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When we think about the "ANZAC legend," the images that usually spring to mind are rugged men in slouch hats, dusty trenches in Gallipoli, and the unbreakable bond of "mateship." For decades, that legend was painted in very specific, very straight colors. But here at Read with Pride, we know that history: much like our favorite gay romance novels: is often a lot more colorful than the official record suggests.
The concept of mateship is central to the identity of Australia and New Zealand. It’s about loyalty, equality, and having your partner’s back no matter what. For the queer community, "mateship" has often been a double-edged sword: a survival strategy, a cover for deep romantic love, and a tradition we’ve had to fight to be included in. Today, we’re diving into the history of queer ANZACs and how these real-life stories inspire some of the best MM romance books on our digital shelves.
The Hidden Front: Love in the Trenches
During World War I and World War II, being openly gay in the military wasn't just frowned upon; it was a ticket to a court-martial. Yet, queer men have always served. In fact, research shows that during WWII, the Australian Army was one of the first institutions to really "grapple" with gay identity: mostly because they couldn't ignore it anymore.
In New Guinea, American troops were often shocked by what they saw as the "liberal" attitudes of Australian soldiers toward same-sex affection. While the top brass were having heart attacks over men identifying as "girls" or forming "intimate cliques," the reality on the ground was often different. Historians like Yorick Smaal have noted that many "diggers" (Australian soldiers) either didn't care or actively turned a blind eye. When you're facing enemy fire, having a "mate" who loves you: in whatever way that manifests: is a hell of a lot more important than military regulations.
This "hidden service" is the backbone of the brothers-in-arms MM romance trope. There is something incredibly moving about a slow burn romance set against the backdrop of war, where the high stakes make every touch and every whispered word feel monumental. If you’re looking for gay historical romance that captures this intensity, you’re looking for the spirit of the ANZACs.
The 1982 Wreath: A Battle at the Shrine
History isn't just about what happened in the 1910s or 40s; it’s about the struggle for the right to remember. One of the most pivotal moments in queer ANZAC history happened on Anzac Day in 1982.
Members of the Gay Ex-Services Association (GESA) attempted to lay a wreath at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. The card on the wreath was simple: "For all our brothers and sisters who died during the wars." It was a gesture of respect and a claim to a shared history.
The reaction? It wasn't pretty. The Victorian RSL President at the time, Bruce Ruxton, physically blocked them. Police were called, and the queer veterans were hauled away. It’s a stark reminder that for a long time, the "legend" of the ANZACs was guarded by those who wanted to keep it white, straight, and traditional.
But you can’t keep a good community down. That moment of resistance sparked a movement. It paved the way for groups like DEFGLIS (Defence LGBTI Information Service) to march openly today, laying rainbow wreaths with pride. It’s that journey from persecution to celebration that makes queer fiction so resonant. We aren't just writing stories; we’re reclaiming a legacy.
Australia Led the Way (For Once!)
Here’s a fun fact to drop at your next book club: Australia actually beat the US, the UK, and New Zealand to the punch when it came to lifting the ban on gay and lesbian service. On November 23, 1992, Prime Minister Paul Keating’s government officially repealed the ban.
This was a massive moment. While our friends in the US were struggling with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" for another couple of decades, Australian service members were: legally, at least: allowed to serve as their authentic selves. New Zealand followed suit shortly after, continuing the long tradition of ANZAC cooperation in social progress.
For writers of gay contemporary romance, this era provides a rich tapestry of stories. Imagine a forced proximity story where a veteran who served under the ban meets a new recruit who has never known anything but openness. The cultural clash, the shared trauma, and the eventual healing? That’s the stuff top LGBTQ+ books are made of.
The Mateship Trope: Why "Brothers-in-Arms" Hits Different
In the world of MM romance books, few tropes are as beloved as "brothers-in-arms." It’s the ultimate version of enemies to lovers (sometimes) or best friends to lovers (usually). In an ANZAC context, this is amplified by the cultural weight of mateship.
Why does it work so well?
- High Stakes: When your life depends on the person next to you, the emotional bond forms fast and deep.
- Quiet Intimacy: In a hyper-masculine environment, the small gestures: a shared cigarette, a hand on a shoulder: become electric.
- Forbidden Love: Historically, the risk of discovery added a layer of tension that makes the eventual "happily ever after" (HEA) feel even more earned.
At Read with Pride, we see these themes pop up in our most popular gay books. Whether it’s a gay spy romance set in the Pacific or a heartfelt gay fiction piece about two Kiwi soldiers returning home to a changing world, the ANZAC spirit is alive and well in our literature.
New Zealand’s Unique Path: Takatāpui and the Military
We can't talk about ANZACs without giving a massive shout-out to Aotearoa (New Zealand). The Kiwi experience adds another layer to the queer narrative through the concept of Takatāpui: a Māori term that encompasses both indigenous identity and diverse sexualities/genders.
The integration of Māori culture into the New Zealand Defence Force has allowed for a more holistic approach to identity. Seeing a Haka performed at a Pride event or within the military context is a powerful visual of how culture and queer identity can thrive together. For readers interested in LGBTQ+ fiction that explores indigenous perspectives and historical depth, the New Zealand queer military experience is a goldmine.
Exploring the Vault at Read with Pride
If this deep dive into history has you craving some romantic gay novels that feature brave men, intense loyalty, and historical settings, you’re in the right place. Our collection of MM historical romance is growing every day, and we love nothing more than highlighting stories that honor our real-world history while giving us the steamy, emotional payoff we crave.
Check out our store for some incredible titles, or browse our author listings to find your next favorite creator. Whether you’re into gay thriller vibes or gay contemporary romance, there’s something in the vault for you.
Final Thoughts: Lest We Forget (Any of Us)
The ANZAC legacy belongs to everyone who served, including the men who loved other men in the shadows of the barracks and the women who found love in the nursing corps. By reading and writing queer literature, we ensure that these stories are never forgotten.
Mateship isn't just about being "pals." It’s about a bond that transcends social norms. It’s about love. And that is something worth celebrating every single day.
Ready for your next read? Head over to readwithpride.com to discover the best MM romance books of 2026 and beyond. Don't forget to follow our journey on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook.
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