Robert Block (left) and J. J. Belanger in a photo booth photo (two of two), Hastings Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, 1953. Credit: Courtesy ONE Archives at the USC Libraries.
This may be in the porn section but it’s anything but. SGT. COACH discovered this and had to share this interesting man’s life:
MGH: J.J. Belanger lived a big life. But if we remember him at all, it’s only because of two images from a photo booth photo taken in 1953. Yet J.J. had a big life that extended from the skies over Europe during World War II and the offices of the legendary Dr. Alfred Kinsey to trans rights activism before transgender rights were on anybody’s radar.
Listen to this GREAT podcast… a 1989 interview with J.J. BELANGER…
podcast via MAKING GAY HISTORY
More info @ MGH
CBC story HERE
J.J. Belanger back in the photo booth, July 1987. Credit: Courtesy ONE Archives at the USC Libraries.
John Belanger, age 17 during military service in the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCA). June 1940.
PAST MALE BEAUTY: During the Second World War John Belanger of the Royal Canadian Air Force, was posted to England. In England he fell in love with, and had a passionate and loving affair with a handsome man, also in the Royal Canadian Air Force called Gordon “Gordy”. Gordy was the Hurricane Bomber captain, and John the wireless operator. During a hazardous mission in August 1944, the plane was shot down, and John spent three days adrift in the English Channel. When he was rescued, he was told that of the eight crew members only three had survived. Gordy was not one of them, and John was devastated. After the war he worked with Doctor Alfred Kinsey, in his study of human sexuality.
John Belanger (far right), with fellow service members of the wireless school, Tuxedo Park, a suburb of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, August 1942
Robert Block (left) and J. J. Belanger in a photo booth photo (one of two), Hastings Park, Vancouver, Canada, 1953.
J. J. Belanger (left) and Daryl Mutz in Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, September 1953.
Interesting!
Nice “throw-backs.” Good to know somebody found romance during those awful, repressive days.
Ditto the above response, very hot!!! Woof Woof.
It’s good to see things like this–a man far ahead of his time, willing to just be himself. I’m sure he wasn’t trying to make history–he just did.
Thanks for sharing.
What a warm story of life in our gay world I wish they had the freedom some have now we still have a long way too go
Sgt. Coach — Sharing this story with us is a wonderful gift – thank you !
Wow… man of character.
Wonderful story! Better than the usual porn! Hope we get more like this.
Like others a throw back to days of gay history.