New Podcast Series Exploring Queer Histories of the First World War
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May 26, 2026 – TheNewswire – Montreal, QC – Knockabout Media is proud to announce the launch of its new limited-series podcast, Lavender Ranks. Hosted by Queer Collective’s Emily Gioskos and Karbon, this narrative documentary series explores the overlooked and often erased stories of queer life during the First World War.
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When Canadians picture the First World War, they often think of trenches, artillery fire, and mud. Lavender Ranks instead turns its attention toward the hidden lives that existed within and around the military: soldiers performing in drag at the front, love letters exchanged between those in uniform, nurses whose lifelong partnerships were dismissed as mere “friendships,” and queer individuals navigating institutions that denied their existence.
Through archival research, expert interviews, and immersive storytelling, the series explores how queer people found intimacy, community, and survival during one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. In doing so, Lavender Ranks examines how conflict shapes memory, and how certain lives, relationships, and experiences were pushed to the margins of the historical record.
“As a lover of queer history, I wasn’t sure how a podcast series focused on queer lives during the First World War would unfold,” said series writer/co-host Emily Gioskos. “But, you’d be surprised by the unlikely queer lives that bloomed against this backdrop.”
“By bringing forward the long-overlooked stories of 2SLGBTQIA+ service members, this podcast deepens our understanding of sacrifices made and reminds us that remembrance must be inclusive,” said The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. “Through the Commemorative Partnership Program, the Government of Canada is proud to support initiatives like this that honour the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ Veterans and ensures their experiences are recognized and remembered.”
The series features interviews with historians, researchers, drag queens, and survivors of the LGBT purge who provide context and interpretation grounded in archival material, historical scholarship, and lived experience.
Lavender Ranks is available for streaming on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, with episodes released weekly.
For more information, including episode release dates and show details, visit www.knockaboutmedia.com. This project is supported by Veterans Affairs Canada through its Commemorative Partnership Program.
About Knockabout Media
Knockabout Media specializes in creative non-fiction storytelling for the cultural and media sectors. On multiple platforms, and in collaboration with leading Canadian heritage interpreters, we commemorate the diverse stories that make Canada unique. We produce immersive documentaries that bring Canadian history to life. Our podcasts include Rocket War, The Black Hum, Among Equals, The Story of a National Crime, and the 2026 Digital Publishing Award-nominated Story Girl and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North (Best Podcast: Arts, Culture and Society).
About the Queer Collective
Queer Collective is a Toronto based non-profit organization committed to creating accurate & positive representation for every subgroup of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community with an emphasis on uplifting local queer artists.
For press inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
[email protected]
416.737.9946
[email protected]
www.knockaboutmedia.com
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