Service Secrets in the Armed Forces

The Unseen March: A History of Service and Secrecy

A new Netflix series, Boots, presents a vivid and often humorous window into a difficult past. The comedy-drama explores the life of a closeted young man who joins the United States Marine Corps. It unflinchingly shows the immense hardships endured by gay individuals who joined the military, navigating a system designed to exclude them. The story highlights a broader historical narrative defined by two powerful, conflicting forces: unwavering service and enforced secrecy.

This duality has shaped the story of gay individuals in America's military for centuries. For example, many historians think Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben was gay. He was a crucial Prussian officer and a trusted confidant to George Washington, widely credited with building America's professional armed forces toward the end of the 1700s. Yet, in a pattern repeated by innumerable personnel after him, he never openly acknowledged his sexuality, setting a long precedent of concealed identity in the name of duty.

From Secrecy to Open Service

The necessity for such concealment stemmed from decades of official policy. For a significant period, the American military actively disciplined and removed service members who were found to be gay. A supposed step forward came in 1994, when a law at last allowed gay, lesbian, and bisexual people to enlist officially. However, this permission was granted under the restrictive “don't ask, don't tell” guideline, which prevented them from revealing their orientation.

When lawmakers rescinded that guideline in 2011, it marked a watershed moment. At last, the nation's military opened its doors for openly LGB individuals. Progress has continued since that landmark decision. In a significant move in June 2024, a broad pardon for thousands of past military members came from President Joe Biden. These individuals had faced prosecution under a contentious military statute, Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ, a law from 1951 that outlawed consensual same-sex relations until its repeal in 2013.

A Legacy of Fear

Now, the fresh Netflix comedy-drama Boots highlights the fortitude of military personnel who were forced to hide their true identities. This new show draws inspiration from the 2016 book by Greg Cope White, The Pink Marine, and explores the intense pressures of military life for those hiding their identity. Cope White, a former Marine sergeant, describes the military as a great leveling force. The institution strips away individuality, giving every recruit the same shaved head, camouflage uniform, and rifle, reinforcing a collective identity. Despite this, LGBTQ+ personnel in the military have had to struggle for equal treatment compared to their straight peers.

Although its language was severe, the UCMJ's Article 125 did not prevent gay people from enlisting; it simply forced their lives into the shadows, demanding constant vigilance. Cultural historian Dr. Nathaniel Frank informed the BBC that soldiers who were lesbian, gay, or bisexual existed with a persistent sense of dread, doubt, and insecurity. Personal relationships that ended badly or conflicts with superiors could readily create situations of extortion, a constant danger for LGB soldiers.

The threat was pervasive and severe. A closeted soldier’s entire livelihood—their salary, pension benefits, and professional future—was constantly at risk if their orientation became public. An accusation or outing could unravel a lifetime of dedication in an instant. Furthermore, Dr Frank notes that discovery could lead to more than just discharge. In some instances, military personnel sometimes went to prison for same-sex intimate relationships, a stark illustration of the dangers they faced daily while serving their country.

The Flawed Compromise

The “don't ask, don't tell” directive, introduced during Bill Clinton's presidency in 1994, was intended to create a better situation. The policy’s stated goal was to stop "witch hunts" that had pursued gay personnel. It was intended to protect closeted individuals from harassment and discrimination, creating a fragile truce where the institution would not inquire into a service member's private life. In return, gay personnel were expected to remain silent about their identity.

However, the practical application of the policy often exacerbated the problem. By thrusting the topic into a major national cultural conflict, it put gay people under intense scrutiny. Dr Frank points out that, contrary to its aims, data revealed a subsequent increase, not a decrease, in dismissals related to sexuality. The directive became a new tool for persecution, not protection.

Officials were supposed to refrain from asking about someone's orientation, but many of them routinely flouted this regulation. The persecutions did not stop, now under the guise of a policy that was meant to prevent them. The compromise failed to address the underlying prejudice and instead created a new set of anxieties. Service members lived with the constant threat that a slip of the tongue, a personal dispute, or a prejudiced superior could spell the end of their military careers, perpetuating a climate of fear.

A Story of Resilience

The new series Boots offers a unique look at military existence, focusing on the bravery and determination of personnel who concealed a fundamental aspect of themselves to fulfill their duty. Andy Parker, who previously created Netflix’s acclaimed version of the LGBT literary classic Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin, developed the show. The series captures the essence of the book by Cope White, which is characterized by its frankness, humor, and a focus on resilience over victimhood.

Miles Heizer stars as Cameron, a young gay man concealing his identity, who enters a Marine Corps training facility searching desperately for acceptance, mirroring Cope White's own experience. He recalled feeling that society viewed him as inferior due to his sexuality, even though he was confident in his manhood. He joined that challenging world to find his footing among men, acknowledging it was arguably the most difficult environment in which to do so.

Simultaneously, the eight-episode show makes notable adjustments to the book’s timeline and focus. While Cope White’s training began in 1979, the series shifts the narrative to 1990. The narrative is set a mere four years prior to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy's implementation. Parker is optimistic about the show's renewal for more seasons, as this policy would offer substantial dramatic material for future plotlines.

The Weight of a Secret

Creator Andy Parker notes that while the gay protagonist holds a secret that carries very serious consequences within that world, he is not alone in his concealment. Everyone he meets there is also concealing something or fleeing from their past. Parker found this shared experience to be a compelling theme to delve into. The show's absurdist tone, complete with homoerotic undertones, reflects what was in reality a deeply sorrowful and damaging situation for many personnel.

Parker mentioned that several past marines who advised on the production were not gay, yet they found these regulations equally illogical. He highlighted how the policies seemed to directly oppose the principle of social cohesion that is fundamental to the military. The bonds forged in training and combat rely on trust and authenticity, yet the institution demanded dishonesty from a segment of its personnel.

Greg Cope White explains that the relentless burden of dishonesty was his main reason for departing the Marines following six years of service, a challenge Cameron must deal with throughout the show. He explained that the Marine Corps provides an environment to discover one's true identity, but he felt the institution did not permit him to be authentic and could no longer maintain a false front with people he deeply valued.

Progress and Persistent Hurdles

Today, the landscape for many has changed dramatically. LGB individuals can now serve openly. In fact, a 2015 poll of over 16,000 personnel revealed that 5.8% of those who answered identified as lesbian, bisexual, or gay, indicating a significant presence within the ranks. This progress, however, has not extended equally to all members of the LGBTQ+ community, and significant challenges remain.

Transgender personnel, for instance, are now facing a similar predicament. A ban from President Donald Trump, which he announced in January, stopped them from taking any role. The presidential order asserted that being transgender was incompatible with a soldier's duty to a respectable, honest, and controlled way of life and that it undermined military readiness. Although the Biden administration has since reversed this policy, the debate highlights the ongoing struggle for full inclusion and acceptance.

This continuing legal fight gives Boots, a show set in the past, an unforeseen contemporary relevance. Parker said that when he pitched the concept in 2020, he thought he would be relating an important historical story. He did not predict its importance today, at a time when the ability of transgender individuals to enlist is under debate and a comparable form of cruelty is being imposed.

The Fight for Full Citizenship

Dr. Frank proposes that the topic of national defense often serves as a backdrop for discussions about what defines an American. This is due to its special position in the public consciousness. He argued that for anti-gay advocates, allowing gay people to wear their country's uniform risked proving something they refused to admit: that gay individuals were not merely self-absorbed hedonists who should be kept at the edges of American life.

Military service is often seen as a hallmark of citizenship and patriotism. Excluding a group from this fundamental duty implies they are somehow less worthy or less American. In Cope White's view, all types of exclusion are contrary to the military's fundamental idea. He commented that society asks young individuals from diverse origins to come together and potentially die protecting our constitution. This is the ultimate sacrifice for one's country.

Therefore, he believes that anyone who is willing and fit to serve deserves not only permission to do so but also enthusiastic acceptance and recognition. The ongoing fight for inclusion in the military is not just about who gets to wear a uniform. It is a broader struggle for recognition, for equality, and for the right to be seen as a full and valued member of society, deserving of identical rights and responsibilities as all other citizens.

Rectifying Historical Wrongs

The recent pardon issued by President Biden represents a significant step toward acknowledging and rectifying the injustices of the past. The pardon directly addresses the harm that Article 125 of the UCMJ caused, which for over six decades made the private lives of those in the service a criminal offense. By granting clemency, the administration is attempting to right a historic wrong, admitting that these individuals were prosecuted merely for being who they were.

The impact of these convictions has lingered for decades, leaving many veterans with criminal records and the stain of a dishonourable discharge. This has often barred them from accessing the benefits they earned through their service, such as healthcare, housing assistance, and educational opportunities. The pardon allows these veterans to apply for a certificate that can be used to get their discharge status changed, finally unlocking the support they have long been denied.

However, the process is not automatic. Eligible service members and veterans must still apply for the pardon and go through a process to have their records corrected. While advocates have praised the move as a crucial step, they also highlight the burden this places on the affected veterans to navigate the bureaucracy. Nevertheless, the pardon is a powerful symbolic and practical gesture that recognizes the bravery and selflessness of thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals who served under the shadow of discriminatory laws.

The Broader Cultural Impact

The release of a mainstream series like Boots on a global platform like Netflix plays a crucial role in bringing these hidden histories to light. By telling the personal story of one individual, the show humanises a complex political and social issue. It allows audiences to connect with the emotional reality of living under discriminatory policies, fostering empathy and understanding in a way that news reports and historical documents cannot always achieve.

