“It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed…”[1]
–Former President Barack Obama, December 2010
As those all throughout the nation are well aware of, the United States is under new leadership. There is a new Commander-in-Chief serving in the White House (or maybe in New York, I can never keep up) and his leadership style is not one that the American people are all that familiar with. The off-the-cuff remarks and discriminatory rhetoric that have been the theme of the Trump Presidential Campaign, the Donald Trump Twitter feed, and the new Trump Administration has many people outraged and many more… afraid. To say that the current administration’s approach to foreign affairs, as well as to foreign and domestic policy, has been alarming would be putting it mildly. While so many appear to be waiting for the inevitable declarations of war and/or underhanded tactics that may now put many of those serving our nation in danger, I had a different series of questions.
For me, I was extremely worried about the implications of the President’s actions and power on those Women of Color in the armed services. Specifically, now that we are operating under the premise to “Make Our Military Strong Again,”[2] does that mean that we will not only be putting lives at risk, but forcing many heroic Americans… back into the closet?
In December 2010, Former President Barack Obama, Congress, and countless activists publicly celebrated the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy that had been adopted in 1993 under Former President Bill Clinton. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) was the byname for the former official U.S. policy regarding the service of homosexuals in the military. The term was coined in 1993 after [President] Bill Clinton… signed a law (consisting of statute, regulations, and policy memoranda) directing that military personnel “don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t pursue, and don’t harass.” When it went into effect on October 1, 1993, the policy theoretically lifted a ban on homosexual service that had been instituted during World War II, though in effect it continued a statutory ban. In December 2010 both the House of Representatives and the Senate voted to repeal the policy, and [President] Barack Obama signed the legislation [repealing DADT] on December 22nd. The policy officially ended on September 20, 2011.”[3]
In an effort to understand more about DADT and what it is like for Women of Color to serve in the military when they identify as LGBTQIA, I decided to take one of my amazing Twitter followers up on a suggestion to interview those women who are currently – or have previously – served to learn more about their experiences, concerns, and fears with regards to their chosen profession.
Though most of the people that I interviewed asked to remain anonymous, they were kind enough to provide me with their Branch and number of years of service. Those interviewed serve or have served in the United States Air Force, the United States Army, and the United States Navy. At least two are currently on active duty. Those interviewed have years of service that range from 1.5 years to 8.5 years. Four of those people interviewed identify as Lesbian. One, though raised as a Woman of Color, is a man of Trans* experience. Though I did not know most of those that I interviewed personally, I must say that the sacrifice, valor and integrity that Former President Obama spoke about back in 2010 was very much evident in the answers that I received from and the conversations that I had with each person interviewed.
- What is it like – for you – being an LGBTQ Woman of Color in the armed forces?
I would say it is about 70/30 (good and bad days)… Being a Black lesbian woman in the Army is definitely different because I sometimes fear my peers knowing and me being treated differently than others or not being taken seriously about serving my country. I just fear a homophobe having the wrong job and ruining my career… For me, it has not been bad. I believe being an introvert helped with that. I tend to keep to myself, and doing so left people only room to “assume” that I was a lesbian… Being a lesbian in the military has been no different than everyday experiences that most of us go through. When its found out that I am lesbian the same questions are asked, “What man hurt you? Do you really scissor? Who is the man in the relationship?” It has made me weary about being open about my sexuality.
- Do you consider yourself dominant/masculine, feminine, or neither? Do you think this plays a role in how you are treated? If so, how?
I consider myself feminine. Most people do not assume that I am lesbian. Other than men assuming I am straight and hitting on me, I have not knowingly been mistreated because of my preference… Dominant would be a decent fit. I was always “one of the guys,” never fit in with the girl cliques. Post Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, I was able to talk more freely about my attraction to women, as well as dating, sex, etc… I consider myself a more dominant female. I have a fade cut, so I get a lot of the “is that a guy” ignorance. Since the topic of Trans* people in the Army has come up, I have dealt with questions about whether or not I am Trans*. I have had to inform people that not every “masculine/dominant” female that they see is Transgender. A lot comes from those conversations… I consider myself to be extremely dominant and it plays a significant role in how I am treated on the job. After “showing” that I am nothing to mess with, people check themselves before they confront me. I never sugarcoat things. I am always direct… [When I was serving,] I did not see myself as either, and struggled with identifying as a lesbian because I was actually Transgender. I did not feel as though I was treated any differently, [though].
