given very little opportunity to pursue romantic relationships that were not heterosexual. World War II gave people the opportunity to find, socialize, and love other people who identified in similar ways that they did. Gay men and lesbian women were socialized in single-gendered spaces when they enrolled as soldiers, which gave them the freedom to explore their sexuality. Lesbian women that enlisted in the WAAC were also given the opportunity to work in jobs that were outside of the rigid, stereotypical work that women could do before the war. Though the war was beneficial for LGBTQ people in creating a strong community, the United States Government also enacted unjust policies that harmed LGBTQ soldiers. Many LGBTQ soldiers received a blue discharge from their position because they were found out to be homosexual. After the war, the confidence and community that LGBTQ soldiers had gained fueled the formation of a strong, visible gay culture. The persecution of LGBTQ soldiers also caused people to band together and fight against the oppression they were experiencing, again making LGBTQ people more visible in postWorld War II society. PAGE 18 VOL. 2, NO. 1 ZEITGEIST Phyllis Arby and Mildred, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. Image courtesy of Deep Focus Productions.
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