Official Song Release
We Are Strong - Anthem of Unity
Discover the inspiring LGBTQ Purge Survivor’s anthem of resilience and unity, We Are Strong, crafted to honour the Rainbow Veterans of Canada organization and to all those who were traumatized by the Purge. The words & music were written from experience by Purge Survivor, singer/songwriter Teri Wood (Cpl). This song embodies the strength and spirit of the LGBTQ Purge Community, the Rainbow Veterans of Canada, and those who gave all.
I am profoundly honoured to release this song in support of all the victims of the Canadian Armed Forces Purge. The purge hurt thousands of other LGBT people and me deeply, but with the help of Rainbow Veterans of Canada, we eventually found strength. I can only hope that this song helps in some way to heal the pain and remove the feeling of loneliness that the purge dealt us.
Together we are not alone; together WE ARE STRONG!
We Are Strong is more than just a song; it is a powerful narrative woven from the threads of resilience and courage that define the LGBTQ community. As Teri Wood pours her heart into every note and lyric, she encapsulates the shared experiences of those who endured the hardships of the Purge, shining a light on the indomitable spirit that thrives in the face of adversity.
This anthem calls upon us all to remember our collective journey, celebrate our victories, and unite in the unwavering belief that love and acceptance can conquer all. It serves as a reminder that we are not alone, that our stories connect us, and that together, we can build a future where the LGBTQ pride and strengths are celebrated for generations to come.
We Are Strong
Words & Music by Teri Wood © 2024
Chorus
We are strong, we are survivors
We’re your neighbours, we are your friends
Though our country forced us to hide
We’re the ones who served with pride
Verse
We are soldiers, sailors, doctors, lawyers
Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers
Despite our lives consumed in strife
We signed up to protect your lives
Chorus
We are strong, we are survivors
We’re your neighbours, we are your friends
Though our country forced us to hide
We’re the ones who served with pride
Verse
We are teachers, preachers, politicians
Leaders, speakers, dreamers, believers
We won our rights declared in court
Acknowledgment, respect and support
Break
We are strong
Bridge
Oh, once you deemed us all a disgrace
Purged for who we love and embrace
Help us share our stories, know
There is no place for hate to grow
Chorus
We are strong, we are survivors
We’re your neighbours, we are your friends
Though our country forced us to hide
We’re the ones who served with pride
Verse
We are medics, systems, administrators
Techs, electricians, communicators
Thank you for your service to all
They knocked us down, but we stand tall
Chorus
We are strong, we are survivors
We’re your neighbours, we are your friends
Though our country forced us to hide
We’re the ones who served with pride
Chorus Outro
We are strong, we are survivors
We’re your neighbours, we are your friends
Though our country forced us to hide
We’re the ones who served with pride
And we are strong
Nous Sommes Forts
Words & Music by Teri Wood © 2024
Chorus
Nous sommes forts, nous somme des survivants
Nous sommes vos voisins, nous sommes vos amis
Bien que notre pays nous ait contraint à nous cacher
Nous avons servi avec fierté
Verset
Nous sommes des soldats, des marins, des médecins, des avocats
Des mères, des pères, des sœurs, des frères
Malgré nos vies consumées par les conflits
Nous nous sommes engagés pour protéger vos vies
Chorus
Nous sommes forts, nous somme des survivants
Nous sommes vos voisins, nous sommes vos amis
Bien que notre pays nous ait contraint à nous cacher
Nous avons servi avec fierté
Verset
Nous sommes des enseignants, des prédicateurs, des politiciens
Des leaders, des orateurs, des rêveurs, des personnes déterminées
Le tribunal nous a accordé des droits
Reconnaissance, respect et soutien
Nous sommes forts
Bridge
Ohh, vous nous avez jugé déshonorés
Purgés pour ceux que nous aimons et chérissons
Aidez-nous à partager notre Histoire
Il n’y a pas de place pour faire grandir la haine
Chorus
Nous sommes forts, nous somme des survivants
Nous sommes vos voisins, nous sommes vos amis
Bien que notre pays nous ait contraint à nous cacher
Nous avons servi avec fierté
Verset
Nous sommes des médecins, spécialistes en aéronautique, des administrateurs
Des techniciens, des électriciens, des communicateurs
Merci à tous pour votre service
On nous a fait tomber, mais nous nous tenons fièrement debout
Chorus
Nous sommes forts, nous somme des survivants
Nous sommes vos voisins, nous sommes vos amis
Bien que notre pays nous ait contraint à nous cacher
Nous avons servi avec fierté
Chorus Outro
Nous sommes forts, nous somme des survivants
Nous sommes vos voisins, nous sommes vos amis
Bien que notre pays nous ait contraint à nous cacher
Nous avons servi avec fierté
Nous sommes forts
“We Are Strong,” and other songs written and performed by Teri Wood are available at: