Natl CJCR Sp Gp Order 8000-1, Transgender

Cadets
Table of Contents
1. Identification
2. Abbreviations
3. Definitions
4. Policy
5. Direction
6. Considerations
7. Administrative Guidance
8. Transgender Adults
9. Responsibilities
10. Authority
11. Publication
12. References
13. Annex

1. Identification
Date of Issue: 2016-03-16
Application: This is an order that applies to members of the Canadian Cadet Organizations and
members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) who provide support to the Canadian Cadet
Organizations and a directive that applies to Civilian Instructors who provide support to the
Canadian Cadet Organizations and employees of the Department of National Defence (DND)
employed within the National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group (Natl CJCR Sp
Gp).
Supersession: n/a
Approval Authority: This order is issued under the authority of the DComd Natl CJCR Sp Gp.
Office of Primary Interest (OPI): Natl CJCR Sp Gp HQ, J1 Employment

2. Abbreviations
Abbreviation
RMLO

Complete Word or Phrase

Regional Medical Liaison Officer

3. Definitions
Cisgender. Cisgender refers to a person whose gender identity aligns with their biological sex (a
person who is biologically female and identifies as a woman or a person who is biologically male
and identifies as a man).
Gender Identity. Gender identity is linked to an individuals intrinsic sense of self and their
sense of being female, male, a combination of both or neither regardless of their biological sex.
Gender Expression. Gender expression refers to the way an individual expresses their gender
identity (e.g. in the way they dress, the length and style of their hair, the way they act or speak,
the volume of their voice and in their choice of whether or not to wear make-up).

Gender Non-Conforming. Gender non-conforming refers to individuals who do not follow other
peoples ideas or stereotypes about how they should look or act based on the female or male sex
they were born with (also called Gender Variance and/or Gender Independence).
Intersex. Intersex refers to a person who has male and female genetic and/or physical sex
characteristics.
Sexual Orientation. Sexual orientation refers to how a person experiences sexual and romantic
attraction. Sexual orientations can include asexual (not experiencing any sexual attraction),
heterosexual (experience attraction to opposite sex), lesbian and gay (experiencing attraction to
the same sex), bisexual (experience attraction to the same or opposite sex). It is important to
remember that all of us have both a sexual orientation and a gender identity. Knowing a cadets
transgender status does not give you any information on their sexual orientation.
Transgender. Transgender refers to individuals whose gender identity is different from their
biological sex at birth, and/or whose gender expression is different from the way people are
stereotypically expected to look or behave.
Transition. Transition refers to the process (which for some people may also be referred to as
the gender reassignment process) whereby people change their appearance and bodies to
match their internal (gender) identity, while living their lives full-time in their preferred gender
role.
Transsexual. Transsexual is a term for a person who undergoes a medical gender reassignment
process to change their birth-assigned sex. The term can also be used to describe people who,
without undergoing medical treatment, identify and live their lives full-time as a member of the
gender different from their assigned sex/gender.
Two-Spirit. Two-spirit is an English term coined to reflect specific cultural words used by First
Nation and other indigenous people for those in their cultures who are gay or lesbian, are
transgender or transsexual or have multiple gender identities.

4. Policy
Context
4.1 The management of issues regarding a transgender cadet within the CCO requires that
guidance be provided to assist adult supervisors of authorized cadet activities and leadership at
all levels. The Natl CJCR Sp Gp is committed to ensure that all members of the CCO who are
transgender are treated with dignity and respect.
Policy
4.2 The Natl CJCR Sp Gp has an obligation and responsibility to prevent discrimination and
harassment because of gender identity differences. The Natl CJCR Sp Gp:
a. promotes the dignity and equality of those whose gender identity does not conform to what is
generally accepted as traditional social norms;
b. provides education and awareness in an effort to prevent discrimination and harassment
based on gender identity; and
c. provides guidance regarding accommodation of the unique requirements of CCO transgender
cadets as they transition (if applicable).

5. Direction
Impact on Training
5.1 Not all aspects of the treatment of transgender cadets will impact the training environment
that cadets participate in. However, where the cadets environment does become relevant,
accommodation of these persons will be required (if applicable) in order to ensure that the
dignity of the cadet is respected.
Accommodation
5.2 The Natl CJCR Sp Gp and all adult supervisors of authorized cadet activities shall
accommodate the needs of transgender cadets except where the accommodation would
constitute undue hardship. Undue hardship is the limit to which the Natl CJCR Sp Gp and service
providers are expected to accommodate, taking into consideration the following factors:
a. realistic ability to assume the costs associated with the accommodation; and
b. health and safety of CCO personnel and the public.
Use of Washrooms / Showers
5.3 Any cadets, including those who are transgender cadets, may use the washroom / shower
that best correspond to their gender identity. All adult supervisors are responsible to ensure that
there is adequate washroom / shower facility space available; this may mean providing a single
space facility or setting up a schedule for use of an existing space in order to accommodate all
cadets.
Sleeping Quarters
5.4 It is incumbent on the adult supervisor to make arrangements for the transgender cadets in
order that they are not discriminated against. This may include, depending on the location and
availability, a separate sleeping arrangement away from the group in order to accommodate the
cadet. Corps / squadron / CTC COs will, at all times, exercise discretion and be considerate of
what state of the transition the transgender cadet is currently going through before making a
decision.
Supervision / Instruction of Course Cadets
5.5 Senior cadets / staff cadets (CTC) who have self-identified as transgender and who are filling
the role of supervisor over an authorized cadet activity are to instruct, supervise and manage
cadets according to existing orders and directives. Until such time as the senior cadets / staff
cadets (CTC) have fully transitioned, they will not be permitted to supervise cadets in their
sleeping quarters under any circumstances.

6. Considerations
Consultation
6.1 Regular and on-going consultation regarding the needs of the transgender cadet will be
required by the cadets chain of command e.g. corps / squadron CO or any other level deemed
necessary. As appropriate, this may require meetings with the transgender cadet and the
appropriate adult supervisor of the authorized cadet activity. For international exchanges, Natl

CJCR Sp Gp HQ pers will liaise directly with the applicable responsible CO and/or RMLO to ensure
host countries are made aware of all the requirements. They will also identify if the host
countries will accept transgender cadets and what, if any, laws or customs will apply.
Emotional and Psychological Impacts
6.2 Adult supervisors should be aware of the emotional and psychological impacts of being a
transgender cadet. SME and other resources may be able to assist in this regard. For example, at
CTCs, the use of Personnel Support Teams may be called upon to assist directly with the
transgender cadet and their parent / guardian. Close and careful coordination of SMEs and other
resources engaged to assist will be required to ensure no contradictory or duplicated effort.
Needs of All Cadets
6.3 Adult supervisors shall provide an environment free from discrimination and prejudice, and
respectful of the transgender cadets right to privacy and to be treated with dignity. They will
need to strike the appropriate balance in meeting the needs of the transgender cadet and that of
others in the environment they are placed, in such areas as privacy in the use of public facilities,
taking into account the relevant considerations in devising a suitable and appropriate solution.
Harassment
6.4 Incidents regarding harassing behaviour towards cadets who are transgender, like any other
complaint, shall be dealt with using CATO 13-24, Harassment Prevention and Resolution.
6.5 In the event that an incident may contravene the Criminal Code, or if there is an immediate
danger to the health and safety of the cadet, CAF members or the public, the appropriate
authorities shall be contacted to address the situation.
Training Away From the Home Unit
6.6 If a transgender cadet is taking part in training away from their home unit, the cadets corps
/ squadron CO should meet with the cadet and the parents / guardian to confirm, what, if any,
accommodation measures will be required at the training facility they are attending. The cadets
CO would then communicate, through the appropriate chain of command, the expected
requirements to the gaining CO / OIC as early as possible to advise them of any special needs of
the incoming transgender cadet. This sharing of information is done with the understanding that
the gaining CO / OIC must implement his / her own accommodation plan in consideration of the
particular needs / limits of their own unit. There should not be any expectation that an existing
accommodation at one unit would imply or obligate a new unit to accommodate the transgender
cadet in the same manner.

7. Administrative Guidance
Name and Gender Change
7.1 When there has been no legal recognition of name or gender change, there should be no
amendment to the cadets training file. Each province has its own policy on when the name
and/or sex of an individual can legally be changed. RCSU staff should make themselves aware of
the applicable legislation in their region and disseminate it to the lowest level for action. For
administration purposes the following will apply:

a. change of name will only be entered in FORTRESSv2 on receipt of appropriate legal

documents; and
b. the cadets home unit will need to reflect the new entitlement (if any) for uniform in line with
the new gender once legal documents have been presented.

