We are pleased to share new research by Sarah Worthman on discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+ soldiers during World War One.
Sarah Worthman is a Master’s student from Memorial University in St John’s, Newfoundland. She reached out to the Fund last year to discuss a research project that she was undertaking to reveal the untold queer history of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War One.
Through her research at Veterans Affairs Canada, Sarah had discovered records of some 35 men who were charged with gross indecency. It was a purge of men who were serving their country.
Drawing from records that had never been seen, Sarah’s research provides insights and reveals these histories for the first time. Her report chronicles stories of these brave, young men and recounts the hardship they endured at the hands of the Canadian government. These are sad and harrowing tales.
The LGBT Purge Fund is proud to support this research and to help tell the stories of these men.