Francesca Colussi

Francesca Colussi says she did not initially see herself serving in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). When she joined Cadets at her mother’s insistence, she hated it.

After a month, she loved training in the field with her fellow cadets. When she had the opportunity to drive a tank at the age of 15, she knew “that was it.” She wanted to be in the military.

Colussi began her career in the CAF in 1987 as an Army radio-teletype operator with the 709 Toronto Communication Regiment, handling classified information for military operations. After her promotion to the rank of Sergeant, she joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a Maritime Surface and Sub Surface Officer, supporting domestic and foreign operations.

During her service, Colussi forged friendships with soldiers around the world and came to treasure the camaraderie among them.

“It is something that I, like many Veterans, miss to this day.”

As a gay woman, Colussi faced significant challenges in the military. Like many others, she felt forced to lie about her sexuality and had to watch out for colleagues who might report her to the Special Investigations Unit.

“I lied because if I didn't, I would have been thrown out of the military in disgrace.” “At 19 years old, it's pretty hard to digest that,” she said.

Colussi continued dedicating herself to her career and following the rules. But the rules were not equal for everyone, she says. She was routinely assigned secondary jobs and was passed over for  promotions. For a decade, Colussi stayed at the same rank. 

Then she filed a grievance.

Separation from family and friends made her experience even more difficult. There were no supports available to her and she became demoralized.

“I thought, ‘Why do I continue to put myself through this? Why do I continue to do it?’”

Colussi continued to do her job as the intolerance increased. In 2005, after 20 years of service, she was medically released from the Navy, a decision she still doesn’t fully understand.

She was left to figure things out on her own.

“It was difficult to try to understand that and feeling like I didn't have support.”

After her release, Colussi was unsure what to do. She took on several small government contracts. She managed the Main Media Center for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, worked at Exhibition Place in Toronto as a Director of Security, and oversaw security at CIBC Pan Am Park.

Following this, she made the decision to retire from public service.

Today, Colussi enjoys cycling, hiking, and spending time with her dog. She will represent Team Canada at next year’s Invictus Games in Vancouver.

Despite the challenges she faced, Colussi is proud of what she accomplished. She says she would consider returning to the military, encouraged by its growing inclusivity.

“There are lots of LGBTQ people in the military. You will find a space.”

Colussi believes the military teaches resilience and a duty to protect the country, which is what helped her endure the obstacles of her military career.

“When you think you can't do it, you'll be pushed and all of a sudden, you'll be surprised that you actually could,” she said.

Her military career started with a little encouragement from her parents. Now, she looks back to them with gratitude for helping to shape her life.

“I really feel Canada is the greatest country to live in. I really do.”

With courage, integrity and loyalty, Francesca Colussi is leaving her mark. She is one of our Canadian Armed Forces Veterans. Discover more stories.

The well-being of Canadian Veterans is at the heart of everything we do. As part of this, we recognize, honour and commemorate the service of all Canadian Veterans. Learn more about the services and benefits that are available to Veterans and their families.