The Military's Response to Sexual Orientation

The military's response to sexual orientation has evolved from historically banning LGBTQ individuals from service to adopting policies of inclusion and nondiscrimination. Notably, the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, in place from 1993 to 2011, prohibited openly LGBTQ service members but allowed them to serve secretly. Its repeal in 2011 permitted individuals to openly disclose their sexual orientation without fear of discharge. Today, many branches emphasize equal treatment and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, aligning military values of integrity, respect, and diversity while ensuring that service members are evaluated based on merit, not personal characteristics.