THE EFFECTS OF THE DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL POLICY ON GAY, LESBIAN AND
BISEXUAL VETERANS’ EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
A Project
Presented to the faculty of the Social Work Division
California State University, Sacramento
Submitted in partial satisfaction of
the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
by
Chidera Madu-Egu
SUMMER
2013
© 2013
Chidera Madu-Egu
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ii
THE EFFECTS OF THE DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL POLICY ON GAY, LESBIAN AND
BISEXUAL VETERANS’ EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
A Project
by
Chidera Madu-Egu
Approved by:
__________________________________, Committee Chair
Teiahsha Bankhead, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.
Date
iii
Student: Chidera Madu-Egu
I certify that this student has met the requirements for format contained in the University
format manual, and that this project is suitable for shelving in the Library and credit is to
be awarded for the project.
, Graduate Coordinator
Dale Russell, Ed.D., L.C.S.W.
Date
Division of Social Work
iv
Abstract
of
THE EFFECTS OF THE DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL POLICY ON GAY, LESBIAN AND
BISEXUAL VETERANS’ EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
by
Chidera Madu-Egu
This mixed-methods, qualitative/quantitative study explores the emotional effects of the
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy on veterans’ emotional well-being. This study
consisted of 20 participants from two sampling time periods. The first sample came from
2008 while DADT was in effect. The second sample came from 2013 after the repeal of
DADT. The study used a survey design. The focus of this project was centered on the
concept of hidden sexual identity as it pertains to the emotional well-being of military
veterans, through the lens of the Relative Deprivation theory and Social Identity theory.
The data illustrated that 100% of the sampled GLB veterans experienced high levels of
anxiety pertaining to hiding their sexual orientation while serving in the military.
Findings included 90% of participants stating that even with the DADT policy in place;
they would still recommend other GLB persons to join the military.
, Committee Chair
Teiahsha Bankhead, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.
Date
v
DEDICATION
I would like to dedicate this project to all of the men and women who voluntarily
serve in the U.S. Military, fighting for the freedom of all people, both in foreign lands
and domestically while being denied the right to fight for their own rights to serve as
openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members. This is for all those who have felt
they had to hide their sexual orientation in order to “blend in” and feel they are a part of
something more important than themselves. I dedicate this to all the service members
who have been emotionally violated by those they swore to protect. Last but not least, I
dedicate this to all people of the GLBTQQIAAP Community everywhere. Just
remember, being uniquely unique is better than being commonly common.
vi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge my proverbial thesis spouse
Meredith for having an unwavering amount of trust and belief in me through this entire
journey that started five years ago. You have been by my side cheering me on to the
finish line, even when I wanted to give up badly. Your response was always “you can do
this.” I thank you for all you have done for and with me, as I know that I would not have
been able to see that light at the end of the tunnel without your guiding light.
Secondly, I would like to thank my partner in crime, my spouse Patrick, for
giving me the opportunity to challenge myself in ways that I did not know possible.
Thank you for having my back in this endeavor and taking on the responsibility of caring
for three extremely active children. I give gratitude to you for making the financial
aspect of this journey a non-issue and your encouraging words of hope.
To my three children Adanna, Obioma, and Chukwuma for always letting me
know that everything was going to be alright. I thank them for staying up late with me
“helping” me write when I thought I had said all that needed to be said.
I would also like to thank my sister Cassandra for always knowing what to say
and sometimes not say. I thank you for taking on many responsibilities that only a sister
could, thank you. I thank you for challenging me to think outside the box when it came
to giving meaning to my thoughts and words. I love you for the independent woman you
have become and I admire your sense of self.
vii
Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for raising a very independent person,
who understands the emotional cost that sometimes comes along with being a unique
individual. Thank you for teaching me that the human voice is the best asset one can
have. Thank you.
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Dedication .......................................................................................................................... vi
Acknowledgments............................................................................................................. vii
List of Tables .................................................................................................................... xii
Chapter
1. THE ISSUE ....................................................................................................................1
Introduction ..............................................................................................................1
Background of the Problem .....................................................................................5
Statement of the Research Problem .........................................................................6
Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................7
Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................7
Definition of Terms..................................................................................................9
Assumptions...........................................................................................................12
Justification ............................................................................................................13
Limitations .............................................................................................................13
2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE .............................................................................15
History of Gays/Homosexuals in the Military .......................................................15
The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue” Policy ...............................................20
Anti-Homosexual Violence ...................................................................................25
Military Service Members Affected by the DADT Policy ....................................26
ix
Mental Health Care and the DADT .......................................................................28
Identity in Response to DADT ..............................................................................29
Concealed Identity .................................................................................................29
Summary ................................................................................................................33
3. METHODS ..................................................................................................................35
Study Timing .........................................................................................................35
Study Design ..........................................................................................................35
Sampling Procedures .............................................................................................36
Population ..............................................................................................................37
Instrument ..............................................................................................................38
Data Analysis .........................................................................................................39
Protection of Human Subjects ...............................................................................40
4. RESULTS ....................................................................................................................42
Findings..................................................................................................................58
5. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................63
Summary ................................................................................................................63
Implications for Social Work .................................................................................64
Limitations .............................................................................................................65
Conclusion .............................................................................................................65
Recommendations ..................................................................................................66
Appendix A. Approval Letter for Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center ...........................68
x
Appendix B. Flyer for Participant Recruitment .................................................................69
Appendix C. Surveys .........................................................................................................70
Appendix D. Consent Forms..............................................................................................88
References ..........................................................................................................................92
xi
LIST OF TABLES
Tables
Page
1.
Ages of Service Members ......................................................................................43
2.
Gender ....................................................................................................................44
3.
Participant Ethnicity...............................................................................................44
4.
Sexual Orientation .................................................................................................45
5.
Military Status ........................................................................................................45
6.
Branch of Service ...................................................................................................46
7.
Military Affiliation.................................................................................................47
8.
Familiarity with DADT Policy ..............................................................................48
9.
Revision of DADT .................................................................................................49
10.
Repeal of DADT Accommodates All Members ....................................................50
11.
Hiding Sexual Orientation Under DADT ..............................................................51
12.
Hiding Sexual Orientation After Repeal of DADT ...............................................52
13.
Expression of Sexual Orientation Under DADT ...................................................53
14.
Expression of Sexual Orientation After Repeal of DADT ....................................54
15.
Expression of Sexual Orientation and Inadequate to Serve Country
Under DADT .........................................................................................................55
16.
Emotionally Adequate to Serve Country ...............................................................56
17.
Concerned about Ridicule ......................................................................................57
xii
1
Chapter 1
THE ISSUE
Introduction
The military’s past and present philosophy has always been based on the notion
that all military personnel are indeed a small piece of something larger and when its
ability to accomplish the mission is threatened or perceived to be threatened, it
automatically begins to close ranks or form a united front against a problem or enemy.
At the core of the debate, the question at hand really then becomes, “Is the U.S. military
capable of integrating openly gay personnel into its ranks while maintaining its ability to
accomplish its mission? The military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) Policy has been
around since the formation of the military, though it has also been called the sodomy
clause; its stance on homosexuality did not change until more recently with the repeal
signed into policy by President Obama. The earliest known homosexual discharge was
on March 11, 1778 when Lieutenant Frederick Gotthold Enslin was dishonorably
discharged from the Continental Army following his court-martial conviction on charges
of sodomy and perjury (Shilts, 1993).
Due to the nature of the armed forces, policies, both past and present, continue to
contain an underlying concept that homosexuals are less worthy of military service than
their heterosexual counterparts. The perceived superiority heterosexuals have in the
military has led persons of homosexual orientation to deny their sexual identity in an
effort to conform to the standards of the DADT policy and current military practices.
2
There have been stressful working relationships in the military, numerous discharges,
both voluntary and involuntary, according to the American Psychoanalytic Association
(APA) Position Statement (2009). Years of psychological research and experience have
revealed that keeping one’s sexual orientation hidden has taken an extensive mental toll
on service members (Barber, 2012). “Heterosexist environments and non-supportive
social interactions have been highly correlated with depression and psychological
distress” (Smith & Ingram as cited in Sinclair, 2008, p. 708).
The military is, in fact, an entity founded on the basis of discriminatory principles.
The many examples of exclusionary practices include felons (Militaryplainfacts, 2007),
handicapped individuals, such as deaf persons (Nolan, 2012), transsexuals (Task Force,
2013), and persons with any number of medical conditions, determined by each branch’s
individualized test questions (Today’s Military, 2013). The military also discriminates
on the basis of genetics such as height and weight (Militaryplainfacts, 2007), physical
and mental ability (Today’s Military, 2013), congenital and hereditary conditions, such as
genetic mutation (Kaplan, 2007), and age (Militaryplainfacts, 2007). The military
discriminates between individuals or groups with a strong potential for successful
soldiering and those without. For example, while military personnel may serve until
retirement age (varies), new enlistees must be between the ages of 17 and 34 (Today’s
Military, 2013). These discriminatory judgments are often made by Congress, the
Secretary of Defense, or even by the service secretaries in fulfilling their “obligatory”
3
duty to compose a strong, combat-ready, and efficiently administered armed forces
(Wells-Petry, 1993).
