When the Military Expelled LGBTQ Soldiers With 'Blue Discharges'

Combat between gladiators in ancient Rome. The vanquished appeals to the spectators for mercy. From Ward and Lock's Illustrated History of the World, published c. 1882.

Michael Waters writes about 20th-century queer history. You can follow him on Twitter at @michaelwwaters.

Michael Waters

Michael Waters writes about 20th-century queer history. You can follow him on Twitter at @michaelwwaters.

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The Roman Empire, led by rulers such as Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Caligula and Nero, was a vast and powerful domain that gave rise to the culture, laws, technologies and institutions that continue to define Western civilization.

Ancient Rome

<a href="https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-war-ii-history">World War II</a> was the biggest and deadliest war in history, involving more than 30 countries. Sparked by the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland, the war dragged on for six bloody years until the Allies defeated the Axis powers of Nazi Germany, Japan and Italy in 1945. Explore the battles, leaders and atrocities from the war and its impact on geopolitics and humankind.

Michael Waters

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5 Famous Ancient Roman Gladiators

When the Military Expelled LGBTQ Soldiers With ‘Blue Discharges’