Fraternization is defined as "any contact between officers and enlisted personnel or among enlisted personnel that is personal or social in nature." Fraternization involves more than just interpersonal contact - it also includes physical contact, such as handshakes, hugs, kisses, and sex acts. In the context of the U.S. Armed Forces, fraternization is considered a serious breach of discipline because it can create division within units and undermine unit cohesion.
There are no official policies regarding LGBT service members' romantic relationships.
There are unofficial rules that regulate how they should interact with each other while serving in close quarters. These rules vary from base to base but generally include avoiding open displays of affection and keeping their relationship private.
Many LGBT service members may be afraid to come out to their colleagues due to fear of being rejected or ostracized. This secrecy creates an atmosphere of distrust and anxiety that can lead to tension between individuals and groups.
One reason for this secrecy is that sexual identity can impact one's career trajectory in the military.
Openly gay soldiers are prohibited from serving in combat roles in some branches of the military.
Even though homosexuality was decriminalized by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) remained until 2011. DADT allowed gays and lesbians to serve openly without discrimination but required them not to reveal their orientation. Today, the repeal of DADT has made it easier for LGBT people to live authentically in the military. Still, there remain obstacles such as limited benefits for same-sex couples and unequal treatment compared to heterosexuals.
The issue of fraternization among LGBT service members is complicated by the fact that they often must hide their true identities from their peers. One study found that almost half of all active duty and reserve personnel believe that closeted gays and lesbians face more social stigma than those who are out. This stigma can lead to isolation and depression. It also means that romantic relationships tend to take place outside of the workplace and away from prying eyes.
This arrangement has its own set of challenges, including difficulty finding time together due to scheduling conflicts or risking being seen by others.
LGBT service members may find themselves in a double bind: They must balance keeping their relationship secret while still maintaining a professional attitude toward other service members. This can be incredibly stressful and emotionally draining.
Some service members have experienced harassment based on their sexual identity, which further complicates matters.
One solution to these problems would be to create policies specifically addressing LGBT fraternization. Such policies could allow for greater flexibility regarding how much physical contact is acceptable between same-sex partners.
They could provide guidelines for how openly gay soldiers should behave in public. While these measures would require considerable buy-in from commanders and peers alike, they could help alleviate some of the stresses associated with hidden relationships.
Another option would be to improve existing policies so that they better accommodate LGBT needs.
More inclusive benefits packages could be created for same-sex couples, making it easier for them to build long-term relationships without fear of losing access to healthcare or retirement funds.
Education campaigns could be developed to teach all service members about homophobia and transphobia, encouraging them to treat each other respectfully regardless of sexuality.
How do military policies around fraternization intersect with hidden romantic relationships among LGBT service members?
Military policies on fraternization emphasize the importance of maintaining professionalism within the ranks and avoiding any actions that may lead to favoritism or preferential treatment. This includes preventing soldiers from developing close friendships outside their units and banning them from engaging in activities together, such as attending parties or going out for drinks after work.