This Queer Angel

About Elaine Chambers

Elaine joined the Army in 1982 aged 21 as a student nurse. After qualifying as a staff nurse she obtained a commission becoming a junior sister in the rank of lieutenant. Her ordeal began in 1987 after rumours about her sexuality reached the military police. After being forced to resign she met Robert Ely who had been discharged from the Parachute Regiment after nearly 20 years service and they founded Rank Outsiders a campaign and support group in 1991.Since leaving the Army Elaine initially struggled to find work that could rival the prospects and camaraderie of her Army career she has had nearly 20 different jobs mostly in nursing but also including stints at Eurostar as a security guard at the Tower of London and briefly as a tree climbing instructor. She is now working as a medical administrator for a GP practice following a momentous decision to take her name off the nursing register after her parents suffered serious ill health. She lives in the Isle of Wight.