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This Queer Angel
A revealing memoir, laying open the cruel truth behind the longstanding ban on LGBT+ personnel serving openly in H.M. Forces.
Discover the human cost of being deemed a criminal in the institutions protecting fellow citizens’ hard-won freedoms.
The first book covering recent military history, written from a lesbian perspective. *
‘The inside story of the long, heroic battle to overturn homophobia in the British Armed Forces. Inspiring!’ – Peter Tatchell
‘A richly textured and deeply human tour de force. Chambers is a deft storyteller who movingly chronicles her battle to live authentically. Unputdownable.’ – Dr Emma Vickers, Senior Lecturer in History, Liverpool John Moores University
Discover the human cost of being deemed a criminal in the institutions protecting fellow citizens’ hard-won freedoms.
The first book covering recent military history, written from a lesbian perspective. *
‘The inside story of the long, heroic battle to overturn homophobia in the British Armed Forces. Inspiring!’ – Peter Tatchell
‘A richly textured and deeply human tour de force. Chambers is a deft storyteller who movingly chronicles her battle to live authentically. Unputdownable.’ – Dr Emma Vickers, Senior Lecturer in History, Liverpool John Moores University
- GenresNonfictionLGBTMemoir
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2019
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39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 27, 2019
Elaine has written a poignant account of her cruel experience under the government’s former policy of excluding gay people from the armed forces.
Filled with painful humour she paints a picture of the armed forces of the day.
Her part in the history of this change is covered in the same self-deprecating way in which she speaks of her glowing lost career.
This is an amazing book by an amazing woman.
Filled with painful humour she paints a picture of the armed forces of the day.
Her part in the history of this change is covered in the same self-deprecating way in which she speaks of her glowing lost career.
This is an amazing book by an amazing woman.
March 22, 2019
A truly inspirational story from a woman with incredible strength and fortitude to see the fight to the end.
March 15, 2019
‘One foot on the floor’ was a statement said early on to me about meeting up in rooms in the Block. Accusations of being a lesbian were bandied about by the ignorant , both men who couldn’t comprehend they were just not that attractive or jealous petty minded woman who rarely realised what devastation they could wreak on the person these words were spoken about. This book brought back many memories of Rinteln, Aldershot and forces life, which I like Elaine was part of and at the same time for the first few years. We have remained friends for which I am grateful. This book has made me smile, laugh and have a little cry and I’ve read it in a day. Read it to understand a bygone world within our lifetime and thank the Rank Outsiders that fought the enemies within to bring it to pass.
June 5, 2019
The wonderful thing about historical memoir is that quite often key events are brought to our attention which make us realise how far we’ve come and yet how far we still have to go. Elaine M. Chamber’s This Queer Angel, detailing her very personal fight for sexual equality in the armed forces, is one such book.
At its heart are events that happened more than 30 years ago which highlight the prejudice that consenting non-‘heteronormative’ adults experienced in the armed forces, preventing ‘openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender personnel’ from serving for decades. One of the few institutions in which ‘homosexual behaviour’ was still illegal, following the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967, the military prosecuted hundreds, if not thousands of individuals, like Chambers, for offences as little as ‘writing a letter, confiding in a diary or journal; having a “suspect” book, film or magazine’ or even confiding in a ‘padre or MO (medical officer/doctor)’, all of which could potentially ‘jeopardise everything’.
In Chambers’ case, in her early 20s, she joined the army as a student nurse, eventually rising through the ranks to lieutenant. In 1987, she was investigated by the military police, following rumours of ‘unnatural conduct’, which led to her expulsion from the forces. Instead of hiding away to lick her wounds, Chambers decided to fight, going on to cofound Rank Outsiders with Robert Ely, supporting gay men and lesbians in the armed forces. The story she recounts is frank, insightful and at times funny, her courage shining through.
This Queer Angel is a significant book, bringing into focus an important and neglected part of history and detailing the discrimination and prejudice that the LGBT+ community have experienced not just in the armed forces, but in larger society, too. It’s frightening because the time that Chambers is writing about isn’t that long ago and, in a modern world gone quite, quite mad, these kind of prejudices and negative attitudes to anyone seen as ‘Other’ are shockingly still prevalent.
