In 1982 Bruce Ruxton stopped gay and lesbian service personnel being recognised.
Today is ANZAC Day in Australia, a time when we recognise the service of those who have served in the armed forces, in both times of conflict and times of peace.
Australia has been progressive in allowing gay, lesbian, and transgender people to serve in the military, but it was not so long ago that many people were forced to keep their sexuality a secret and live in fear in order to serve on Australia’s front line.
The Australian Queer Archives have highlighted that, in 1982, the situation was very different. At the ANZAC Day service in Melbourne, a group of men from the Gay Ex-Services Association attempted to lay a wreath in memory of gay men and lesbians who had died in conflict. As they climbed the steps of the Shrine of Remembrance, a voice cried out, “Stop those men!”
Returned Services League president Bruce Ruxton barred their path and prevented them from honouring the dead. He would later tell The Age newspaper, “I didn’t mind the poofters in the march, but they must march with their units.”
“We didn’t want them to lay a wreath because we didn’t want them — and they are just another attempt to denigrate ANZAC Day,” he said.
The moment Ruxton stopped the wreath from being laid was captured by photographer Jay Watchorn from the publication City Rhythm. This photograph, along with others from the series, is now part of the collection held by the Australian Queer Archives.
Ruxton’s views on homosexuality were well known at the time. He had previously told broadcaster Derryn Hinch that if he had a gay son, he would shoot him. Ruxton also famously claimed there were no gay people serving in the armed forces during World War II. However, there are many documented accounts of gay and lesbian people serving across all conflicts.
For an in-depth report on LGBTI people in military service, see this feature from SBS. To support the Australian Queer Archives, visit their website to learn more or make a donation.
Actor Cyril Nri celebrates his birthday
British actor Cyril Nri is celebrating his birthday today. He is known for his role as Chief Superintendent Adam Okaro on the long‑running series The Bill.
His career has seen him appear regularly on British TV series over the decades, including memorable roles in This Life, Law & Order UK, and the Russell T Davies‑penned series Cucumber.
Nri’s role as Lance, an older gay man who is forced to return to the world of dating after breaking up with his long‑term partner in Cucumber, earned him high praise and award nominations.
More recently, he has played Lord Danbury in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
Born in Nigeria, he moved to Portugal when he was seven years old, and later his family relocated to London.
In 2016 gay magazine publisher Xulhaz Mannan was brutally murdered
Xulhaz Mannan was the publisher of Roopbaan, the only LGBTI magazine in Bangladesh. He founded the magazine in 2014, a groundbreaking move that gave the local LGBTIQ+ community a voice.
In 2016, he received death threats after attempting to organise a youth LGBT Rainbow Rally in early April. On 25 April, Mannan was killed in his apartment along with LGBT activist Mahbub Rabbi Tonoy in a stabbing attack, shortly after he had posted pictures of himself online openly declaring that he was gay.
Witnesses claimed they saw several men leaving his apartment shouting “Allahu Akbar” (“God is great”). Ansar‑al‑Islam, a terrorist organisation linked to Al‑Qaida, later claimed responsibility for the killings.
In 2019, eight men were identified and charged by Bangladeshi police. Four of the men were taken into custody, while police continued searching for the remaining suspects.
In August 2021, the court sentenced six people to death over the murder. That same year, Inclusive Bangladesh established the Xulhaz Mannan Award of Diversity.
King Edward II of England was born
King Edward II was born on this day in 1284. He ruled England from 1307 until he was deposed in 1327.
He had a close friendship with Piers Gaveston, it’s been speculated that they were lovers, but other historians suggest they were just really good mates.
Do you need some support?
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:
QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.
DISCHARGED: 9364 6909 / waamh.org.au / wearedischarged@gmail.com
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au
Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au
