By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Musket Transport and Commercial Heavy Equipment Training Ltd. (CHET) rolled out the rainbow trucks at their Burlington campus this month, delivering a powerful Pride celebration and showcase that united 2SLGBTQ+ professionals, allies, and industry leaders under one mission: visibility, opportunity, and inclusion in the trucking sector.
The event was a first of its kind for Musket and CHET, whose dual role as both a reputable transport carrier and an accredited career college gave them the unique platform to promote both employment and education in the skilled trades. It was an afternoon of open hearts, open minds, and open cabs, with hands-on equipment demos, inclusive employer booths, and real conversations around safety, representation, and career development for marginalized groups.
“This isn’t just about celebration,” said Sophia Sniegowski Begidzhanov, corporate communications officer at Musket. “It’s about making sure people see themselves in the trucking world — on the roads, in the training rooms, and in leadership roles.”
For Musket and CHET, Pride wasn’t a performative gesture. It was a tangible extension of a growing internal movement rooted in diversity, equity, and authenticity. After releasing an anonymous internal survey to better understand the workplace experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ staff, leadership saw overwhelmingly positive responses, but also recognized the need for more visibility and outreach.
“We realized that while our employees felt safe and respected, many still preferred not to publicly identify,” explained Sniegowski Begidzhanov. “That showed us how deeply personal these identities are, and how important it is to create spaces where people can feel seen without being exposed.”
That space was exactly what Pornruth Sirimuang, a recent CHET graduate, found at the event. Sirimuang, who emigrated from Thailand eight years ago, credits CHET with transforming her life. Encouraged by a friend to look into trucking, she discovered CHET’s scholarship program just before the application deadline.
“I applied on the last day,” she recalled. “Two weeks later, they called me for an interview, and I cried when I found out I got the grant and was accepted. It changed everything.”
Sirimuang’s path wasn’t easy. She failed her road test three times before finally passing on her fourth attempt. “I started lifting weights, going to the gym, doing everything I could,” she said. “I wasn’t going to give up.”
Her perseverance paid off, and today, she’s a licensed truck driver working with pride — and pride was on full display as Sirimuang attended the showcase with her partner, a registered nurse. “CHET and Musket have shown real support to our community,” she said. “It makes me feel like I can be my authentic self at work.”
She also credits the community behind the wheel: “Every time I went through a challenge, I had a team at Musket who helped me out. And Sophia, she supported me through everything here.”
MPP Effie J. Triantafilopoulos, who represents Oakville North–Burlington and is Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming, echoed that spirit of empowerment.
“Our government is proud to support initiatives like the LGBT2SQ Youth Council and skilled trades training that empower individuals and open doors to opportunity,” she said during her visit. “We’re creating a province where everyone, regardless of identity, can thrive.”
That mission resonates across Musket and CHET’s operations, especially when it comes to understanding how marginalized communities interact with the industry. Sniegowski Begidzhanov explained that many women drivers, often assumed to face hostility, instead described the workforce as surprisingly supportive.
“They felt like they were joining a brotherhood,” she said. “Male drivers often respected their ability to handle heavy equipment. That mutual respect was a big surprise to many of them.”
With the Pride showcase, Musket and CHET aimed to build the same supportive bridges with the 2SLGBTQ+ community, both for current employees and potential recruits. “Representation matters,” said Sniegowski Begidzhanov. “When people see themselves reflected in recruitment materials, in leadership, and at events like this, they’re more likely to imagine themselves here.”
This year’s showcase is just the beginning. Musket and CHET plan to deepen relationships with local 2SLGBTQ+ organizations and expand future events. “Once you put on the initial event, it’s easier to grow,” said Sniegowski Begidzhanov. “We want to form more formal partnerships and keep building community.”
That sense of belonging was palpable throughout the gathering. Whether attendees were climbing into cabs, connecting with inclusive recruiters, or simply enjoying ice cream and barbequed hot dogs under the summer sun, they were reminded that there is a place for them in trucking.