8. Transgender Adults
CAF Policy
8.1 CF Mil Pers Instr 01/11, Management of CF Transsexual Members is the instruction that is
applicable to any CAF member working with cadets. This instruction is applicable to any other
adult supervisor working with the CCO.

9. Responsibilities
Corps / Squadron Commanding Officers and OICs
9.1 Corps / Squadron COs and OICs are responsible for:
a. ensuring that the rights of the transgender cadet are respected and that the training
environment is free from harassment and discriminatory behaviour;
b. taking a leadership role in education and sensitizing the training environment personnel to the
subject of the transgender cadets and the presence of a transgender cadet;
c. working with the transgender cadet, the individuals supervisor and the appropriate medical
personnel, to develop a suitable and appropriate accommodation plan for their unit; and
d. assigning, as appropriate, the transgender cadet with a sponsor; the sponsor would be a
volunteer who is willing to provide social and emotional support the transgender cadet.
Transgender Cadet
9.2 The transgender cadet is responsible for:
a. self-identifying as a transgender prior to any accommodation taking place;
b. providing the chain of command with as much advance notice as appropriate in advance of
beginning the transition process (if applicable);
c. complying with all relevant orders and directives pertaining to dress and deportment; and
d. positively contributing to, and participating in, and providing information for the formulation
and implementation of a workplace accommodation plan.
RMLO / Transgender Cadets Physician
9.3 The RMLO / transgender cadets physician is responsible for
a. acting as the primary point of contact regarding the medical treatment of the transgender
cadet (when applicable);
b. completing the documentation required to support the administrative processes associated
with transition (if applicable); and
c. assisting the corps / squadron CO, OICs, and the transgender cadet in the development of a
workable accommodation plan for the training environment and providing education to applicable
personnel as required, if requested.

Adult Supervisor
9.4 The adult supervisor is responsible for ensuring that all CCO personnel and CAF members
have the required information and clearly enunciated standards of behaviour that are expected of
them as it pertains to the presence of and treatment of a transgender cadets.
CAF Members
9.5 CAF members are responsible for acting in a manner that is consistent with CAF ethics and
standards of professionalism.

10. Publication
Frequency of Publication
10.1 Annual or more frequent review and updates, as required.
Errors/Omissions or Suggestions
10.2 Users of Natl CJCR Sp Gp Orders are encouraged to bring any errors, omissions or
suggested orders to the attention of Natl CJCR Sp Gp HQ J1 Career.

11. References
Source References

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Canadian Human Rights Act
CATO 13-24, Harassment Prevention & Resolution
CATO 13-12, Supervision of Cadets

Related References
CF Mil Pers Instr 01/11, Management of CF Transsexual Members
DAOD 5012-0, Harassment Prevention & Resolution

12. Annex
Annex A
Transgender Cadets Questions & Answers

Natl CJCR Sp Gp Order 8000-1, Annex A Transgender

Cadets Questions & Answers
Q1. How do I know if a Cadet is transgender?
A1. It is not the role of anyone to judge who is and who is not a boy or girl. Hair length,
interest in sports, interest in makeup or jewellery, or indeed any interest (or lack thereof) does

