Living authentically as Bridget Matthews Cremo

Meet Bridget Matthews Cremo, a proud Mi’kmaq nurse from Membertou, and the first openly transgender nurse from her community. In late 2024, with Bridget’s consent, Nova Scotia Health shared her story under her previous name, Noah Matthews Cremo, when she was publicly recognized as the first male nurse from Membertou First Nation. Today, we are proud to reconnect and celebrate Bridget as she steps fully into her authentic self.

Bridget came out as transgender in April. She now uses she/her pronouns and has stepped into her truth with courage, pride and deep connection to her culture and community. “It’s really exciting,” says Bridget, who works at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, “There aren’t many openly transgender people in Membertou. I wanted to live my true self and be happy.”

Working in a supportive environment where 2SLGBTQIA+ coworkers shared their own journeys helped Bridget realize being her authentic self was not only possible, but necessary for her well-being. “One of my coworkers is transgender and talked to me about their experience. It made me realize the process is real and resources are here in Nova Scotia,” she says. “When I told my team, they updated my name on the schedule and board right away. That meant a lot.” 

Coming out publicly brought initial anxiety, but her community - including friends, family and especially Elders of Membertou, embraced her with open arms. “People were whispering at first and trying to figure out how to approach me. Now, they all call me Bridget or Plsit, my name in Mi’kmaq. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system,” she says. Support from her mother was especially meaningful, “She was super open and loves me for who I am.”

As an Indigenous person in healthcare, Bridget brings perspective and compassion to her work. “When Indigenous patients come in, there’s a sense of relief. When they learn that I can speak their language, they feel seen. I want to be that support; not just as a nurse, but as someone who understands.” She also hopes to help educate others on gender-affirming care - still a growing area of understanding in many healthcare settings. “Being transgender is so particular. If there’s a transgender patient, I want to give them as much comfort as possible and bring more knowledge to my workplace.”

For other 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, especially those in Indigenous or rural communities, Bridget offers encouragement. “There’s no right or wrong way: Do what feels right for you and live as your authentic self. Life is a process and eventually, you’ll find out who you are. You don’t have to be afraid anymore.”

Throughout her transition, Bridget stayed grounded by connecting to ceremony, community and cultural traditions. “I’m going to a lot of ceremonies, talking to my Elders; that helps my mental health so much. Hormonal therapy has made me more emotional, but it’s part of who I am now, and I’m in a good headspace.”

Looking ahead, Bridget is deeply committed to language revitalization and community leadership. She’s working with her mother, a language coordinator, to preserve the Mi’kmaq language and is part of the Mawita’mk Society, which was started by her grandmother and great-aunt and uncle. The society supports Indigenous people with disabilities. Bridget is advocating to expand its reach to other Indigenous communities across the province.

Her story, like her presence, is a beacon for those navigating their own journeys with identity, health and heritage. “I’m the first, but I hope there’s more after me.”

Photo of Bridget Matthews Cremo.