World War Two

Wisconsin Pride – World War Two

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Narrator: Throughout the early 20th century, the LGBTQ+ community made significant, yet unsung contributions to Wisconsin history. They were also there to contribute, to step up when world history turned dark. As Nazi Germany swept across Europe, Americans joined the fight for the free world, including gay men, hoping their commitment to the war effort would lead to greater inclusion back home. But gay soldiers would have to serve in silence.

Dick Wagner: Gay men were fighting in the service, even though the service didn’t want them. Unwanted yet undeterred, gay men answered the call.

Dick Wagner: They not only had to fight the homophobia of the military system, but then, they had to fight fascism, too.

Narrator: Motivated by the prospect of a freer society after the war, this was especially true for a young soldier from Rhinelander, Wally Jordan.

Dick Wagner: During the war, Wally Jordan was having gay pen pals that he was keeping a correspondence with.

Narrator: Jordan’s letters provided personal insight into gay men who communicated frankly, despite the risk of discovery, sharing their thoughts on the war, hopes for the future.

Dick Wagner: He writes in these letters that he has a vision that after the war, there will be a big national conference of gay men, where they will proudly proclaim their rights and demand that they be respected. After World War II, there could be a better world, and that better world ought to encompass the gay men who had been fighting to win the war for the Allies.

Narrator: But a hero’s welcome would not be waiting, even for those who put it all on the line.