Gays in the military: issues, opportunities, and challenges

Gays in the Military

For a long time, the issue of gays serving in the military has largely been contentious though approaches regarding the enlistment of gays in the armed forces differ from country to country. This text concerns itself with gays in the military and the issues, opportunities as well as challenges they face. Further, it highlights the society's contribution to the construction of this group's identity.

Gays in the Military: The Issues, Opportunities and Challenges They Face

It is important to note from the onset that though some countries still have laws prohibiting the enlistment of gays into the military, most developed countries have in the recent past gotten rid of policies seen to exclude gays from enlistment. Currently, gays in the United States can serve openly given the September 2011 lift on the ban prohibiting openly gay individuals from serving in the military (Kevin and Harris, 2011). This was a move hailed by the gay community given that "over 14,500 openly gay troops have been discharged from the U.S. military since the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy was introduced in 1993" (Kevin and Harris, 2011). This policy according to Cochran et al. (2008) was an arrangement in which case "gay recruits could serve in the military as long as they do not make that orientation public." Doing away with the policy availed an opportunity for those of a different sexual orientation to serve in the military without fear of victimization or dismissal. Further, given that openly gay individuals no longer have to lie about whom they are, the repeal of the policy will inevitably improve the working conditions for those who happen to be gay. Hence, regardless of sexual orientation, individuals can still rise to the highest level of responsibility within the military.

However, regardless of the gains that have so far been made as far as the accommodation of gays in the military is concerned, it is important to note that some challenges still abound. One of the challenges gays could still encounter includes harassment. Though such harassment which could include jokes and insults directed at those openly gay could be veiled, the damage it occasions in terms of a lowered self-worth and self-esteem cannot be overstated. Deconstruction of the already existing stereotypes is yet another challenge gays could face in the light of the new policy allowing them to serve openly. Based on these challenges, those of a different sexual orientation may choose to remain closeted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be noted that going forward, things seem to be looking up for gays in the labor force (particularly those in the military). This is more so the case given the repeal of the retrogressive policy which prevented openly gay individuals from serving in the military. Thus going forward, individuals will not have to lie about their sexual orientation so as to allowed to serve in the military.