my teams at work, with my friends, and with my family. I do so because I believe that honest and healthy conversation raises our awareness of where we can do better and be better.

I thank you for joining me on this journey to building a safer space for us all. — Anthony

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Iván Barradas (he, him)

As a DEIA educator and a person belonging to the 2SLGBTQIA+ collectives in Canada with a particular devotion and a professional background rooted in the fields of adult teaching and modern languages, it is indispensable for me to use (and promote the usage of) the most adequate and updated terminology when referring to other folks who identify themselves as individuals or allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and who possess lived or living experience on the matter.

Thus, one of my most noteworthy contributions has been the collaboration with the Research Team in the annual review of CCDI’s DEIA Glossary of terms, where I had the opportunity to discuss, amend, and update several entries and definitions for a better understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ realities in our country. For example, some important notions such as ‘enbyphobia’[i], ‘endosex’[ii] and ‘heterocisnormativity’[iii], were added to the glossary, as well as some amendments to the previous definitions of ‘romantic orientation’[iv] and ‘transness’.[v]

Although such an endeavor is a fascinating way of learning and disseminating knowledge, it must however be noted that it is not precisely an easy task. Sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are complex, fluid, and constantly changing, and cannot be addressed applying a “rigid” approach. Some terms that were widely used some years ago are no longer valid, while others that were vaguely defined (such as ‘queer’[vi]) required further research. 

On the other hand, it is important to acknowledge the fact that having some living experience related to terminology (or interviewing persons who have it) has made a huge difference to correct or clarify the content. Furthermore, navigating the particularities of English and French languages, as well as the distinct perspectives that some entries have - according to Indigenous Peoples, Francophone communities, English-speaking researchers, and Allophone groups - has made this experience totally rewarding.

To all those 2SLGBTQIA+ folks living in a state of distress in Canada, I send tons of courage. — Iván

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MacKenzie Pudwell (she, her)

DEIA is currently receiving a new wave of resistance backlash and is being targeted by anti-rhetoric. It is essential in this turbulent time to actively create safe spaces in the workplace and society for equity-deserving groups. This very much includes 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, whose rights, protections, and access to resources are being challenged—not just in the U.S., but here in Canada as well.

As a queer professional, I’ve encountered, assumptions, tokenization, and barriers to inclusion based on my identity and my community. While I have endured homophobia and sexism, I recognize that I am a queer, White, cis woman and that my experience is not representative of all 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. The diversity within our community is beautiful and complex, but I acknowledge my limitations and still choose to show up and support my community.

Professionally, I try to support the development of queer-inclusive content and leverage learning about all 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, issues, and experiences to expand my knowledge. Ultimately, I try to create awareness around the socio-political influences in Canada that are negatively impacting our community. To get a clear picture of what’s going on in your regions, I invite you to connect with your local 2SLGBTQIA+ groups today. From proposed book bans, limiting health care access to outing policies, you might be sadly surprised.  

Personally, I had the immense honour of marrying my now amazing wife this year. Every step of planning became an opportunity to educate and challenge assumptions within the wedding industry. Sometimes, we were pleasantly surprised – shoutout to our photographers for their inclusive approach. Other times, we had to pause and offer alternatives, suggest more inclusive language, or point out problematic practices. Many vendors received this feedback openly and made changes. Others didn’t, which was disappointing, but a sign that our values didn’t align.

We wanted our wedding to connect with our local 2SLGBTQIA+ Alberta community. So instead of gifts, we asked people to donate to the Skipping Stone Foundation, a local charity supporting young trans and non-binary folks, who are being particularly targeted politically in Alberta. Some of our family hesitated, worried it might make others uncomfortable, and we responded, “If this is their line, then it probably means they aren’t meant to celebrate our love and the beautiful community to which we belong.”

Inclusion isn’t a one-time donation, policy, or gesture. It’s a daily commitment, made up of actions, missteps, learning moments, and intentional efforts in all areas of our lives. Building safe, inclusive spaces is ongoing work, and I’m committed to continuing that work alongside all of you.

I look forward to our journey. — MacKenzie

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Viktória Belle (she, they)

Audre Lorde reminds us that “revolution is not a one-time event.[vii] When I think of revolution, I think of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and how we all continue to build small and large revolutions every day around the world. 2SLGBTQIA+ people have always existed and will always exist, which means there is a rich legacy to learn from and follow.

Personally and professionally, I work to prioritize opportunities for safety and empowerment, amplifying the voices and teachings of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in my daily life and work. This can sometimes happen by speaking up when discrimination, misgendering, or exclusionary acts are happening in real time. It can look like: prioritizing naming injustice in relationships or in workplace structures, when it is safe to do so; asking someone to consider humanity and humility, despite the rise of hate through education; or offering resources and holding space. Often, we spend so much time talking about safety, how to stay safe, how to be safe, how to keep each other safe, that it takes up so much space and time in the lives of many 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Celebrating our joy and humanity is an act of resistance and a small, quiet revolution in itself. And allies can play a huge role in sharing some of that good and hard work of education and holding space.  

In Canada and all over the world, the rise of identity-based threats and hate tears communities apart and costs our people their dignity and lives. I hope everyone out there feels some sort of responsibility to show up for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in and out of your workplace, offer your kindness and humanity, and let someone know they matter. Now more than ever, collective care and solidarity are vital. I’m inspired every single day by my wife and partner, my family and friends, my comrades and colleagues, who continue to amplify our diverse voices, dispel misinformation, and risk their lives for the sake of ALL our collective liberation.

Thank you all so much. — Viktoria

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If you are in Canada and experiencing distress or harm due to rising threats against the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, please know that you are not alone. You can contact the following services for free and confidential support: 

Egale – Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI people and issues. They improve and save lives through research, education, awareness, and by advocating for human rights and equality in Canada and around the world. Available in English and French.

Interligne – 24-hr help and information line for LGBTQ+ people, their loved ones, and professionals from various background (accessible throughout Canada and the Francophonie worldwide). Available in English and French.

It Gets Better Canada – Envisions a day when no young person in Canada feels marginalized, isolated, excluded or rejected because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Available in English and French.

HPV Global Action – For inclusive information about general sexual and reproductive health. Also delivers inclusive presentations to schools and academic institutions. Available in English and French.

Aide aux Trans du Québec – Support and demystification of trans and non-binary identities. Available in English and French.

The LGBT+ Family Coalition – Advocacy and support for non-traditional families. Available in English and French.

 

References (click here to review the sources)

Tags CCDI CDNdiversity DEI Diversity Equity Accessibility Inclusion