-KNOW Homo-

This Memorial Day, take pause to remember all those who have joined, been drafted, and volunteered for the armed forces. No matter where you stand on the war, military placement in society and government, please take a moment to reflect on those who have served. 

LGBTQ* Military Iconic Photographs

Proud Soldier’s Homecoming

LBGTQ*Political Cartoons

United. Stronger And Prouder Than Ever Before.

LGBTQ* History You Should Know

(And Probably Never Heard Of)

Before Asking - Fighting Against the Tells

Seven years before Stonewall, thirty years prior to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell -

Activists Craig Rodwell and Randy Wicker, along with a small group of others, picketed New York City’s draft board offices in 1962. The political demonstration was done to highlight the unfair persecution of gay and lesbian soldiers in the United States Military and dishonorable discharges being issued to veterans. The protesters also called out the unjust policy of releasing draft-age men’s information of their sexual orientation to employers.

LGBTQ* Quick Queer History

Homosexuality in the American Military FYI Moment

(Note: Since so many politicians are throwing around Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and (INCORRECT) phrases about how homosexuality has been banned from the ranks since the beginning of the USA’s military forces, here’s a bit of information to explain it’s true history. —Rebecca)

Prior to WORLD WAR II there was no formal method/practice of excluding homosexuals from the armed forces in the United States of America. Acts of sodomy were punishable as a criminal act and soldiers could face court-martial or expulsion from the service. 

During WWII, the American Selective Service System began to hire and rely on psychiatrists more heavily during routine recruitment screenings. It was during this time that “homosexuality” was noted as unfit for duty and service within the armed forces. During initial screenings, psychiatrists would ask male recruits if “they liked girls” and questions about their last relationships all the while watching for “effeminate looks or behavior.” Psychiatrists would also drop “code phrases” and “gay slang” and document if the soldier reacted or knew the meaning/understood the phrase.

 When need for troops in WWII grew to a desperate level, the government told psychiatrists to let everyone through. The government would go on to say that the entire screening process was ineffective and very costly to the military budget. It is believed that for every ONE person banned from joining the service, ten gay men would enter following evaluations.

Following WWII, men who were discharged where given a Blue Slip/Blue Discharge, named because of the paper color they were printed on. These Blue Slips DISHONORABLY discharged men and were a permanent marker of homosexual charges. The names of these men were supplied to employers by the military, making it nearly impossible for some to find work after being released.

This policy remained in effect until Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

for more information read: Conduct Unbecoming by Randy Shilts or A Queer History of the United States

LGBTQ* Political Cartoons

Trading a Yellow Ribbon for a Ring

LGBTQ* Graphs, Charts and Data

Religion and Support Of LGBTQ* Issues 

(focusing in text on gay/lesbian issues within the polls)

By now we have all seen Gov. Rick Perry’s “Strong” video which implies that as a Christian, gays and lesbians are not equal in representation and consideration within the United States. But how do Christians feel? More so, how do most religions feel about same-sex marriage and gays and lesbians in the military?

The above graph is supplied by THE PEW FORUM which over the last few years has continued to poll and graph religious views and voting practices on many issues including same-sex/gay marriage, education, government, bioethics and politics. 

The above graph indicates a growing support for those who identify with a religious affiliation and their support for LGBTQ* rights and equality. Those numbers also grew among religious groups before the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell when polled about their support of lesbians and gays in the military.

The graph below highlights the levels of education completed in relation to religious identification. It is interesting to note that the higher one’s education/the deeper one’s pursuit of  knowledge reflects a higher acceptance and support for LGBTQ* issues.

LGBTQ* People You Should Know

(AND) LGBTQ* Books To Keep On Your Radar

Colonel Sir Victor Barker D.S.O 1895 - 1960

* First recognized by the name Valerie Arkell-Smith 

* Early documentation/recordings report of Baker’s dysphoria and desire to be recognized as male

* Was married twice to two different men (the later marriage producing two children)

* In 1923, Arkell-Smith began to express a more masculine recognized dress and presented as male going by the name Victor Baker.

* Baker went on to marry Ms. Hayward  (most likely with illegal documentation)

* Received a letter marked to Mr. Baker in 1926 to join the National Fascisti  (an anti-communist league which was loosely based on the British Fascisti)

* Trained young men in fencing and boxing

* Went on to become Colonel Victor Baker

* Baker was arrested later in life for forged documents and bankruptcy

* Went on to be part of a side-show

* Died under the name Geoffrey Norton

Book: Colonel Baker’s Monstrous Regiment: A Tale of Female Husbandry — By Rose Collins

Synopsis:In an England devastated by the terrible losses of World War I, Colonel Victor Barker was a rare man indeed. Dashing, well-respected, with impeccable manners, he was a model gentleman. His wife was proud of his good breeding and fine looks, and his young son worshipped him as a war hero. But beneath the army uniform Barker hid an astounding secret. In 1929, following a sensational trial, the good colonel was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment. For Colonel Barker was, in fact, a woman. Her real name was Valerie Lilias Arkell-Smith, the most infamous “man-woman” of them all. Among Rose Collis’ books are A Trouser-Wearing Character, K.D. Lang, and The Mammoth Book of Lesbian Erotica. …Shrink

LGBTQ* Political Cartoons

“Aim High! — All Soldiers”

LGBTQ* Vintage 

My heart is ever at your service. — William Shakespeare

Image: Photographer, subjects, unknown, c. 1940s (via woolfandwilde.com)

-Federally our voices may be louder than ever.

About Face!