- Did Former President Barack Obama’s repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell impact you in any way?
No… I left the service before the repeal. As something military LGBTQ had been fighting for since the law’s inception, it was nice to see it removed. It was nice to know that LGBTQ people could serve their country openly and proudly… President Barack Obama’s DADT policy came right after I came out to my parents, which – in a way – made me feel better about who I was. My circle of LGBTQ friends can be with their significant others without [having to refer] to them as “roommates”… It freed me. Freed me from not being able to express myself, and [having to] hide who I was… I joined the Army when the appeal was first enacted so it did not really affect me as much, but I was still very quiet with my sexuality. I had a Drill Sergeant (that later became my mentor) that found out my sexuality and was shocked. He was an infantryman, so he had not dealt with many females during his time in the Army. One day he pulled me aside and asked me to inform him on things pertaining to the LGBTQ Community because he said, “it’s a new Army and I don’t want to come off as the homophobia infantry asshole.” Ha. I thanked him for that. Honestly, the military was one of the best decisions in my life. The military has instilled dedication, integrity, and loyalty in me. I will always be thankful for my choice to join. It continues to amaze me that we are now in a space where, if something were to happen to me, my partner would be taken care of, just as she would have been had she been in a heterosexual relationship.
- Does having a new President concern you with regards to your service in the armed forces? If so, why?
Honestly, no. I do not think that he will mess with LGBTQ [people or their rights] in the military. We are a force to be reckoned with. He would be a brave man to try and do so. Besides, we do just as good of a job as those heterosexuals that are serving… I am concerned about potential reductions in veteran care and resources, and a frivolous use of military resources to inflate the president’s ego or bank account. The Obama Administration spent a considerable amount of effort improving conditions and opportunities for veterans, especially homeless veterans, and reducing military action. The current administration campaigned with a disrespectful message against veterans who were prisoners of war. He campaigned with exuberance about his penchant for war, although he has never served in one. He managed to dodge the draft due to a bone spurt, yet, according to his sassy doctor, he is the healthiest president that has ever lived. He does not seem to understand the severity or tragedy of war or the plight of veterans. He certainly does not seem to understand that the vast majority of people want peace and equality and that global politics are not summarized by a board game called Risk… The new administration has caused a lot of moral conflicts within myself. I hear a lot of racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, homophobic rhetoric spoken freely within the ranks everyday. And it seems like it gets a pass because Trump is President. I fear that I would have to be deployed to take a life that is not mine to take, that I will have to fight a war that is not my war to fight, that that would make me complicit in the oppression of other countries. I do not feel good about it at all. I feel trapped. I have 6 more years of service and I no longer want any parts of it… Having Trump in office definitely concerns me, but primarily for the safety of the country. He is a loose cannon and the country is not in good hands with him and his administration… Very much so because – before all things – I am a Woman of Color, so that alone adds fear. Being a woman in the LGBTQ Community deepens that fear. It is just that the path for the nation is so unknown with him in leadership. I am currently stationed in South Korea, so I am very concerned about the actions he takes as president because I am, literally, so close to an enemy of our nation.
- Have you had any exceptionally difficult experiences due to your gender, race/ethnicity, or sexual orientation while serving? If so, can you tell me about that experience/those experiences?
