ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how the policy actually works in practice; how gay, lesbian, and bisexual people cope; how identification as a homosexual occurs, and how these people’s lives are affected. It presents an overview of the US military as an institution in order to provide a context for the reader. The chapter discusses the history of the military policy on homosexuality and consider its rationale and empirical basis. It describes the results of a small set of interviews with veterans and active duty personnel in which the actual experience of serving in the military. Despite regulations making homosexual behavior and same-gender sexual orientation grounds for less than honorable discharge, the large majority of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people who have served in the military have received honorable discharges. The great majority of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people adjust to the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination associated with their sexual orientation.
