In 1993, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy went into effect allowing closeted LGBTQ people to serve in the military. And in the early 1940s, it was classified as a mental illness, disqualifying gay men and lesbians from service. Before that, however, same-sex relations were criminalized and cause for discharge. It wasn’t until 1982 that the military enacted a policy explicitly banning gay men and lesbians from their ranks.
While acceptance of LGBTQ service members is a relatively new development in the military’s long history, the Department of Defense is committed to maintaining a strong force that reflects the nation’s diversity. They may fear being harassed or passed over for assignments or promotions. Still, some LGBTQ service members may worry about living openly. Acceptance for LGBTQ in the military expanded with the lifting of the transgender ban in 2021. Since 2011, openly gay, lesbian and bisexual men and women have been permitted to serve in the military.