I have had more difficult experiences due to my race. In a predominately white world (military intelligence analyst at NSA), I was always looked over when it came to writing major reports. For my first year and a half at NSA, I had to fight the “work twice as hard” statement to get recognition from leadership. It took three years to achieve the Joint Service Medal. I have also had to fight my way through the “Black women always have an attitude” stereotype. I was selected to be a Team Lead/Supervisor (one of the youngest to ever earn that) out of 10 individuals. One person in particular (a white woman) always complained to leadership that I was too hard on her and that I always gave her attitude, etc. I kept every email we had ever sent to one another and sent them to leadership to fight the case. She got in trouble for harassment and falsifying claims. Her reason for making the claim was that she believed that she deserved the position and was not going to stop until she had it. Another incident involved my hair. Several white people saw my Fro as being “out of regulation.” So one day after lunch, a Hispanic co-worker of mine came over to tell me what they were saying behind my back. They had been questioning how I had been allowed to get away with it, saying “but white girls can’t get braids in uniform because it’s unkempt.” My Hispanic co-worker measured my hair (literally) to prove to them that I was in regulations and that they were out of their minds. True story. You would think I felt embarrassed, but no, I have never felt more powerful… I have definitely dealt with racism more. Racism is just as prevalent in our military as it is in society. Just because someone joins a military service does not change how that person feels or what they believe… I did have an E-9 tell me that I should not be in the Army because I am a lesbian woman. He believed that women should not be in the military period… I would not say exceptionally difficult, but on a deployment (prior to DADT being repealed), I was the only female on a particular mission. Long story short, a few Black men came on to me and, because of DADT, it was “illegal” to voice my sexuality. I hated lying about why I did not want to do these “things” with these men… Being a black woman has been the hardest. Especially if I have an opinion on or disagree with how I am being treated. For instance, I was getting evaluated (this happens twice a year) for my performance. My marks went down tremendously and no one had a decent explanation as to why. During this evaluation period, I was an outstanding asset with multiple awards, recognition, and flawless inspection results to my command and they gave it to another male member, who was not as deserving (in my eyes). I was not the only person who felt like that. Most of my peers believed that I was way more deserving. I made a bit of a fuss over it. I was later brought into the room with Black male who basically told me, “ We couldn’t give it to you because of your attitude. If you want to do better next time you might have to relax a little. You don’t want to be labeled as the angry Black woman”… I was honorably discharged in 2007. My entire period of service was during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. While I am now transgender, I did not transition until long after leaving the service. The greatest difficulty of the DADT policy (for me) was not being able to share aspects of my life with my fellow service members. Many of us form lasting bonds akin to being extended family members, so having to lie about one’s identity, or keep secrets about such a significant part of one’s life is daunting. Knowing you could lose your job for revealing your romantic/relationship inclination is an added stress and pressure on an already stressful job.
- What issue do you think needs to be discussed more regarding LGBTQ Women of Color in the military? Why?
Aside from dealing with life as a lesbian in the military, life as a female is hard at times. The military is still – by far – a man’s world. I think there are times when women do not get jobs simply because they are women. I think there will always be some men that see women as weaker. We have to find a way to overcome this… Not just Women of Color, but Transgender issues, as well. People are disrespectful and lost in the military and need to be properly educated on such topics… An issue that I believe could be discussed more is the military allowing Transgender members to serve. I have not heard it being talked about much outside of the military. And, if they are going to make [the military] open to all, we need to make them absolutely accountable for the lives of Transgender members… I think the LGBTQ Women of Color need to be addressed. A lot of the times, I have seen “us” play the victim in more situations than we should. I think we are quick to play the “minority card,” and it is not fair. It only places a damper on people’s perceptions of us. Do not be so quick to pull the discrimination card. See it through, before jumping to the wrong conclusion. Also, MEN: You canNOT “turn us out” and we do not care to know what we are “missing.”
As I conclude this post, I would like to thank each of the people who responded to my interview requests and who provided me with such insight regarding what they endure on behalf of our country on an on-going basis. I am thankful for and humbled by you, your dedication, and your service.
A special thank you to Tia Jones. You are appreciated.
[1] The President on the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010: “An Historic Step” by Kori Schulman. December 18, 2010. /2016/03/black-queer-woman-finding-spiritual-fulfillment-restoration/ (February 13, 2017).
[2] “Make Our Military Strong Again. /2015/06/hillary-clinton-presents-love-equal/ (February 13, 2017).
[3] Encyclopedia Britannica (online). “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) United States Policy.” Last updated May 13, 2016. /make-military-strong/ (February 13, 2017).