When it comes to LGBTQ+ soldiers serving openly in the US military, there is a long history of discrimination and misunderstanding that has shaped policy for decades. The early days of American military service were marked by strict adherence to traditional gender roles, which meant that anyone who deviated from these norms was often seen as unfit for service. This included those who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or otherwise non-heterosexual. As a result, many individuals who did not fit into this mold were discharged from service without honor, leaving them vulnerable to harassment and discrimination outside of the military as well.
As time went on, attitudes began to shift towards greater acceptance and understanding of diversity within the ranks. In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed an executive order banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in the military, but this was later rescinded under George W. Bush's administration. It wasn't until 2010 that Don't Ask, Don't Tell was finally repealed, allowing openly gay men and women to serve without fear of being discharged for their identity alone.
The policies surrounding LGBTQ+ intimacy have continued to evolve. While same-sex relationships are now officially allowed, there are still restrictions on public displays of affection, and certain types of sex acts are forbidden (such as bestiality).
There are ongoing debates about whether the military should allow transgender soldiers to serve at all, despite the fact that they can legally be drafted under current law.
Despite these challenges, many advocates argue that the US military has come a long way in terms of accepting diverse identities and expressions of love and desire. They point to the growing number of support groups and resources available to LGBTQ+ soldiers, as well as the increasing visibility of queer role models within the military itself. Still, much work remains to be done before true equality is achieved in this arena.
In what ways do historical and cultural precedents inform contemporary policies on LGBT intimacy in the military?
The U. S. Department of Defense has an established policy that prohibits open LGBT members from serving in any branch of the military as of 2018. This policy is rooted in decades of discrimination against the community, including President Clinton's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" (DADT) policy in 1993.