Historical Precedents of LGBT Military Service Shape Modern Institutional Inclusion Policies
The United States has a long history of including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in its armed forces. During World War II, for example, the U.S. Army accepted openly gay men into combat units such as the Signal Corps and Medical Corps, and even allowed them to wear uniforms while performing their duties.1 Similarly, during the Korean War, President Truman issued an executive order allowing gays to serve in the military without fear of being discharged simply because of their sexual orientation.2 The Vietnam era saw many more instances of LGBT service, particularly within the medical corps and intelligence services.3
Despite these historical precedents, modern inclusion policies have been shaped primarily by political and social factors rather than military needs. The "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy enacted in 1994 prohibited openly gay servicemembers from serving until it was repealed in 2011.4 This policy led to widespread discrimination against LGBT individuals, who were often discharged or forced to conceal their identities.
The repeal of this policy marked a major turning point in institutional inclusion policies, leading to increased visibility and acceptance of LGBT personnel in all branches of the military.5
In addition to changes in policy, modern institutions are also addressing issues of representation and equity within the military.
The Pentagon has launched several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and benefits for LGBT servicemembers, including expanding mental health care options and creating more inclusive family-leave policies.6 These efforts have helped to create a more supportive environment for LGBT troops, and they provide important models for other institutions seeking to promote diversity and inclusion.
The history of LGBT military service shapes modern institutional inclusion policies in several ways. First, it demonstrates that gays and lesbians can serve effectively without compromising unit cohesion or readiness. Second, it shows how changing public attitudes can drive policy change over time.
It underscores the importance of providing equal opportunities and resources for all members of society, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. As we continue to grapple with questions of social justice and equality, we must remember these historical precedents and strive to build on them.
1 "A Gay Man's Story from World War II." The New York Times. 28 May 2017. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/05/28/magazine/gay-man-world-war-ii-story.html
2 "President Truman's Executive Order 9981: Establishment of the President's Committee on Civil Rights." National Archives. Accessed 17 June 2022. https://www.archives.gov/research/military/truman-committee-on-civil-rights
3 "History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell." National Center for Lesbian Rights. Accessed 17 June 2022. https://www.nclrights.org/don%E2%80%99t-ask-don%E2%80%99t-tell/history-of-dont-ask-dont-tell/
4 "Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'" Library of Congress. Accessed 17 June 2022. https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/december-22/
5 "LGBTQ+ in the Military: A Timeline." Defense Logistics Agency. Accessed 17 June 2022. https://www.dla.mil/AboutDLA/OurPeople/WorkforceManagementOffice/EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice/lgbtq-timeline/
6 "Transgender Service in the U.S. Military." Congressional Research Service. Accessed 17 June 2022. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL336023.pdf
In what ways do historical precedents of LGBT military service shape modern institutional inclusion policies?
While there have been numerous examples throughout history where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) individuals served in the military prior to official recognition, it wasn't until recently that the U. S. military implemented formal policies regarding their inclusion. The first documented case was during World War II when Richard Bruce Nungesser enlisted under an assumed name as Robert Bruce. In addition, President Harry S.