A compelling, rather extraordinary read.
See: http://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/read...
This review was originally published as part of the virtual book tour. Thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy. All opinions are our own. All rights reserved.
April 7, 2019
As a QA of 10 years experience starting in the early 70’s many memories were re lived in this book, training as a student nurse, stationed in BMH Rinteln, meeting my husband of 43years there and finishing my service at the wonderful CMH. There was great camaraderie and life long friendships were made, you can see someone after 40 years and pick up as if no time has passed, we worked and and played harder.
There were many in fathomable rules , you could not get married without special permission and writing the grovelling ‘I remain your obedient servant’ letters, having to leave if pregnant even if married, not being able to take a commission if you were married to a NCO, and of course no one was allowed to be ‘gay’
The treatment of this author was horrendous, but from her writing I really don’t think of it as a witch-hunt, this appalling series of events was started by a colleague and so called friend who told a complete falsehood, it was how it was dealt with afterwards that caused Elaine such trauma. Unfortunately there were good QA officers and to put it bluntly some real bitches, you always knew which ward you were allocated to would make your heart sink. Here we have something that could of easily dealt with with common sense and compassion but unfortunately once the military police and particularly the SIB were called it was a no brainier what would happen. SIB at this time consisted of personnel who whatever you said, what ever evidence you had just wanted your scalp. I remember so vividly how a Private and his wife were treated when they arrived at the CMH their baby having died of a sudden infant death, they were treated as child killers.
Fortunately time has moved on, and it’s due to the bravery of people who are willing to stand up and fight for themselves and others.
This book was to begin with immensely readable but the latter half not so much, I did find myself skimming an awful lot particularly the legal fights the group endured. It seemed very full of anger and angst and for that I was so saddened the Corps I Loved and still do treated one of its own and others in this manner.
I hope writing this book has been cathartic for Elaine.
My thanks to net galley and publisher Unbound for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
There were many in fathomable rules , you could not get married without special permission and writing the grovelling ‘I remain your obedient servant’ letters, having to leave if pregnant even if married, not being able to take a commission if you were married to a NCO, and of course no one was allowed to be ‘gay’
The treatment of this author was horrendous, but from her writing I really don’t think of it as a witch-hunt, this appalling series of events was started by a colleague and so called friend who told a complete falsehood, it was how it was dealt with afterwards that caused Elaine such trauma. Unfortunately there were good QA officers and to put it bluntly some real bitches, you always knew which ward you were allocated to would make your heart sink. Here we have something that could of easily dealt with with common sense and compassion but unfortunately once the military police and particularly the SIB were called it was a no brainier what would happen. SIB at this time consisted of personnel who whatever you said, what ever evidence you had just wanted your scalp. I remember so vividly how a Private and his wife were treated when they arrived at the CMH their baby having died of a sudden infant death, they were treated as child killers.
Fortunately time has moved on, and it’s due to the bravery of people who are willing to stand up and fight for themselves and others.
This book was to begin with immensely readable but the latter half not so much, I did find myself skimming an awful lot particularly the legal fights the group endured. It seemed very full of anger and angst and for that I was so saddened the Corps I Loved and still do treated one of its own and others in this manner.
I hope writing this book has been cathartic for Elaine.
My thanks to net galley and publisher Unbound for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
March 14, 2019
A well written account. I served in the QAs at the same time as Elaine and was at the Cambridge Military Hospital 1980-1985 and was in BMH Rinteln in 1979. It certainly brought back some memories. I had a great time in the QAs but was very much aware of how unfair the attitudes were back then and not just to LGBT. We have thankfully come a long way since then and should thank Elaine for being part of the 'influencers' in attitudes.
May 29, 2019
When I first read the back of the book it made me angry. I am a lesbian and unfortunately have had my share of prejudice over the years. However, This Queer Angel is something completely different. Despite their sexuality and the ban on LGBT+ people serving openly in H.M. Forces they were willing to put their lives at risk in more ways than most to protect us!!
I honestly don’t know where to start but here goes….
