He was once kicked out the military for being gay. Now he’s being honoured for his selfless service

Retired lieutenant-colonel Steve Deschamps wore full military dress as the Sovereign’s Medal – Canada’s highest award for volunteerism – was pinned to his chest.The only outward sign of his life-altering battle with Canada’s Armed Forces was another piece of hardware: a rainbow-coloured military bar worn on his blue uniform. The Canada Pride Citations were awarded to members of a class-action suit over the gay purge that cost him a promising officer’s career in the Air Force and derailed his personal life more than 40 years ago.