In the eyes of the military, perceived homosexuality is just as damning as actual
homosexuality. For example, PFC Barry Winchel was murdered because he was
perceived as being gay by the men who killed him (Servicemembers Legal Defense
Network [SLDN], 2007). From 1992 through 2003, numerous incidents left persons
perceived to be homosexuals and actual homosexuals with emotional damages stemming
from the witch-hunt to weed out “gays” in the military (SLDN, 2007). The Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell Policy also includes the tenet of Don’t Pursue. However, according to SLDN
(2007), it is the most misunderstood part of the policy. It allows military personnel to act
on information from a deemed “credible” source pertaining to a member’s sexual
orientation. The officer receiving the information could conduct an investigation, which
could lead to any military personnel believed to be gay or bisexual to be discharged
(SLDN, 2007). One of the worst and most noted witch-hunts occurred in the U.S. Marine
Corps in Okinawa, Japan at Camp Hansen from March to June 1994 in which over 21
service members were questioned about their sexual orientation and activities as well as
of other service members. Despite Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN)’s
careful documentation of abuses, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps officials have yet to
acknowledge any impropriety in the witch-hunt (Osburn, Benecke, & Childress, 1997).
Witch-hunts are not the only way discrimination occurred regarding sexual
orientation. Sometimes only one person was physically harmed; however, the event
4
affects many. October 27, 1992 marked the day Petty Officer Allen R. Schindler was
brutally murdered in Japan by his shipmates in an anti-gay hate crime (Reza, 1993). In
1996, Marine Corporal Kevin Blessing was discharged after his Naval psychologist
turned him in for merely asking questions about sexual orientation. Once again, these
incidents show the type of goings on in the Armed Forces when the subject of sexual
orientation is brought up.
The SLDN had made many written complaints that client-provider privileges
were being violated when therapists willingly turned service members in for disclosing
personal information pertaining to their sexual orientation during therapy sessions that
were intended to be private (Barber, 2012). The SLDN stated that disclosure of sexual
orientation does not fall under the duty to warn because there is no apparent suicidal or
homicidal identifiers for those military personnel discharged based on their sexual
orientation (SLDN, 2007).
Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the DADT policy prior
to its repeal, any member of the service could be discharged based on sexual orientation
hidden under a number of other discharge categories (UCMJ, 2012). For example, if the
military were unable to prove homosexual inappropriateness they would attempt to
discharge service members under UCMJ articles 133 and 134, better known as Conduct
Unbecoming and General Article (SLDN, 2011).
5
Background of the Problem
Prior to Clinton’s, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy, the Department of
Defense (DOD) policy was status based; the explicit terms of the regulations authorized
military officials to determine not only what service members did but what they desired
and intended, all with the intent on determining who the service members were. The
policy prior to Clinton’s policy required the separation of any service member deemed to
be “homosexual” and defined the excluded service member as “a person, regardless of
sex, who engages in, desires to engage in, or intends to engage in homosexual acts”
(Halley, 1999, p. 27). On the other hand, if a service member merely stated he or she was
gay, Clinton’s policy allowed the service member to remain in uniform as long as there
are further findings proving the service member was not a homosexual or bisexual
(Halley, 1999).
President Obama’s 2010 State of the Union address explicitly stated he would
repeal the official U.S. military policy on homosexuality. The DADT policy has clearly
been a pointed expression of denying voices and a specific requirement to be silent while
serving in the Armed Forces. Military service members serving under this policy have
been prohibited from articulating their minority sexual orientation and others have been
prohibited from asking if said personnel are gay (Lubensky et al., 2004). A new
University of Montana (UM) study conducted by Bryan Cochran, a clinical psychologist
and Associate Professor, along with Annesa Flentje, a UM doctoral graduate, found that
military sexual minorities serving under the DADT policy were more likely to screen
6
positive for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (Cochran, Balsam, Flentje,
Malte, & Simpson, 2013). Their study went on to show that 69.3% of the 409 GLB
veterans they surveyed stated they experienced fear or anxiety about having their GLB
identity revealed, while 68.7% reported they were constantly attempting to conceal their
sexual orientation while in the service (Cochran et al., 2013).
The mental health of service members who serve with their sexual identity
concealed have also taken on the voice of silence. Burks (2011) and Pachankis (2007)
have stated the practice of concealment, along with the experiences of anti-gay
harassment, victimization, and/or discrimination may result in a negative psychological
toll on the GLB veteran, leaving the veteran with no voice when faced with an
overwhelming feeling of being ostracized.
Statement of the Research Problem
For decades, the military has oppressed and discriminated against persons of
homosexual orientation. The oppression has led to numerous GLB military personnel
serving in secrecy and unable to truly serve their country due to the backlash against
military service members who have openly self-identified and or were turned in by those
who perceived them to be of homosexual orientation. Many self-identified homosexuals
who serve(d) in the military were unable to serve as openly gay service members while
their heterosexual colleagues/counterparts were allowed to serve as openly heterosexual
without retribution.
7
Purpose of the Study
This study aims to increase awareness and understanding of the emotional affects
the DADT has had on military personnel who have served or continue to serve in secrecy
due to their sexual orientation and the historical presence of DADT. It also aims to
illustrate that people affected by DADT are not necessarily ill equipped to perform their
job duties in the military or be in the military, in general. With the newly repealed
DADT policy, many more self-identified homosexuals may feel emotionally adequate
and emotionally safe to serve their country without the fear of retribution solely based on
sexual orientation, as opposed to being discharged for poor job performance (San Diego
Military Counseling Project, n.d.). This study further attempts to answer the question of
an individual’s wholeness as it relates to the person in environment and to acknowledge
the underlying fact that all people are affected emotionally when there is a perceived
inadequacy not based on fact but perception and fear of sexual orientation.
Theoretical Framework
The primary theory through which this study was conducted is that of Relative
Deprivation (RD) first purported in a primarily economic manner (Merton & Kitt, 2009).
Relative Deprivation states one group perceives themselves deprived of something
another group has. While Relative Deprivation theory deals with perceptions of
deprivation, Objective Deprivation deals with deprivations actually present. In the case
of GLB military personnel, objective deprivation exists, as they are deprived of living a
life in full disclosure without fear of retribution. However, with the DADT policy in
8
place, relative deprivation begins to emerge as emotions affect perceptions. GLB
military personnel may feel stigmatized and marginalized due to the silence they must
maintain to avoid being discharged despite DADT’s apparent lift of the ban of GLB
service members in the military.
Though Relative Deprivation theory may stem from an economic perspective,
Relative Deprivation theory has been used extensively in the social sciences arena for
over a half century. Relative Deprivation theory has been found to be extremely useful
for explaining numerous paradoxes (Tyler, Boeckmann, Smith, & Huo, 1997). For
example, Relative Deprivation theory was chosen as the ideal theory because of service
members’ subjective comparisons to their heterosexual counterparts, while leaving them
to have emotional reactions to objective circumstances (Walker & Smith, 2002).
Over the last 10 years, according to Walker and Smith (2002), Relative
Deprivation researchers have elaborated on the distinction of feeling deprived as an
individual and feeling deprived as a representative group member, and have found that
Relative Deprivation theory can be integrated with related theories to include Social
Identity theory (Mummendey, Friedrich-Schiller-U, Kessler, Klink, & Mielke, 1999),
Social Comparison theory (Festingert, 1954), and Distributive Justice theory (Distributive
Justice, 2007). For the purpose of further understanding the stigmatization and
marginalization GLB service members feel, Social Identity theory will be used. Social
Identity theory is based on intergroup relations and more importantly, various kinds of
intergroup behavior (Mummendey et al., 1999).
9
In essence, a person is indicatively a sum of their parts. With that being the basis
of an individual, Social Identity theory accentuates the cognitive aspect of ones selfidentification, while Relative Deprivation theory emphasizes the role of expressive and
motivating emotions as well as expectations of amelioration through a collective group
(Mummendey & Friedrich-Schiller, 1999).
Definition of Terms
The Department of Defense (DOD) uses the definitions under the Uniform Code
of Military Justice (UCMJ) to define terms generally associated with the DADT policy.
The Uniform Code of Justice is the governing body of law for the Armed Forces. Under
the DADT policy and Section 8 of Article 1 of the Constitution of the United States, it
lies within the discretion of the Congress to establish qualifications for and conditions of
service in the Armed Forces. The definitions of terms described by the UCMJ are used
for the purposes of this study, except for the definition of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
policy, and are as follows:
Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC)
The Air Force job classification given to military personnel upon completion of
technical school.
Bisexual
A person who engages in, attempts to engage in, has a propensity to engage in, or
intends to engage in both homosexual and heterosexual acts.
10
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy
“A byname for the former official U.S. policy (1993-2011) regarding the service
of homosexuals in the military. The term was coined after Pres. Bill Clinton in
1993 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” (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell [DADT],
n.d., para. 1).
Gay
A person, identified as male, who engages in, attempts to engage in, has a
propensity to engage in, or intends to engage in homosexual acts.
Homosexual
A person, regardless of sex, who engages in, attempts to engage in, has a
propensity to engage in, or intends to engage in homosexual acts, and includes the
terms “gay” and “lesbian.”
Homosexual Act
Any bodily contact, actively undertaken or passively permitted, between members
of the same sex for the purpose of satisfying sexual desires and any bodily contact
that a reasonable person would understand to demonstrate a propensity or intent to
engage in an act described as sexual in nature.
11
Homosexual Conduct
A homosexual act, a statement by the service member that demonstrates a
propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts, or a homosexual marriage or
attempted marriage.
Transgender
Relating to, or being a person who identifies with or expresses a gender identity
that differs from the one which corresponds to the person's sex at birth.
Lesbian
A person, identified as female, who engages in, attempts to engage in, has a
propensity to engage in, or intends to engage in homosexual acts.
Member
An enlisted member of a Military Service
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
The Army job classification given to military personnel upon completion of
technical school.
Military Record
An individual’s overall performance while a member of a Military Service,
including personal conduct and performance of duty.
12
Propensity
Propensity to engage in homosexual acts means more than abstract preference or
desire to engage in homosexual acts; it indicates a likelihood that a person
engages in or will engage in homosexual acts.
Release from Active Duty
Termination of active duty status and transfer or revision to a Reserve component
not on active duty, including transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
Respondent
A member of a Military Service who has been notified that action has been
initiated to separate the member.
Separation
A general term that includes discharge, release from active duty, release from
custody and control of the Armed Forces, transfer to the IRR, and similar changes
in Active or Reserve status.
Separation Authority
A military official authorized by the Secretary concerned to take final action with
respect to a specific type of separation.
Assumptions
The researcher assumed many military personnel who identified as gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and transgender service members withheld their sexual identity because of the
DADT policy. It was assumed military personnel had no way to express what was going
13
on for them emotionally with respect to DADT, especially considering that any mention
of words or terms associated with homosexuality might have harmful retribution to the
military service member and to their military career.
It was assumed the respondents answered the questionnaires truthfully.
Justification
This study will alert social workers to the effects policies have on military
personnel and their emotional well-being. This study takes into account the basis of
social work and builds on the person in environment (PIE) aspect of the profession.
Because of this study, the social work profession as a whole will be more capable and
equipped to handle the multi-dimensional, contextual, and complex emotional nature of
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender military personnel who currently serve or have
served in the military while the DADT policy was in effect and after the repeal of the
policy. Though the DADT has been repealed, the sodomy laws that existed during the
DADT era are still in effect.
Limitations
Though this study attempted to gain a larger sample size as the basis of data
collecting, the limitations were evident by location of the study and the number of willing
participants who have current military affiliation. The sample size consisted of 40
subjects, which is not a large enough, nor randomly selected, to allow for generalization
to a larger population of military personnel. The subjects came from the surrounding
Sacramento, California area and Travis Air Force Base located in Fairfield; therefore, the
14
emotional effects they experienced may not be reflective of those exhibited by other
military personnel in other cities across the United States. This study does not intend to
describe or analyze the effects of the DADT policy on any military veteran in service
prior to the DADT policy; however, it does include military veterans during and after the
repeal of the DADT policy.
15
Chapter 2
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Until recently, the words “armed forces” and or “military,” great innovations in
the areas of modern medicine, logistics, and even aviation. One might even think of
afforded opportunities for African Americans and women, or minorities in general.
Unfortunately, not all minorities have had the pleasure of serving in the armed forces
without prejudice. Though the military has made great strides in its attempt to rectify
some of the problems dealing with sexism, racism, and discrimination, there continues to
be a disconnect between the military’s historical tradition of tolerance and the
opportunities afforded to homosexual people who must serve in the armed forces in
secrecy.
History of Gays/Homosexuals in the Military
The military has a long history of discrimination against homosexual and bisexual
people (Brasch, 2007). To better understand the relationship between the Armed Forces
and homosexual people, one must first understand the history of the military, the history
of homosexuality or same-sex relations, and how the U.S. military views homosexuality
with regard to a person’s ability to be of service in said military. First and foremost, the
Organized Military has been around since 1778 in the form of the Continental Army and,
according to Smilts (1993), homosexuality has been around since the beginning of time.
However, what can be said is that since the beginning of the military or the
Armed Forces as we know it, there has been a long history of discrimination against
16
homosexuals or the practice of homosexuality in the military (Smilts, 1993). Since the
American Revolutionary War, the Armed Forces has based its actions against
homosexuals in the military solely on the term sodomy (loosely defined as anal or oral
sexual conduct) as the basis of dishonorable discharges among those suspected of
homosexual acts. Under the above vaguely defined definition of sodomy, the first service
member to be dishonorably discharged for homosexual sodomy in 1778 was Lieutenant
Frederick Gotthold Enslin by General George Washington (Smilts, 1993). In the Articles
of War of 1916, which went into effect on March 1, 1917, sodomy was considered a
sexual crime and grounds for dismissal for homosexual service members.
Though homosexuality or homosexual acts were based on acts of sodomy, it was
not until World War I that the United States Military began to vigorously employ
psychiatrists who believed they could identify persons with less grossly observable
personality disorders, screen them out of the military, and prevent psychiatric casualties
during times of combat (Berube, 1990). Up until World War II, the Army had
successfully expanded their psychiatric interwar screening standards, which drew on the
theories of personality development, to construct a list of psychiatric disorders (Berube,
1990). The military took these interwar screening standards and ranked them into
hierarchical categories based on characteristics deemed “degenerate.” The “degenerate”
deviation variation of characteristics were based on white, middle-class, native-born men
(Berube, 1990).
17
According to (Berube, 1990), any characteristics that resembled that of the
opposite sex to include sloping narrow shoulders, broad hips, excessive pectoral adipose
(fat), with lack of masculine markings, would be grounds for unsuitability for military
services. In addition to the feminine stigmata of degeneration, the interwar standards of
1921 listed,
“sexual pervasion”- a broad category that included oral and anal sex between
men-as one of many “functional” stigmata of degeneration. The Army standards
also listed “sexual psychopathy” as one of many “constitutional” psychopathic
states – biologically based psychiatric conditions that, through heredity, bad
habits, or injury, caused a person to lose the ability to adjust to civilized society.
(Berube, 1990, p. 14)
By December 1941, the nation was facing a challenge with the secretive ban on
homosexuals; they needed people to join the military in support of World War II. For the
Army to obtain the needed persons, the military began to lower their standards for
recruitment and retention, including ignoring minor defects of potential examinees, such
as mild stuttering, marginal intelligence, and minor paralysis, which would not interfere
with their military duties (Berube, 1990). While lowering the standards for those not
deemed degenerates, the military tightened the anti-homophobic psychiatric screening
procedures standards (Berube, 1990).
In 1942, the armed forces, through internal investigations and recruitment
screening, introduced the homosexual clause as part of the sodomy prohibition laws in
18
the Articles of War as grounds for separation from the military (U.S. Naval Institute
[USNI], 2013). Under the new clause, any persons serving in the military labeled as
homosexual or bisexual would be subjected to criminal sanctions and dishonorably
discharged under Section 8 of the United States Army Regulation 615-360 and denied
any and all veterans benefits. For those who were homosexuals to serve their country
they had to suppress their sexuality. If they chose to fully be themselves they were
discriminated against. In 1981, the DOD issued a directive on homosexuality or
homosexual conduct.
Homosexuality is incompatible with military service. The presence in the military
environment of persons who engage in homosexual conduct or who, by their
statements, demonstrate a propensity to engage in homosexual conduct seriously
impairs the accomplishment of the military mission. The presence of such
members adversely affects the ability of the armed forces to maintain discipline,
good order, and morale; to foster mutual trust and confidence among service
members; to insure the integrity of the system of rank and command; to facilitate
assignment and worldwide deployment of service members who frequently must
live and work in close conditions affording minimal privacy; to recruit and retain
members of the armed forces; to maintain the public acceptability of military
service; and to prevent breaches of security. (DOD, 1981, DOD directive
1332.14, section H)
19
While the 1981 DOD directive clearly states that homosexuality is not compatible
with military service, the DOD has yet to produce evidence showing or stating that all
military personnel have non homosexual propensities. In other words, the DOD directive
assumes all military personnel are of heterosexual orientation or lacking the propensity to
engage in homosexual conduct. The Department of Defense has also implied that
homosexuality will seriously impair the accomplishment of military missions and has
adverse effects on morale. Merriam-Webster’s online Dictionary defines morale as:
1a: the mental and emotional condition (as of enthusiasm, confidence, or loyalty)
of an individual or group with regard to the function or tasks at hand b: a sense of
common purpose with respect to a group: Esprit de Corps 2: the level of
individual psychological well-being based on such factors as a sense of purpose
and confidence in the future. (Morale, n.d.)
By the above definition alone, sexual orientation will not be a bar to service unless
manifested by homosexual conduct. The military will discharge members, who engage in
homosexual conduct, which is defined as a homosexual act, a statement that the member
is homosexual or bisexual, or a marriage or attempted marriage to someone of the same
gender. (The New York Times, 1993, p. A14)
Until more recently, the history of the United States Military has never been seen
in any perspective other than groundbreaking. Such perspective was illustrated by
actions such as the United States Military first giving African Americans the rights and
freedom to serve alongside their Caucasian counterparts (Herek, 2012). However, with
20
regard to homosexuals, the military is determined to continue being perceived as a
heterosexual-only service. Discrimination against homosexuals by the military was
furthered by President Clinton’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy.
The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue” Policy
On May 29, 1992, the then Candidate Bill Clinton initially proposed allowing
gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans to serve openly in the Armed Services. However,
when the House and Senate Armed Services Committees held hearings from March to
July 1993, there was an overwhelming opposition to allowing homosexuals in the
military. During that time, the National Defense Research Institute issued an independent
study that showed no justification for the continued ban on homosexuals serving in the
military (National Defense Research Institute, 1993). On November 30, 1993, President
Clinton signed the new gay ban, now known as the DADT policy, into law. DADT was
meant to be a compromise about how sexual orientation was seen within the military.
However, the DADT policy actually mandated the discharge of openly gay, lesbian, or
bisexual service members (SLDN, 2013). With the newly revised DADT policy in hand,
many branches of the military continued with their witch hunts against service members,
though the DADT intention was to protect service members from anti-gay harassment
(SLDN, 2013).
Since the implementation of DADT, command violations of the policy/law have
caused a widespread, continued direct questioning of military personnel pertaining to
their sexual orientation, such as the investigations onboard the USS Simon Lake, in which
21
sailors were threatened with being jailed if they did not accuse others of being
homosexuals or confess themselves to being gay. Many military commanders have
heavily pursued suspected gay service members with more fervor than before, leading to
military discharges for homosexuality to soar (Osborn, 1996).
The Emotional Cost of DADT Policy
The DADT policy, though superficially written to allow gay, lesbian, and bisexual
service members to serve in the military regardless of perceived sexual orientation, did
not stop the continued harassment received by military personnel of a certain sexual
orientation (Brasch, 2007). In 1996, the armed forces repeatedly excused violations of
the DADT policy to include witch-hunts, seizure of personal diaries, and making threats
of imprisonment to service members unless those service members accused others of
being gay. This practice was conducted in an attempt to target and flush out gay men and
women currently serving their country (SLDN, n.d.).
The violations of DADT did not stop at verbal threats, but also included a form of
sexual harassment culminating with character bashing known as “lesbian-baiting,” which
has been defined by UCLA GLB terminology as the heterosexist notion that any woman
who prefers the company of woman, or who does not have a male partner, is a lesbian
(Green, 2004). The practice of “lesbian-baiting” is a military practice in which women,
straight or gay, are accused of being lesbian when the advances of men are rebuffed or in
which women who are top performers in nontraditional jobs face perpetuated speculation
and rumors of homosexuality. Commanders often respond to this tactic by investigating
22
the women under the DADT policy, instead of disciplinary actions for the men who start
and perpetuate the cycle of sexual abuse. As a result, many women do not report the
sexual harassment or assault out of fearing the label of lesbian and being investigated and
worse, being discharged from the military (Borg, 1996).
Being a homosexual or perceived homosexual in the military comes with
unwanted and unwarranted harassment of a sexual nature. Meyer (1996) stated,
To be the victim of sexual harassment is, in its own right, one of the most
degrading and emotional injurious positions one can be placed in, especially in
the military. But to be blackmailed for supposedly being a lesbian so that the
sexual harassment continues goes beyond the pale. (p. 23)
The emotional cost that accompanied the DADT policy came at the cost of many
service members in the form of unwarranted emotional abuse and physical abuse. Some
of the military tactics that occurred included forced “neurological testing” on service
members, like that experienced by former Lieutenant Jay Hatheway (SLDN, 1997).
Other practices included locking military service members in broom closets without
breaks until they “confessed” to being gay (Shilts, 1993). In San Antonio, Texas, an
airman was asked repeatedly for the duration of a week if he were gay. He was
discharged for trying to stop the harassment by telling them he was gay (SLDN, 1997).
The Significance of DADT
The DADT policy continues the tradition of governmental decisions being made
about whom should be permitted or required to serve in the military and under what types
23
of conditions. These types of conditions have more frequently reflected society’s attitudes
toward its stigmatized minorities (Herek, 2012). The DADT policy has been compared
to the Revolutionary War in that Blacks (African-Americans) were not allowed or barred
from serving in the military based solely on the color of their skin, not the basis of skill
set or ability to perform the necessary tasks needed for a position, despite the shear
eagerness and willingness of Blacks (African Americans) to volunteer for service (Herek,
2012).
The DADT policy has been compared to other military policies of discrimination
such as that against those of non-European ethnicity and women (Brasch, 2007).
Stigmatized groups and individuals are often stereotyped with degrading characteristics
and treated as “less than” by those not in the minority groups. At times, they have been
given only menial jobs and considered a hindrance to society. “By limiting access to
important life domains, discrimination directly affects the social status, psychological
well-being, and physical health of the stigmatized” (Major & O’Brien, 2005, p. 396).
Stigma has also been noted as contributing to identity threat of the stigmatized (Major &
O’Brien, 2005). “Responses to identity threat can be involuntary (e.g., anxiety, increased
vigilance, and working memory load) or voluntary (e.g., coping efforts)” (Major &
O’Brien, 2005, p. 398). The stigmatized group becomes aware of the dominant group’s
image of them as well as the fact that they could be discriminated against based on the
stereotyped characteristics (Major & O’Brien, 2005). DADT was significant because it
kept homosexuals from living honestly, forcing them to hide a part of their identity. It
24
kept homosexuals stigmatized. Being part of a marginalized group may have caused
them to feel the need to isolate themselves during off-duty times thereby lessening the
bond of their unit as a whole.
Effects of DADT on Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals
The effect DADT has had on numerous homosexual service members is they are
forced to compartmentalize their lives. Many gay service members report a sense of not
belonging and having a need to hide their sexuality from their military peers to avoid
being accosted or reported (Barber, 2012). One participant spoke of living two lives, one
at home and one in the military. His friends and family knew he was gay but he was not
out while on duty or with his coworkers in the military. In the end, he felt there was a
barrier between his coworkers and him due to the lie he lived by not sharing his whole
self with them (Trivette, 2010). Trivette (2010) also discussed the Gay Underground
Network, or GUN, referred to by several participants. “It is a very loosely structured
network of gay and lesbian service members who find each other either by chance or
through connections that other people know” (Trivette, 2010, p. 223). One service
member and cofounder of OUTSERVE J.D. Smith (2011) recalled the effects the DADT
had on him:
After a few years at the Air Force Academy I came to terms with myself as a gay
man and began an emotional journey during which I realized I was struggling
under the DADT policy. I began to realize that it wasn’t as easy to hide your
personal life in the military. I wouldn’t hang out with my Air Force friends
25
because I was terrified that they would find out I was gay; I was isolated. I spent
hours alone, depressed because I wanted to meet someone like me, gay, in the
military. It wasn’t until my straight friends forced me to admit the hard time I was
having that I came out to them. After graduation I believed DADT wouldn’t be an
issue anymore and that I would be able to keep my work and private lives
completely separate. But after just a few months I found myself blackmailed by
an instructor at a technical training course for my new job in the Air Force. When
I finally put my own career at risk and reported the instructor, he turned around
and outed me, and I was temporarily removed from my job; my ID card—as well
as my access to government computers—taken away. DADT didn’t protect me or
anyone else in my case. Instead, it helped foster criminal activity. A few days
later, with the help of a lawyer, I was back at my job, but my career remained in
question. The allegations against the instructor turned out to be true, and he was
fired for harassing not only me but other students that ended up coming forward
as well. (para. 5-7)
Anti-Homosexual Violence
According to National Defense Research Institute (NDRI; 1993), the best
available data on anti-homosexual violence are restricted to the civilian population. The
evidence on the personal characteristics and environmental factors associated with the
occurrence of such violence provided some insight into the possible occurrence in the
military setting if homosexuals were allowed to serve. The surveys of homosexuals,
26
most prominently, almost uniformly demonstrated a higher rate of physical victimization
among males (Berrill, 1990; Comstock, 1991). The likelihood of predicting antihomosexual violence, as one study has suggested, is other personal characteristics of
homosexual men may affect the likelihood of becoming a victim. Harry (as cited in
NDRI, 1993) measured physical victimization among homosexual men to determine if
there was a difference between personal characteristics in men who were attacked and
those who were not. He surveyed 1,556 homosexual men in the Chicago area and found
that those who identified themselves as being effeminate were more likely to have
experienced violence (Harry as cited in NDRI, 1993). Harry later goes on to write that
effeminate men may be more easily identified as fitting the stereotype for homosexuals.
He also reported finding that those who were more open about their orientation were
more likely to have experienced violence. Of the 1,556 men surveyed in the study, 31%
of homosexuals males agreed or strongly agreed, “it was more important to ‘be out’ to
straight people” experienced anti-homosexual violence versus 21% of other respondents
(Harry as cited in NDRI, 1993).
Military Service Members Affected by the DADT Policy
The DADT as written did not take into consideration the actual ramifications of
heterosexuals’ decision that having homosexuals in the military was not conducive to unit
cohesion. MacCoun (1996) wrote:
Although concerns about the potential effect of permitting homosexuals to serve
in the military are not groundless, the likely problems are not insurmountable, and
27
there is ample reason to believe that heterosexual and homosexual military
personnel can work together effectively. The presence of acknowledged
homosexuals may reduce social cohesion in some units, but seems unlikely to
undermine task cohesion. Research indicates that it is not necessary to like
someone to work with them, so long as members share a commitment to the
group's objectives. If there is a reduction in social cohesion, it will probably
involve some degree of ostracism of the homosexual, rather than a complete
breakdown of the unit. Whereas some heterosexuals might refuse to cooperate
with known homosexuals, many factors will discourage this and promote
teamwork: effective leadership; military norms, roles, regulations, and
disciplinary options; and external threats and challenges. (p. 172)
The presence of acknowledged homosexuals may reduce social cohesion in some
units, but seems unlikely to undermine task cohesion. Research conducted by Mullen
and Cooper (1994) examined the long-believed idea that cohesion is composed of levels
of interpersonal attraction, pride of the group, and commitment to the task at hand.
Mullen and Cooper (1994) of the United States Army conducted a meta-analysis on 49
studies measuring cohesiveness and performance. They utilized studies that satisfied
specific criteria. They concluded that commitment to the task at hand was significantly
related to performance and that interpersonal attraction and pride of the group were not
independently related to their performance (Mullen & Cooper, 1994).
28
Mental Health Care and the DADT
The mental health aspect of the DADT policy has been under fire due to the
military’s ramped service member discharges with a mental health diagnosis for
homosexuality, even though the DSM removed homosexuality as a diagnosable
“disorder” in 1973 (Barber, 2012). While military mental health providers continue to
serve the needs of all service members, homosexual service members continue to be
“outed” by their providers.
One of the noted military client-provider confidentiality incidents happened to
Kevin Blaesing, a U.S. Marine Corp Infantryman, who was outed by a Naval
psychologist. All Blaesing did was begin to ask random generic questions pertaining to
homosexuality, for example what it meant to be homosexual. The psychologist then
turned Blaesing in to his command, informing Blaesing that it was in his “best interest” to
separate from the service (SLDN, 2007). If a person in need of mental health care is
unable to confide in a therapist for any reason, he or she may choose not to seek help
(Cianni, 2012). GLB military personnel were not always free to seek mental health care
for fear of being discovered and discharged, much like Blaesing. GLB military personnel
often did not know who to trust in general, but also with regard to mental health
counseling (Cianni, 2012). Because of the continuous lack of confidentiality by military
health care providers, many service members have chosen to seek mental health services
within the civilian community (Cianni, 2012). GLB military personnel then had to find
29
mental health services outside the military to keep their identities secret and avoid being
found out by anyone in the military (Cianni, 2012).
Identity in Response to DADT
The identity of self as it relates to the DADT can be divided into distinctive aspect
of identity, the private or personal identity and the public or social identity (Cass, 1979).
With the DADT, the service member has to maintain their private identity of being
identified as a homosexual, while maintaining their public identity as a heterosexual
(Cass, 1979). Self-identified homosexual service members often find themselves
adopting an asexual position and may continue to avoid confronting information that
might create any further situations causing the service member to engage in any type of
personalization (Cass, 1979).
Many service members under the DADT continually express the emotional strain
they felt caused by the lack of openness with their peers in fear of being “found out.”
The accumulated constraints and stressors continuously left the service member feeling
inauthentic due to the constant splitting of the GLB service members’ life (Cianni, 2012).
The described emotional devastation GLB service members go through once exposed has
left many with immeasurable anger and shame, which has left some contemplating
suicide (Cianni, 2012).
Concealed Identity
Homosexuality is a concealable stigma requiring self-disclosure for the stigma to
be known by others. People with nonvisible stigmas, such as homosexuality, deal with
30
their stigma differently than those with a visible stigma. Perhaps the biggest internal
challenge for those with a concealable stigma is whether to expose their stigma and, if so,
how and in what situations (Pachankis, 2007). Pachankis developed a comprehensive
model based on several models having to do with varying aspects of concealable stigma,
including the communication privacy management model (Petronio as cited in
Pachankis), strategic perception management theory (Olney & Brockelman as cited in
Pachankis), and identity management theory (Cain as cited in Pachankis). Pachankis
portends the individual theories address certain aspects of concealable stigma but do not
address it as a whole. His model “attempts to predict the cycle that anyone who conceals
a stigma may encounter regardless of his or her unique predispositions” (Pachankis,
2007, p. 329). Thus, his model can be applied to any situations in which concealable
stigmas play a part, including military life under the DADT policy.
Pachankis (2007) contends certain situations influence the cognition, affect, and
behavior of a person and situational triggers affect self-esteem. A gay person at a gay
pride parade is among others and is likely to have a positive experience being gay.
Pachankis states that if a gay person perceives himself to be the only gay in his
environment, he is more likely to be negatively affected. His model includes
consequences of being discovered and preoccupation. He notes that, according to Lane
and Wegner (1995), being preoccupied with a secret, or keeping it in one’s
consciousness, can cause distress, make it more cognitively available, and make it more
31
likely to be leaked. The consequences of leaking that secret under the DADT policy were
discharge and victimization (Burks, 2011).
Very few studies have been published regarding military personnel’s experiences
under DADT and its effects on their identity. Trivette (2010) interviewed 24 gay and
lesbian (18 male, 6 female) former military personnel regarding the privacy-secrecy and
camaraderie in the military under DADT. He found that although his interviewees
mentioned a sense of family-ness and openness in the military, they were quite aware of
the secrecy in which they needed to live with regard to their sexuality. One participant
“describe[d] feeling a great deal of paranoia and stress around having to keep quiet about
being gay” (p. 219). That participant failed to reenlist due to fears of being discharged.
Trivette mentions the military encourages close bonds, but DADT inhibits those bonds by
attempting to keep gays and lesbians shrouded in silence regarding their personal lives.
“Telling” could lead to more camaraderie, in seeming paradox to what DADT’s authors
believed. “David says, ‘It wasn’t until I was more open that I did feel that level of
camaraderie, that sense of family, that…everyone else gets from the military’” (p. 221).
David’s revelatory experience confirms the sense of isolation gays are bound to feel by
keeping their sexuality secret as well as the bonding that comes with sharing one’s whole
self.
Both veterans and LGB individuals experience stressors leading to increased
incidence of mental health issues such as depression, PTSD, and suicide (Cochran et al.,
2013). Cochran et al. contend that LGB veterans may suffer from unique stressors
32
compared to the individual groups due to sexuality concealment. Their study consisted of
409 survey participants, with 93.2% lesbian or gay and 5.7% bisexual. They assessed
PTSD, depression and suicidality, alcohol misuse, and experiences related to the military
and compared LGB veterans with those of an existing Veterans Affairs (VA) sample. A
linear regression model was used to compare the groups’ questionnaires used for each
assessment. Cochran et al. found “anxiety around concealment was a significant
predictor of [PTSD] and [depression]” in the direction hypothesized, which meant LGB
veterans had a higher propensity for those mental health issues than did the existing VA
sample (p. 431). The LGB veterans denoted a significant amount of anxiety around being
“found out” while in the military. Cochran et al.’s study illustrates a connection between
sexual identity concealment and mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and
suicide.
Dohrenwend (2000) did not study DADT specifically, but provided research on
how adversity and stress impact or play a role in psychopathology. He studied three
primary modes of adversity, including adversity in extreme situations, with “adverse”
defined utilizing the second definition, according to the Random House Dictionary
(adverse, 2013), stating, “opposing one’s interests or desire” (para. 1). He also purports
that extreme situations involve negative experiences rather than positive and involve loss
as opposed to gain. Such description fits with soldiers living under DADT policy in the
active military roles. Dohrenwend went on to state extreme adverse situations were more
likely to play a role in psychopathology.
33
Summary
The history of the military has had a long and treacherous relationship with
homosexuals and the ability of the GLB population to serve their country. The military’s
history of discrimination against homosexuals or the practice of homosexuality has been
going on since the formation of the military (Smilts, 1993). While the military has had a
rich history of discriminating against homosexuals, the regulations governing inclusion
standards were lowered for those not deemed degenerates, but the military tightened their
anti-homophobic psychiatric screening procedures (Berube, 1990). History shows the
military is willing to allow people of diminished capacity to join; however, if identified
as a homosexual one is not deemed suitable for military service. Such actions continue to
perpetuate DOD 1332.14, the long-standing notion that homosexuality is incompatible
with military service.
The 1993 DADT policy was enacted as a compromise for military service based
on sexual orientation. Unfortunately, it had a more adverse effect than it was original
intended. The policy as written alienated service members of the GLB population and
left many GLB service members continuously worrying about being outed by their
command, peers, and healthcare professionals. Under the policy, many service members
felt unable to confide in their healthcare professionals. Many healthcare professionals in
the mental health arena have outed GLB service members, citing in the “best interest” of
the service members (SLDN, 2007).
34
Because of the overwhelming discrimination in the military as it pertains to sexual
orientation, many GLB service members have been forced to serve in the military under
concealed identity, leaving them continuously shifting from their private self-identity to
their public self-identity causing numerous mental health issues including anxiety, PTSD,
depression, and suicide as noted by Cochran et al. (2013). Due to the overwhelming
feeling of true identity concealment and the fear of being outed, many GLB service
members have chosen to seek mental health services in the civilian sector as selfpreservation (Cianni, 2012).
The literature reviewed for this project was very limited with regard to
experiences of GLB service members. However limited, there was a great deal of
information on concealment of identity, DADT policy, and homosexuality in general.
The purpose of this study was to examine the emotional effects of the DADT policy has
had on GLB service members. Chapter 3 describes this study’s methodology.
35
Chapter 3
METHODS
Study Timing
The purpose of this study was to determine any effects the Don't Ask, Don’t Tell
Policy (DADT) has had on the well-being of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual (GLB) veterans
and active members of the U.S. military. This study began in 2008 when DADT was still
in place. Surveying military personnel after the repeal of DADT allowed for a
comparison between how GLB people experienced life in the military before and after
the repeal of DADT. Hence the purpose of the study became an exploration of how the
feelings of GLB military personnel after the repeal of DADT compare to those of GLB
military personnel serving under the reign of DADT.
Study Design
This is a mixed-methods study of GLB military personnel. A case study is an
examination of a group, individual, institution, organization, or community and the chief
purpose is description and exploration (Rubin & Babbie, 2008). The case in this study is
a sample of GLB military personnel serving under DADT and after its repeal. As Rubin
and Babbie mention, case studies are often used when a group, family, or individual
merits intensive investigation. Such groups would include any marginalized groups
including GLB military personnel. “The focus is on connecting case study findings to a
particular theory” (Rubin & Babbie, p. 424). The theory for this study is the Relative
Deprivation Theory in which the GLB soldiers may be deprived of specific aspects of
36
living that their heterosexual counterparts enjoy and, thus feel deprived. “Relative
Deprivation is the judgment that one is worse off compared to some standard
accompanied by feelings of anger and resentment” (Smith, Pettigrew, Pippin, &
Bialosiewicz, 2012, p. 203). This researcher utilized a quantitative and qualitative survey
to discover how GLB soldiers felt about living under the DADT policy and what it felt
like after it was repealed.
This researcher used a survey method rather than an interview method of
collecting data due to the sensitive nature of this study, as it deals with the emotional
effects of the DADT and also taking into consideration that some of the veterans
participating in this study are or might be still serving in the military. Surveys also
served as a way for the participating veteran to be as open and honest as possible without
any added pressure of having to relive any traumatic event that might stem from their
sexual orientation and experiences in the military.
Sampling Procedures
The researcher used two primary sampling procedures. The first method was
purposive sampling in which the researcher contacted the Gay and Lesbian Center of
Sacramento (see Appendix A) to obtain permission for administering a survey to visitors
to the center who had the criteria of being GLB and being veterans or active members of
the military. Some original participants then referred other people, thereby enacting the
snowball method of sampling. Purposive sampling as described above was used in both
2008 and 2013. However, in 2008, the researcher needed only post a flier at the Center to
37
get participants (see Appendix B). In 2013, the survey was also created on
surveymonkey.com and tweeted via twitter.com. The survey link was retweeted twice by
other people and posted on two separate websites implying further snowball sampling.
Population
The researcher’s identified population of interest included United States Armed
Forces Veterans who identified as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender. The inclusion
criteria for this sample consisted of individuals who have served, are currently serving, or
are now inactive and those who identified as a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. The
sample of survey participants had to be at least 18 years of age with no set upper limit
cutoff age; however, participants had to have served during the DADT era and after the
repeal of the DADT policy. In 2008, 10 participants were surveyed via the Gay and
Lesbian Center of Sacramento. In 2013, six participants were surveyed at the center and
four visited surveymonkey.com and filled out a survey.
In the original 2008 research, of the 10 participants, four identified as Sergeants,
rank of E-5 or higher. The rank of Sergeant is a rank of identifiable leadership in the
military. This rank states that one is capable of leading service members. Three selfidentified as Specialists or E-4, which is the rank designated for those who are soon to
become future leaders of service members. The remaining three identified as junior
enlisted service members. These ranks are indicative of service members relatively new
to the service and have not had any leadership training from the military; however, they
38
have completed the military’s basic training and completed their initial job classification
schooling.
The research conducted in 2013 had two persons self-identify as an Air Force
Captains (Officers). The job classification of one officer was military engineering, while
the other was a health professions officer. The data collected in the 2008 study had only
enlisted service members participate. The participants’ military jobs included military
police, supply specialist, radio technician, and medical technician.
Instrument
The researcher created a survey in 2008 with a total of 42 questions (see
Appendix C). It contained 10 demographic questions including the participants’
identities as Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual. In included 25 Likert-type scale questions with
the following possible responses: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, and Strongly
Disagree. The final seven questions were open-ended asking for further explanation of
some responses to the Likert-type scaled questions. Each participant in 2008 was given a
consent form (see Appendix D) to sign prior to taking the survey.
The initial 2008 survey initially began with a simple question. What job does one
have to have in the military in order to serve without emotional backlash of sexual
orientation? Then researcher began to ask service members from different job
classifications that had disclosed their sexual orientation for assistance on what types of
questions to ask with regard to emotional well-being. The instrument’s construction was
influenced by the researcher’s online search of sample questionnaires.
39
The 2008 survey was altered in 2013 to include questions regarding the repeal of
DADT (see Appendix C). The survey contained the same 10 demographic questions with
the exception of Transgender added to the possible GLB identities. The demographic
questions were followed by 38 Likert-type scale question with the same five possible
responses like the 2008 survey and nine open-ended questions. The 2013 participants
from the Center also filled out a consent form prior to taking part in the survey (see
Appendix D). However, the Survey Monkey survey would not allow participants to take
the survey without clicking “Yes” on the first page of the survey, which was the consent
form.
Data Analysis
The purpose of this study was to compare GLB military personnel’s feelings and
experiences serving under DADT as compared to those personnel serving after the repeal
of DADT. Hence, the data from 2008 was compared to that collected in 2013. The data
analysis is descriptive in nature, which entailed providing percentages of which
participants answered particular questions in specific ways. Because of the limited
number of participants, the researcher utilized comparative analysis, which consisted of
comparing the 2008 participant’s answers to those of the 2013 participants. The
researcher also compiled the qualitative responses to questions that dealt with ability to
express sexual orientation, emotional feelings, and encouragement of other GLB to enlist
in the military.
40
Protection of Human Subjects
The researcher submitted a Human Subjects Protocol Application to the
Institutional Review Board (IRB) in spring 2008 and the study was approved (#07-08120) April 18, 2008 with no conditions. On May 11, 2012, the researcher began the
submission process for the second phase of the study. The application was approved with
conditions. The researcher satisfied the conditions and resubmitted the application. The
application was approved with minimal risk (12-13-074) May 3, 2013 and expires on
May 3, 2014.
To protect the human subjects, no identifying information was included on the
survey, thus making it completely anonymous. The researcher gave participants brief
instructions on the importance of signing the consent form to ensure participant’s survey
would count toward research analysis (see Appendix D). Blank consent forms and
surveys were individually numbered, and the corresponding numbered survey and
consent form were administered to the same participant. The researcher then collected
the consent forms after they were signed, and placed them in separate secure envelopes.
The participants were then given the surveys and asked to complete them to their level of
their comfort. As soon as subjects finished their surveys, the researcher immediately
collected them and placed them in a separate, secure envelope from the consent forms,
while maintaining no identifying information on the surveys, and no other linkage
between the participants’ names and their surveys.
41
The consent forms and surveys were kept separate so participants’ signatures
could not be in any way linked with their survey. Participants were informed of the
anonymity of the survey right away as well as of the confidentiality of the survey. The
researcher and her advisor were the only people who had access to the survey
information. The surveys were kept in a locked cabinet in the researcher’s home and
were destroyed once the project was submitted.
42
Chapter 4
RESULTS
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the DADT policy on GLB
veteran’s emotional well-being. The review of literature in Chapter 2 discussed the
emotional aspects of the DADT and the impact its subsequent repeal had on GLB service
members. The main question this study aims to answer is to what degree does the DADT
policy and its repeal affect GLB service member’s emotional well-being in regard to
sexual orientation and ability to openly express themselves?
The research sample consisted of 20 military veterans who identified as GLB.
The inclusionary criteria consisted of individuals who are currently serving, have served,
or are now inactive and those who identify as U.S. Armed Forces veterans. The survey
participants had to be 18 years of age with no set upper limit cutoff age; however, the
first set of participants served during the DADT era and the second set of participants
served after the repeal of the DADT policy.
The study presented here is represented by two different samples. The first is
compiled of data collected in 2008 from 10 participants prior to the repeal of the DADT
policy. Newer data was collected from 10 more participants after the repeal of the DADT
policy. Hence, some questions will have a sample size of 10 while others will have a
sample size of 20.
The participants of the survey were asked questions pertaining to demographics
such as age, gender, and ethnicity. The participants were asked two sets of questions,
43
qualitative questions and quantitative questions to indicate GLB service members’ overall
emotional well-being pertaining to the DADT policy and its repeal.
Table 1
Ages of Service Members
Response
Number
Valid Percent
18-24 (20,21,22)
3
15
25-34 (26,26,30,30,30,32,32,33,33,34)
10
50
35-44 (35,36,36,37)
4
20
45-54
0
0
55-64 (58,60,63)
3
15
Total
20
100
M=34.7; SD=12.13
The sample size of the participants consisted of veterans aged 18-64. The
participants aged 18-24 and 55-64 are equally represented at 15% each, while 50% of the
participants were represented by those aged 25-34. The participants between ages 45 and
54 are not represented at all in this study. The average age of the study’s participants was
35.
44
Table 2
Gender
Response
Number
Valid Percent
Male
14
70
Female
6
30
Total
20
100
The survey offered participants an open selection to self-identify their gender.
Survey participants identified themselves as either male or female. Male participants
represented 70% and 30% of participants were female.
Table 3
Participant Ethnicity
Response
Number
Valid Percent
African-American
6
30
Caucasian
7
35
Native-American
1
5
Asian
1
5
Multi-Racial
2
10
Hispanic
2
10
Refused
1
5
Total
20
100
45
The ethnic background portion of the survey was left open-ended so participants
could self-identify their ethnicity. The most identified ethnicity was Caucasian at 35%.
Thirty percent of participants were African American, 10% were Multi-racial, 10% were
Hispanic, and 5% were Native-Americans, Asians, or refused to answer.
Table 4
Sexual Orientation
Response
Number
Valid Percent
Gay
12
60
Lesbian
2
10
Bisexual
6
30
Total
20
100
The sexual orientation portion of the survey allowed participants to select a choice
of three sexual identifiers, Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual. Sixty percent of the participants
self-identified as gay, while 10% selected lesbian. Bisexuals represented 30% of the
participants.
Table 5
Military Status
Response
Number
Valid Percent
Active Duty
12
60
Non-Active
8
40
Total
20
100
46
Participants were asked to identify their military status. Sixty percent of the
participants identified themselves as active duty veterans, while 40% self-identified as
non-active veterans.
Table 6
Branch of Service
Response
Number
Valid Percent
Navy
5
25
Air Force
8
40
Army
6
30
U.S. Marine Corp
1
5
Total
20
100
In response to branch of service, 40% of respondents identified as being Air Force
personnel, while 30% came from the Army. Navy branch personnel accounted for 25%
and the U.S. Marine Corp had only 5% representation in this study.
47
Table 7
Military Affiliation
Military Affiliation
Response
Number
Valid Percent
Enlisted
18
90
-
E1-E4
(12)
(60)
-
E5- above
(6)
(30)
Officer
2
10
Total
20
100
Enlisted persons made up 90% of participants, which was broken down even
further indicating whether participants were junior enlisted or in leadership positions.
Junior enlisted comprised 60% and those in leadership made up 30% of the study.
Officers, on the other hand, comprised only 10% of the entire study participants.
48
Table 8
Familiarity with DADT Policy
I am very familiar with The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy.
Response
Number
Valid Percent
Strongly Agree
18
90
Agree
2
10
20
100
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
When asked about their familiarity with the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT)
policy, 90% answered, “strongly agree” while 10% agreed to being familiar with the
policy.
49
Table 9
Revision of DADT
The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy should be revised to accommodate all members of the
service.
Response
Number
Valid Percent
Strongly Agree
9
90
1
10
10
100
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
N/A
Total
The question regarding DADT policy revision was only asked of those in the
2008 sample. Ninety percent strongly agreed the DADT should be revised to
accommodate all members of the service. A mere 10% disagreed about the revision of
the DADT policy.
50
Table 10
Repeal of DADT Accommodates All Members
The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy’s repeal is designed to accommodate all members of the
service.
Response
Number
Valid Percent
Strongly Agree
Agree
3
30
Disagree
2
20
Strongly Disagree
5
50
10
100
Neutral
N/A
Total
In terms of the repeal, 30% of participants agreed the DADT policy’s repeal was
designed to accommodate all members of the service, while 25% disagreed and 50%
strongly disagreed on accommodation of all members due to the repealed DADT policy.
51
Table 11
Hiding Sexual Orientation Under DADT
I had to hide my sexual orientation in order to protect myself from harm.
Response
Number
Valid Percent
Strongly Agree
7
70
Agree
1
10
Neutral
1
10
Disagree
1
10
10
100
Strongly Disagree
Total
Seventy percent of the participants of the survey strongly agreed to having to hide
their sexual orientation to protect themselves from harm while the DADT policy was in
effect. The participants who agreed, who were neutral, and who disagreed equally
represented 10% of the participants for each category.
52
Table 12
Hiding Sexual Orientation After Repeal of DADT
I have/had to hide my sexual orientation in order to protect myself from harm even after the repeal of
the DADT policy.
Response
Number
Valid Percent
Strongly Agree
4
40
Agree
1
10
Disagree
2
20
Strongly Disagree
1
10
N/A
2
20
Total
10
100
Neutral
Though the DADT policy has been repealed, 40% strongly agreed they had to
hide their sexual orientation to protect themselves from harm, while those who agreed
and those who strongly disagreed represented 10% of the sample. Twenty percent of the
sample disagreed and 20% stated the question was not applicable to them.
53
Table 13
Expression of Sexual Orientation Under DADT
I expressed my sexual orientation to
my fellow service
to officers.**
to enlisted members.***
members.*
Response
Number
Valid
Number
percent
Valid
Number
percent
Strongly Agree
Valid
percent
2
10
Agree
9
45
2
10
8
40
Neutral
8
40
2
10
4
20
Disagree
1
5
7
35
3
15
Strongly Disagree
2
10
9
45
3
15
Total
20
100
20
100
20
100
When participants were asked about their ability to express their sexual
orientation, 40% answered neutrally with regard to expression to fellow service members.
Ten percent answered neutral with regard to expression to an officer and 20% answered
neutral with regard to expression to fellow enlisted personnel. Ten percent strongly
agreed with expression of sexual orientation to fellow enlisted members, 45% agreed
with it to fellow service members, and 40% agreed with it to fellow enlisted members.
Thirty-five percent of participants disagreed about expressing their sexual orientation to
officers and 45% strongly disagreed about expressing it to their officers. Ten percent of
54
participants strongly disagreed to expressing themselves sexually to fellow service
members and 15% strongly disagreed with expressing it to fellow enlisted personnel.
Table 14
Expression of Sexual Orientation After Repeal of DADT
I expressed my sexual orientation to
my fellow service
to officers.
to enlisted members.
members.
Response
Number
Valid
Number
percent
Valid
Number
percent
Valid
percent
Strongly Agree
2
20
2
20
2
20
Agree
2
20
2
20
2
20
Disagree
1
10
1
10
2
20
Strongly Disagree
1
10
1
10
N/A
4
40
4
40
4
40
Total
10
100
10
100
10
100
Neutral
For the period after the repeal of the DADT policy, 20% answered strongly
agreed and agreed that they could express themselves to their fellow service members,
officers, and fellow enlisted members equally. Forty percent of the participants answered
that the question was not applicable to them. Ten percent of the participants disagreed
and strongly disagreed with expression to fellow service members and officers alike,
whereas 20% disagreed to expression of sexual orientation to fellow enlisted persons.
55
Table 15
Expression of Sexual Orientation and Inadequate to Serve Country
I felt that expressing my sexual orientation would make me feel I was inadequate to serve my country.
while the DADT policy was in effect.
Response
after the repeal of the DADT policy.
Number
Valid percent
Number
Valid percent
Strongly Agree
3
15
0
0
Agree
6
30
2
20
Neutral
1
10
0
0
Disagree
6
30
3
30
Strongly Disagree
4
20
4
40
1
10
10
100
N/A
Total
20
100
When participants were asked about their ability to express their sexual
orientation and feeling inadequate to serve their country, 30% of participants agreed and
15% strongly agreed they would feel inadequate to serve their country if they expressed
their sexuality while the DADT policy was in place. Fifty percent disagreed and strongly
disagreed with the statement while DADT was in place, while 70% disagreed and
strongly disagreed after the repeal of DADT. Also, only 20% agreed with the statement
after the repeal of DADT.
56
Table 16
Emotionally Adequate to Serve Country
I felt emotionally adequate to serve my country regardless of my sexuality.
while the DADT policy was in effect.
