The following video is a National Film Board documentary by José Torrealba, called Open Secrets. This provocative documentary uncovers a lost chapter in Canadian military history: how the Armed Forces dealt with homosexual behaviour among soldiers, during and after World War II. A group of veterans break their silence after more than 60 years.
We hear from five men, barely adults when they enlisted. From the sexual timidity of the 1930s, when homosexual behaviour 'was even more unmentionable than cancer,' spring these stories of sexual awakening amidst the brutality of war.
Soldiers and officers who depended upon one another for survival accepted each other's differences. Initially, the Army overlooked homosexual activity, but as the war advanced, they began to crack down: military tribunals, threats of imprisonment, discharge and public exposure.
After the war, officers accused of homosexuality were discharged. Back home in Canada, reputations and careers were ruined. For the young men who had served their country with valour, this final chapter was often too much to bear.
Interviews are skilfully woven with archival footage and rare photographs. Open Secrets is based on Paul Jackson's thesis, Courting Homosexuals in the Military which later became a book by the title: One Of The Boys: Homosexuality In The Military During The Second World War.
(If the video screen is blank, try reloadin the page. Or Click Here.)
Another 'Open Secret': The servicemen who were "dishonourably discharged" still have blemished records and no veteran's benefits. Presumably this includes everyone right up until the landmark policy change in 1992. Read this story from the Calgary Sun, June 20, 2009: NDP MP, Peter Stoffer seeks justice for gays in military. I talked to Peter Stoffer recently; unfortunately he was unable to provide a positive update other than that a spokesman for Defence Minister Peter MacKay, said the department will look into the matter. (Which is what the article says.)
Related: I tipped off Xtra about my post and they decided to do some asking around to see what they could come up with. Their report: Opposition MPs want veterans’ records to be cleared, but little progress has been made.
Related Posts:
- Minister of National Defence Responds to Concern for Gay Veterans
- One of the Boys Reviewed