This Queer Angel has taken me through so many emotions I feel a little lost but also found. Reading Elaine Chambers early stories of growing up unsure about her sexuality and the way she dealt with that rang so many bells. Often we hear the ‘coming out’ stories but we don’t hear of their struggle to get there. It has been so refreshing to read.
I was not shocked in any way about some of the events throughout her life having lived some similar situations myself but what shocked me was the blatant homophobia in H.M. Forces. Maybe it is naive of me to say? I had no idea what it would have been like for anyone. Shock is one word for it, absolutely disgusted are others!
I know it was a different time but who in their right mind thinks they have the right to tell people that they cannot live their lives as they wish and be open with their sexuality. Yes this made me so angry but I feel enlightened having read about it.
Elaine Chambers writes in such a way that you are intrigued to know what on earth is coming next and how on earth does anyone get through this. It seems to me that Elaine and so many others in the Forces suffered extreme prejudice at the hands of an archaic regime which thankfully they went on to fight and won.
Without people like Elaine we LGBT+ ladies and gents would not have been able to live life as free as we do today compared to only 30 years ago.
Elaine, finding yourself and being brave enough to fight the system then go on to right this book is beyond a massive achievement and I personally am very proud of you.
Keep fighting!!
I honestly don’t know where to start but here goes….
This Queer Angel has taken me through so many emotions I feel a little lost but also found. Reading Elaine Chambers early stories of growing up unsure about her sexuality and the way she dealt with that rang so many bells. Often we hear the ‘coming out’ stories but we don’t hear of their struggle to get there. It has been so refreshing to read.
I was not shocked in any way about some of the events throughout her life having lived some similar situations myself but what shocked me was the blatant homophobia in H.M. Forces. Maybe it is naive of me to say? I had no idea what it would have been like for anyone. Shock is one word for it, absolutely disgusted are others!
I know it was a different time but who in their right mind thinks they have the right to tell people that they cannot live their lives as they wish and be open with their sexuality. Yes this made me so angry but I feel enlightened having read about it.
Elaine Chambers writes in such a way that you are intrigued to know what on earth is coming next and how on earth does anyone get through this. It seems to me that Elaine and so many others in the Forces suffered extreme prejudice at the hands of an archaic regime which thankfully they went on to fight and won.
Without people like Elaine we LGBT+ ladies and gents would not have been able to live life as free as we do today compared to only 30 years ago.
Elaine, finding yourself and being brave enough to fight the system then go on to right this book is beyond a massive achievement and I personally am very proud of you.
Keep fighting!!
February 24, 2020
The Queer Angel ( A Heartbreaking True Story)
This is a book worth reading whether your gay,lesbian or straight. The author Elaine Chambers tell what happened to her when if you were gay or lesbian in the any of the forces you could be investigated and thrown out. But it was the way it was done was disgusting, Know matter how omg you served you lost everything ie pension ,health care..etc
Elaine joined the QA and became a nurse them decided to becomes a R.N.which meant she became a commission officer in the army as a Q,A,
Whilst reading this I cried for the INJUSTICE to her and how it nearly destroyed her life but also for all the women and men whose life's were persecuted by the forces. But carried on reading it and it shows a remarkable woman who with help of others helped to get an injustice law overturned eventually. The Government and M.O.D. Should be ashamed for what they did. Especially about the !money they kept for themselves and also the lawyers as well. This should be investigated as why this. happened.
Elaine Chambers did a brilliant job writing this and hopefully more people will read this as it's a brilliant book.
This is a book worth reading whether your gay,lesbian or straight. The author Elaine Chambers tell what happened to her when if you were gay or lesbian in the any of the forces you could be investigated and thrown out. But it was the way it was done was disgusting, Know matter how omg you served you lost everything ie pension ,health care..etc
Elaine joined the QA and became a nurse them decided to becomes a R.N.which meant she became a commission officer in the army as a Q,A,
Whilst reading this I cried for the INJUSTICE to her and how it nearly destroyed her life but also for all the women and men whose life's were persecuted by the forces. But carried on reading it and it shows a remarkable woman who with help of others helped to get an injustice law overturned eventually. The Government and M.O.D. Should be ashamed for what they did. Especially about the !money they kept for themselves and also the lawyers as well. This should be investigated as why this. happened.