The show draws its inspiration from The Pink Marine, a book by Greg Cope White, a work celebrated for its wit and honesty. The book details the journey of an insecure young man transforming into a confident Marine, all while concealing his sexuality. The adaptation for Netflix, while taking some creative liberties, aims to capture this spirit of resilience. The show explores not just the protagonist's journey, but the lives of the entire platoon, creating a rich tapestry of characters and experiences.

This broader focus allows the series to delve into themes of masculinity, identity, and belonging in a universal way. It shows that everyone in the high-pressure environment of boot camp is dealing with their own insecurities and secrets. By highlighting these shared struggles, Boots transcends being only a story about homosexuality within the armed forces and becomes a story about the universal human need for acceptance and the courage it takes to be true to oneself in a world that often demands conformity.

Persistent Discrimination and its Effects

Despite the official repeal of discriminatory policies, the legacy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and other anti-LGBTQ+ regulations continues to affect personnel and veterans. A culture of prejudice does not disappear overnight with a change in the law. Many LGBTQ+ individuals in the military still face harassment and discrimination from superiors and peers. This can manifest in subtle ways, such as being passed over for promotions, or more overtly through verbal abuse and social isolation.

Research shows that these experiences have a significant impact on the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ service members. They report higher rates of mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The stress of serving in a hostile environment, combined with the trauma that can be inherent in military service, creates a heavy burden. For veterans, the difficulties can be compounded by a lack of access to affirming healthcare and support systems.

Furthermore, a less-than-honourable discharge can have devastating long-term consequences. It can create barriers to civilian employment, housing, and education. Numerous veterans discharged under that former policy have struggled for years with the stigma and practical disadvantages of this status. The recent pardons are a crucial step, but there is still much work to be done to fully address the systemic inequities and provide comprehensive support for all who have served.

The Role of Leadership and Training

To create a truly inclusive military, policy changes must be accompanied by robust training and strong leadership. It is not enough to simply allow LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly. The military must actively work to cultivate a culture of respect and understanding. This involves educating all personnel about LGBTQ+ issues, promoting diversity and inclusion, and holding individuals accountable for discriminatory behaviour.

Effective leadership is paramount. Commanders at all levels must set a clear example, demonstrating their commitment to equality and ensuring that all members of their unit feel safe and respected. When complaints of harassment or discrimination arise, they must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. A failure to do so sends a message that such behaviour is tolerated, undermining morale and unit cohesion.

The military has made strides in this area, implementing new training programmes and updating its equal opportunity policies. However, challenges remain in ensuring that these initiatives are consistently and effectively implemented across all branches and units. The fight for equality is an ongoing process that requires sustained effort and commitment from the entire military community, from the highest levels of the Pentagon to the newest recruits in basic training.

The Economic and Social Toll

The legacy of discrimination against LGBTQ+ service members has had a significant economic and social impact. Veterans who received less-than-honourable discharges have often been denied access to the GI Bill, which provides educational assistance, and VA home loans, a key pathway to homeownership. This has placed them at a significant disadvantage, limiting their opportunities for economic advancement and stability after leaving the military.

The social toll is also immense. The experience of being forced to hide one's identity or being unjustly discharged can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation. Many LGBTQ+ veterans have struggled to connect with the broader veteran community, feeling that their service and sacrifices have not been fully acknowledged or valued. This can exacerbate mental health challenges and make it more difficult to transition back to civilian life.

Recent information from the United States Census Bureau has highlighted these disparities, showing that LGBTQ+ veterans face higher rates of poverty, food insecurity, and housing instability compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted support and resources to address the unique challenges faced by this community. Closing these gaps requires a concerted effort from government agencies, non-profit organisations, and society as a whole.

The Path Forward: Embracing Diversity as a Strength

The journey towards full equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in America's military has been long and arduous, marked by both significant progress and persistent challenges. The rescinding of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the recent pardons for those convicted under discriminatory laws are historic milestones that have opened the doors for greater inclusion. However, the work is far from over.

The military of the 21st century faces a complex and ever-changing global landscape. To meet these challenges, it needs to draw on the talents and skills of the most qualified individuals from all segments of society. Diversity is not a liability; it is a strategic advantage. A force that reflects the nation it serves is stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to understand and respond to a wide range of threats.

Embracing diversity means more than just changing policies. It requires a fundamental shift in culture, one that values the contributions of every service member and creates an environment where everyone can serve with dignity and respect. By continuing to break down barriers and championing the principles of equality and inclusion, America's military can ensure it remains the most effective fighting force in the world, one that truly represents the ideals it is sworn to defend.