That’s right. On October 27, 1992 the Canadian Federal Court ruled that barring lesbians and gay men from serving in the military was a violation of the country’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. From Sunshine Coast, BC’s Coast Reporter:

In the last 17 years, many have risen to the top in their respective fields – an otherwise impossible feat under rules that once barred the promotion of enlisted individuals who’d been outed.

Luc Cassivi is one of them.

He certainly didn’t talk about his sexual orientation when he joined the Canadian Navy in 1983. He’s now the highest-ranking sailor aboard HMCS Ville de Quebec, a commander in the Navy, and he’s no longer shy about who he is.

“I’ve been openly gay for a number of years. My friends and my co-workers know it and it surely has not been an impediment for me progressing,” Cassivi said in an interview aboard his Halifax-based frigate. “I’m not saying that things have always been rosy. There were periods when things were difficult for a lot of people… But I think we’re well past that at this point.”

Cassivi spent 15 years in tight quarters as a submariner. He said he’s experienced his share of awkward moments and uncomfortable jokes. There were even times he considered leaving the military.

But once the rules changed, he says, so did the culture. Opportunities began to surface. These days, Cassivi says, success is dictated by performance.

“It’s not colour, cultural background, gender or the like. It’s (whether) you are competent at what you do,” he said. “If you’re competent at what you do, then the team will take you in and fully integrate you.”

Cassivi said coming out with his colleagues merely simplified his life. He doesn’t see himself as a champion for gay rights and says this is the first time he’s ever spoken in the media about his sexuality. What he’s most concerned about, he says, is getting the best out of his crew.

Happy anniversary, Canada! Hopefully we’ll soon join you in treating people fairly.