not identify who is and who is not a male or female. It is not appropriate to ask a member if
they are transgender. It would be appropriate to listen and believe a person who says they are
transgender.
The only way to know if a Cadet member is transgender is if the member tells you they
are. Adult Leaders in the CCO are often held in positions of trust and a member in your unit may
feel comfortable to reach out to you. They may have already reached out to their parents, or
they may not have. In any case, an individual is to be considered the final authority on their
own gender identity. Self-identification is more important than either outward appearance or sex
marker on government issued ID.
Q2. What pronoun do I use when addressing someone who is transgender?
A2. Regardless of the sex of the individual, use the pronoun that the person considers
appropriate for themselves. For example, most transgender boys may have been identified as
female at birth, but self-identify as male, and would prefer he and him. It is always
respectful to refer to a person using the pronouns they prefer. If you need to ask a child in your
unit how they would like to be addressed, you should do so privately and in consultation with the
parent / guardian.
Q3. What should I do with the information that a Cadet is transgender?
A3. Unless otherwise directed by the member, information about a Cadets status as transgender
should be treated as private, and only shared with others when there is a compelling need-toknow (e.g. the member is receiving medical treatment and their transgender status would be
revealed). That said, some transgender individuals may want to share information about being
transgender with others in their corps / squadron or at the CTC, and they should be supported to
do so in a positive and affirming manner.
Q4. How do I ensure there is appropriate washroom access for a member who is
transgender?
A4. Any Cadet in your charge, including those who are transgender, may use the washroom that
best corresponds to their gender identity. Although training establishments have little control
over the washroom access at their training location, if the Cadet requests a more private
washroom, please check to see if your training location has a single stall washroom. You can
also ensure privacy by having a policy of pers accessing the washroom one at a time depending
on the situation.
Q5. If we have a training exercise at the corps / squadron or RDA / NDA that requires
an overnight stay, how do I accommodate the changing and sleeping arrangements for
a transgender member?
A5. Similar to washroom access, if the Cadet member is comfortable using a gender-segregated
change room, they may have access to an appropriate change room. If they tell you that they
are uncomfortable using a shared change room, provide a non-stigmatizing alternative (e.g.
single stalled washroom). As a transgender member, they will participate in the same activities
as all other members. Sleeping arrangements will have to be made separately depending on the
location and the comfort level of all members.
Q6. How do I answer questions from other parents or adults about a transgender
member?
A6. In order to protect the privacy of our Cadets it is important that you do not discuss
personal information about the members in your corps / squadron or other training
establishments. The goal is to create a safe and inviting environment for our members and we

do not want to break this commitment by speaking about an individuals situation with other
parents and adults. However, if they have specific questions related to what it means to be
transgender you can refer them to the applicable resources in your area.
Q7. How should I handle specific questions about a transgender members body?
A7. As above, information about any transgender member should be treated as private. Remind
the person asking questions that bodies are generally considered private, and that in most
contexts it is inappropriate to ask about a persons genitals or hormones. It is completely
appropriate to let the asker know that many people consider such questions intrusive and
offensive. Repeated questions about a persons body are considered harassment, and are not
acceptable. If they are looking for information about transgender people and transition, they can
look for general information and should not be targeting an individual.
Q8. What if the parent of a non-transgender Cadet is concerned about their childs
physical safety and does not want their child using the washroom with a transgender
member?
A8. This is often raised in conversations about denying transgender people access to washrooms
and should be recognized as a form of discrimination. Violence in washrooms has almost always
been directed towards the transgender person. There are no instances of a transgender person
being found guilty of going into a washroom to cause violence. You can let the parent / guardian
know that you expect all personnel to behave in respectful and appropriate ways in the
washroom; that everyones safety is important to you; that having a transgender member poses
no risk to their child; and that you will address any concerns about behaviour in the washroom
as they arise.
Q9. How do I answer questions from my corps / squadron or other training
establishment about a transgender member?
A9. When answering these questions it is important that you remain a positive role model to all
members of your unit. Remember, members of your unit will look to your own behaviour and
reactions as something to imitate.
Your answers will depend on how comfortable the transgender member and their parents /
guardians are with sharing information. If the transgender member wishes information about
them to remain private, respect their privacy and do not reveal to other members that the
member is transgender. Instead, you can simply explain that the member behaves a certain
way because of a personal choice. For more targeted questions, provide what information you
can without revealing anything about the transgender member. Repeated or invasive questions
to or about a transgender member can be a form of harassment. If you feel the questions are
harassing, or making the member feel unsafe or unwelcome, intervene and address the
behaviour as per CATO 13-24 Harassment Prevention & Resolution. If the transgender member
would like to share any personal information with other members you may like to research some
agencies who can speak to your unit about what it means to be transgender.
Q10. If a member in my corps / squadron or other training establishment discloses
they are transgender what can I do to be supportive?
A10. Adult leaders in the CCO are often held in positions of trust by members of the Cadet
Program, and there may be times when a member discloses information to you and looks to you
for support. They may have already reached out to their parents, or they may not have. If you
are in a position where a Cadet discloses that they are transgender and asks you for help, please
refer them to the available resources in your applicable area.