Chief Warrant Officer Necole Belanger created a professional persona that was no-nonsense and highly put-together. But the truth was much more complex.
Necole's story is a tale of two lives, the CWO raised in a military family, and the woman coming to terms with her sexuality, in a time where the two could not coexist. A lesbian member of the military police during the LGBTQ Purge in the Canadian Armed Forces, Necole would achieve success and promotion in her career despite a near-constant struggle.
But the higher she rose in rank within the Canadian Armed Forces, the less her voice was heard. When she should have had the most influence, she had none. When she'd finally earned a seat at the table, no one listened. Her life was dedicated to an institution that didn't return her loyalty.
The result?
Depression and drinking and a downward spiral, all hidden behind a mask. And then the courage to be honest and put the pieces of her life back together.
Pride Amid Prejudice is the story of one woman's struggle to find a voice in a world determined to silence her. A journey of self-discovery through adversity, of resilience in the face of discrimination, and pride amid prejudice.
