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Secret Life of Canada

The history behind Canada's 'homosexuality test'

For decades, Canada attempted to purge queer people out of the public service and the military. We look into why it all started during the Cold War, what the fear of the Soviet Union had to do with it and how the invention of a homosexuality test nicknamed “The Fruit Machine” was supposed to aid in the RCMP’s investigations. Spoiler alert — it didn't work. With guest Gary Kinsman.

'The Fruit Machine' was invented to detect LGBTQ people — and remove them from public service

CBC Podcasts ·
The Fruit Machine
One of the images shown to suspected LGBTQ public servants as part of the so-called 'fruit machine' testing during the Cold War. (CBC)
The Secret Life of Canada39:59S4: The Fruit Machine

For decades, Canada attempted to purge queer people out of the public service and the military.  In "The Fruit Machine," The Secret Life of Canada talks to Gary Kinsman who, along with Patrizia Gentile, co-authored the book "The Canadian War on Queers."

Leah and Falen take a deep dive into why it all started during the Cold War, what the fear of the Soviet Union had to do with it and how the invention of a homosexuality test nicknamed "The Fruit Machine" was supposed to aid in the RCMP's investigations. They'll learn about the deep and lasting effects of the state-sponsored policy to remove LGBTQ employees from within its ranks.

Canadian Women's Army troops during World War II. As women began to join the military in larger numbers, many were targeted by the RCMP as part of the "gay purge." (Library and Archives Canada)

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