Marginalized Heroes of World War II: The Untold Stories
You want to talk about marginalized people fighting in wars? Let’s do it.
During World War II, millions of people from marginalized communities put their lives on the line to fight for freedom—sometimes for countries that didn’t even recognize their basic rights. Let’s break down the numbers.
2SLGBTQIA+ People in World War II
Around 400,000 2SLGBTQIA+ people served in the British Armed Forces. Because being openly queer in the military was illegal, most had to hide their identities. Historians have pieced together records, personal accounts, and military reports to get a clearer picture.
One of the most famous 2SLGBTQIA+ military figures was Alan Turing, the codebreaker who helped defeat the Nazis. Despite his contributions, he was arrested in 1952 for “gross indecency” and chemically castrated, leading to his tragic death.
Black Soldiers in World War II
1.2 million Black men served in the U.S. military, many in segregated units.
The Tuskegee Airmen were a legendary group of African American pilots who broke barriers and proved their skill in combat.
The 761st Tank Battalion ("Black Panthers") was another all-Black unit that fought bravely in Europe.
Jewish Fighters in World War II
1.5 million Jewish people fought with the Allies, including 550,000 Americans.
They weren’t just fighting for victory—they were fighting against genocide.
Many Jewish soldiers helped liberate concentration camps, witnessing firsthand the horrors of the Holocaust.
Palestinian and Indigenous Fighters
12,000 Palestinians joined the British Army to fight against the Axis powers.
3,000 Indigenous people in Canada enlisted, despite facing discrimination and systemic racism at home.
Women in World War II
Over 6 million women worked in war factories.
3 million volunteered with the Red Cross.
200,000 served in the military, taking on essential roles in medical care, logistics, and even combat support.
Be Careful Who You Hate—They Might Have Fought for Your Freedom
The next time someone tries to erase marginalized people from history, remind them that 2SLGBTQIA+, Black, Jewish, Indigenous, and women fighters helped win World War II.