Elaine Chambers did a brilliant job writing this and hopefully more people will read this as it's a brilliant book.
January 30, 2020
I really wanted to love this memoir as a queer person trying to discover more about LGBT+ history, something I think most of us do at some point. Plus being British, and weirdly knowing more about the American gay-ban I thought it was time I corrected that.
The problem was a lot of this book wasn't about that... I mean it was but after the 55%/60% mark it was more about how Elaine dealt with the fall-out of being forced to leave the Army. This was more a story of Elaine's life, which was clearly shaped by her experience, but I personally wasn't that invested in her teen years or her time after the army. That is obviously completely personal and I know other people will have loved it, but it just wasn't for me. Also the last 40% of the book had a very angry, resentful tone. Again it was understandable what Elaine went through was terrible and completely indefensible but it didn't make This Queer Angel an enjoyable read.
That being said I did learn a lot through reading this and still find it hard to belief most of this took place so recently. Overall I've given 2 stars because it was informative and interesting in parts but I also skipped or skim read a fair few sections.
The problem was a lot of this book wasn't about that... I mean it was but after the 55%/60% mark it was more about how Elaine dealt with the fall-out of being forced to leave the Army. This was more a story of Elaine's life, which was clearly shaped by her experience, but I personally wasn't that invested in her teen years or her time after the army. That is obviously completely personal and I know other people will have loved it, but it just wasn't for me. Also the last 40% of the book had a very angry, resentful tone. Again it was understandable what Elaine went through was terrible and completely indefensible but it didn't make This Queer Angel an enjoyable read.
That being said I did learn a lot through reading this and still find it hard to belief most of this took place so recently. Overall I've given 2 stars because it was informative and interesting in parts but I also skipped or skim read a fair few sections.
dnf
May 28, 2022I really don't like this cover.
I tried reading this for book group but I don't think it's for me.
As this book is a personal account of a woman getting kicked out of the army because it was discovered that she was a lesbian, I really appreciate the fact that stories like this can be added to the catalogue of queer perspectives in literature. From what I understand, the author has also been hugely involved with activism, which I think is great. That being said I wasn't particularly interested in the subject matter. Personally I'm very anti war, so I was interested to see the perspective of someone who wanted to serve in the armed forces. I didn't really get much of that in this book as it seemed she ended up falling into a number of life changes almost by accident rather than having any real drive to do so.
Overall, not really a book for me.
I tried reading this for book group but I don't think it's for me.
As this book is a personal account of a woman getting kicked out of the army because it was discovered that she was a lesbian, I really appreciate the fact that stories like this can be added to the catalogue of queer perspectives in literature. From what I understand, the author has also been hugely involved with activism, which I think is great. That being said I wasn't particularly interested in the subject matter. Personally I'm very anti war, so I was interested to see the perspective of someone who wanted to serve in the armed forces. I didn't really get much of that in this book as it seemed she ended up falling into a number of life changes almost by accident rather than having any real drive to do so.
Overall, not really a book for me.
December 29, 2025
A harrowing account of how the armed forces once treated LGBT people and in many cases ruined their lives, putting it squarely in the context of the wider homophobic oppression of the time. Elaine Chambers is a fine writer and writes honestly. It didn’t happen that long ago. Younger queer people would do well to read this and understand what previous generations had to fight against
May 16, 2019
A very interesting insight into the ban on LGBT+ people serving in the UK military, which probably isn't as well know as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the US. Elaine's story is very moving and she certainly doesn't hold back from telling people what was really going on in those times.
January 1, 2020
Really interesting account of a piece of history I was only aware existed, with no actual understanding of the situation. This book really informed me of the realities of life for LGBT+ individuals in the Army and other forces, through an easy to grasp style and the personal experience of the author.
Thought provoking and informative I will be sure to recommend this to others looking to learn about this part of history.
Thought provoking and informative I will be sure to recommend this to others looking to learn about this part of history.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews