Gays in the Military

Is homosexuality incompatible with military service?

Resources used to support "no"

Prejudice and ignorance are two of the most prominent ills of our society today. The way gay soldiers are treated today is no exception. Many have been forced to resign due to their sexual orientation, which has little or nothing to do with their ability as soldiers. Most members of our armed forces have no experience in relating to gay people, resulting in a fear that has caused pain to many people, both homosexual and heterosexual. People should not be judged on the basis of their sexuality, an issue which has nothing to do with your ability to serve our country.

WWW

End the Ban Now!
This Web resource gives links to sites that give support for the argument that homosexuality is not relevant to a person's ability to serve in the military. It also discusses why people should not be judged on their sexual orientation. [Recommended by Ashley Levin.]
And the Flag Was Still There - Straight People, Gay People and Sexuality in the U.S. Military by Lois Shawver
This article gives reasons why homosexuals are being banned from the military. It is argued that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is putting gays back into the closet. [Recommended by Debra Busher and Contessa Mendoza.]
Out In Force - Sexual Orientation and the Military
This is a summary of a book edited by Gregory M. Herek, Ph.D., et al.) published in 1996 by The University of Chicago Press. It gives a brief description of each book chapter that covers both sides of the argument against homosexuals in the military. [Recommended by Debra Busher.]
Chronology of What's Been Happening with Don't Ask, Don't Tell
An up-to-date complilation of links to Web sites on a variety of topics relating to this policy. Links to information about court cases are given in chronological order. There are also links to court documents and to news articles on court documents. [Recommended by Contessa Mendoza.]
Gays Deserve Their Civil Rights
Discusses why gays should remain enlisted and also cites various other resources for gays and lesbians.
Professionalism, Sexology and Power: Ideology of Homosexuality in the United States Military by Nathan W. Purkiss
An historical account of what happened in our military during the mid 20th century. A good discussion of how homosexual activity was regarded by the military and by psychologists. [Recommended by Dawn Burden.]
Gay Activist Cites Advances But He Is Critical of Military Policy by Richard Acello
This article from August 30, 1995, provides an interesting look at how this topic was viewed early in the Clinton Administration.
Poll & Survey Results, Queer Resources Directory.
A comprehensive collection of articles discussing the issue of gays in the military.
Gays in the Military - Interesting Things to Read and Study
This is a valuable resource for links supporting the role of gays in the military. [Recommended by Stacy Baker.]

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Davis, C. L. (1993). Lifting the gay ban. Society, 31, (1), 24-25.
An essay by a supporter of lifting the "Don't Ask" policy in lieu of something stronger to protect gay people's rights.
Harris, S. E. (1991). Military policies regarding homosexual behavior: An international survey. Journal of Homosexuality, 21, (4), 67-74.
Talks about various legal aspects of keeping gays either in or out of the Armed Forces, and cites survey results with heterosexual servicemen as subjects.
Pesina, M. D., Hitchkock, D. L. & Rienzi, B. M. (1994). The military ban against gay males: University students' attitudes before and after the presidential decision. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 9, 499-506.
A survey conducted on college student's attitudes concerning keeping gays in the Armed Forces.
Tyler, E. (1990). History without victims: Gays in WWII. Reviews in American History, 19, (2), 255-259.
Contrasts and compares persent-day homosexual servicemen with those serving during World War II.

BOOKS

Shilts, R. ( 1993). Conduct unbecoming: Lesbian and gays in the U.S. military. St. Martin's Press.
An excellent book telling the personal stories of gays and lesbians who serve in the Armed Forces, and the obstacles they faced.

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