History · Knockabout Media

Lavender Ranks

by Knockabout Media

lavender noun /ˈlæv.ən.dər/ A symbolic colour associated with LGBTQ2S+ identity, queer culture, and queer resistance. ranks noun / ræŋks / The members of a military force considered collectively. When you picture the First World War, you probably think of barbed wire, artillery fire, and mud. What you probably don’t think of: drag shows, love letters passed between soldiers, and queer lives hiding in plain sight. Hosted by Queer Collective’s Emily and Karbon, Lavender Ranks explores the stories that didn’t make it into the official record because they were too tender, too queer, or too dangerous to preserve. From Canadian soldiers performing in drag at the front, to forbidden love in the trenches, to nurses whose lifelong relationship was dismissed as mere “friendship,” the series uncovers a hidden history buried beneath the mythology of war. If you’re interested in queer history, Canadian history, the First World War, or military history, follow Lavender Ranks now and discover the stories history tried to leave behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chart trend

Position in the History chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#101#200JunJulAugSep

#70

all-time peak

days in the top 3 since Jun 2026

Latest episodes

Showing 6 · updated from the feed

We Think You'd Like: The Bosom Friends Affair

This is an episode from Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery, a 7-part podcast in which we explore L.M. Montgomery's childhood, literary journey, and the timeless

Jun 17
19 min

Bonus: Jo Whitehead Served at the Eastern Front

This episode was produced by Queer Collective and previously published on their feed. The feral, gender-defiant life of a Canadian WWI veteran who ditched a wealthy upbr

Jun 10
50 min

Sisters in Arms

And the were “roommates”... or at least that’s what some historians would like you to believe. This is episode three of Lavender Ranks, in which we enter our Hallmark era

Jun 3
28 min

The White Blood of No-Hope

For much of history, queer lives were criminalized, and what survives of us is too often filtered through police files and court records; stories told by those who sought

May 27
44 min

The Front’s Favourite Gal

What if I told you the roots of Canadian drag weren’t in a nightclub, but in the mud and mayhem of the Western Front during the First World War? In this episode of Laven

May 20
50 min

Introducing Lavender Ranks

lavender (noun) /ˈlæv.ən.dər/ A symbolic colour associated with LGBTQ2S+ identity, queer culture, and queer resistance. ranks noun / ræŋks / The members of a militar

May 1
1 min

Chart positions

Where Lavender Ranks ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 2, 2026).

#185 ▼ 6 History US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

These stories are incredibly important. I also think that the intersection of sexuality and war isn’t talked about nearly enough. As a gay service member who was removed due to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, I have plenty of harrowing stories. This is great, thank you!

Emberzeelouloulou · Aug 2026

These are largely forgotten stories, meticulously researched and told well and engagingly by charismatic hosts. I appreciate the tone that’s sympathetic but not hagiographic. This one deserves to be better known!

LucaAtLast · Jun 2026

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.