Response
after the repeal of the DADT policy.
Number
Valid percent
Number
Valid percent
Strongly Agree
13
65
2
20
Agree
4
20
6
60
Neutral
1
5
0
0
Disagree
2
10
0
0
Strongly Disagree
0
0
1
10
1
10
10
100
N/A
Total
20
100
Before DADT was repealed, 85% of participants felt emotionally adequate
regardless of their sexuality; they strongly agreed and agreed with the statement. After
the repeal of DADT, 80% strongly agreed and agreed with the statement. Ten percent
disagreed and strongly disagreed both prior to and after the repeal of the DADT policy.
57
Table 17
Concerned about Ridicule
I am/was concerned about experiencing ridicule from fellow service members
while the DADT policy was in effect.
Response
after the repeal of the DADT policy.
Number
Valid percent
Number
Valid percent
Strongly Agree
11
55
2
20
Agree
6
30
2
20
Neutral
3
15
1
10
1
10
4
40
10
100
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
N/A
Total
20
100
When participants were questioned regarding feeling concerned about
experiencing ridicule from fellow members, 55% strongly agreed, while 30% agreed and
15% remained neutral about their concerns. With the repeal, those who strongly agreed
and those who agreed to feeling concerned about experiencing ridicule after DADT
comprised 20% of the sample and 10% represented those who remained neutral as well as
those who disagreed. Those who stated that the question was not applicable made up
40% of the participants. After the DADT policy was repealed, many participants
discharged from the military; hence, some questions did not apply to them. The
researcher added the N/A category as an option so the results would show which
58
questions were answered as opposed to participants not answering questions that were not
applicable.
When participants were asked if they had experienced any type of emotional
distress pertaining to their sexual orientation while serving in the military, 100% reported
high feelings of anxiety. Ninety percent reported feelings of anger and sadness about not
being able to express their sexual orientation while serving in the military.
Several participants expressed that hiding their sexual orientation did not make
them better military personnel because they were unable to bond with their fellow
members due to their overwhelming sense of not belonging. They expressed the lack of
bonding came from feeling like they were hiding something from their peers and felt they
were going against the military’s code of integrity. Other participants stated the DADT
policy made them feel like they were not showing their true selves. One participant
wrote,
I had to hide my gay mannerisms and that was a difficult challenge because I had
to hide my feelings. I freaked out about getting caught holding hands in public. It
complicated my life in pretty unhealthy ways. I served eight years under the
DADT policy. I hid my work life and personal life all the time. It was very
stressful and discouraging.
Findings
This study compared the emotional affect the DADT policy has had on 20 GLB
service members before and after the repeal. The findings focused on demographics,
59
emotional effects of the DADT policy, open expression of sexual orientation, adequacy
for military service, and encouragement to other GLB persons to join military. The
findings indicated that sexual expression of sexual orientation was very important to GLB
service members’ feelings of emotional adequacy with regard to performing their military
duties without ridicule.
Demographics
The primary demographic variables influencing the responses to the survey were
age, gender, branch of service, active or inactive duty, and rank. The majority of
respondents represented the 18-44 age group, which is a respectable age range for this
study. However, no respondents represented the age range of 45 to 54 and only 15%
were in the 55-64 range. Perhaps the older service members had long come to terms with
serving in secrecy whereas the younger group were not as used to it. Males represented
70% to the 30% female representation of the participants. Often women do not identify
as veterans even though they are military personnel. On the other hand, their male
counterparts automatically do. Such an identity issue could have affected the study
participation of women, as the word “veteran” was included in the survey questions.
The fact that 60% of respondents were, at the time of the study, active military
personnel may have affected the responses to the questions. If veterans are inactive, they
are less likely to be affected by the DADT policy on a regular basis. It was interesting
that only one participant was from the Marines, the majority (40%) were from the Air
Force, and the rest were from the Navy and Army. In the researcher’s experience as prior
60
active duty Army and current Air Force reservist, many jobs in the Army, Navy, and
Marines are more male dominated. The Air Force has a more well rounded field of
occupations and are not necessarily gender-specific. Hence, more Air Force service
members may have felt a sense of ease with their sexual identity/orientation and were
willing to take the survey.
Emotional Effects of the DADT Policy
Participants who were discharged due to the policy were saddened some when the
policy was repealed only due to the limitations they experienced in their own lives. Other
participants worked hard to keep silent and do their job the best they could so they would
not lose their job and benefits. One of the most prominent emotional effects of the
DADT policy was participants felt they could not fully bond while in service under
DADT because they felt they were lying to their peers. They also felt they could never
be on their “top game” when they hid part of themselves. Bonding is an important part of
the military environment because it gives members a sense of unity. A lack of unity
could lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and negative self-image as was
discovered in the qualitative responses.
Some participants felt hiding their sexual orientation kept problems away. The
fact that there were problems with their sexual orientation was more the issue than hiding
it was. One participant enjoyed not being judged for his or her sexual orientation but did
not appreciate lying about it because the façade created was not him or her. As Trivette
(2010) found, concealing one’s identity has negative emotional affects the person not
61
being open. It can even affect one’s cognitive function due to the energy needed to stay
in secret, as expressed by one participant.
Open Expression of Sexual Orientation
In general, the percentage of participants who felt they had to hide their sexual
orientation before the repeal of DADT (80%) decreased after the repeal (50%). This
makes sense with the intent of the DADT repeal to end the secrecy. Now that the repeal
is in place, the feeling of having to conceal one’s sexual orientation has decreased and as
noted above, a decrease implies greater emotional health.
When taking into account to whom a participant would express his or her sexual
orientation, 80% disagreed and strongly disagreed that they expressed their orientation to
officers. Officers can make or break a service member’s career so it was safer to keep
quiet. However, 50% and 45% would express their sexuality to enlisted members and
fellow service member, respectively. It is clear participants felt more comfortable
expressing their sexuality to their peers than they did expressing it to their superiors, most
likely for fear of retaliation in the forms of military discharge and harassment.
Adequacy for Military Service
Almost half the participants (45%) felt they had to hide their sexual orientation to
feel adequate to serve their country while DADT was in place, but after the repeal of the
policy, only 20% felt that. The fact that they felt inadequate only if they expressed their
sexual orientation is an indication of their level of internalized homophobia. While the
DADT was in place, 50% disagreed and strongly disagreed they would feel inadequate to
62
serve their country if they expressed their sexual orientation. However, 70% of
participants disagreed and strongly disagreed after the DADT repeal. Repealing the
DADT validated GLB service members’ feelings of adequacy related to their expression
of their sexual orientation.
Participants were asked about their feelings of emotionally adequacy to serve
their country regardless of their sexuality. Eighty-five percent strongly agreed and
agreed that they felt emotionally adequate to serve their country even while DADT was
in place. After the DADT repeal, the percentage decreased to 80%. This finding seems
backward. It could mean that due to the DADT having been in place for almost 20 years,
participants who did not feel adequate despite their sexual orientation may have lasting
emotional effects from serving under the policy.
Encouragement to Join Military
Many participants felt conflicted about encouraging other GLB people to join the
military. Those serving under DADT felt the policy should not last long and should not
stop one from joining if that is really what one wants to do. They also felt that due to the
amount of emotional stress involved with concealing one’s sexual orientation, a person
had to evaluate it based on his or her own emotional strength. Yet other participants
would not recommend signing up for service until all members of society, including
transgender persons, could enlist.
The following chapter presents the study implications for social work,
recommendations, limitations, and conclusion of the study.
63
Chapter 5
CONCLUSION
Summary
Many studies have been conducted on homosexuality in general (Barber, 2012;
Cass, 1979; Pachankis, 2007). However, there is limited research that assesses military
personnel, the emotional aspect of homosexuality, and the effects of the hidden sexual
orientation of a person on military service members. The research studies dealing
specifically with homosexuality describe the many underlying issues such as concealed
stigma as described by Pachankis (2007) who contends that certain situations influence
the cognition, affect, and behavior of a person and that self-esteem can also be affected.
While the military attempts to remedy the effects of the DADT with the repeal
signed into law in 2010, many service members who have been adversely affected by the
witch hunts that occurred under the DADT policy remain. The DADT policy prior to its
repeal had a tremendous impact on GLB individuals who had to hide their sexual
orientation to remain in the military (Pachankis, 2007). The process of concealing their
sexual identity to avoid experiencing anti-GLB harassment, discrimination, or
victimization took a negative psychological toll on the GLB service members (Pachankis,
2007). Unfortunately, the military has yet to undertake a research study to better
understand the implications of sexual orientation and the person as a whole when forced
to conceal sexual identity for fear of a negative traumatic experience.
64
With limited available research, the military in general is unable to meet the needs
of their GLB service members by including their physical protection, emotional wellbeing, and fulfillment of self-recognition as important experiences while in the military.
Military mental health professionals are also unable to meet the needs of the GLB service
member’s needs because, while the policy has been repealed, protocols that were in place
during the reign of the DADT policy continue to be implemented, with providers outing
their patients and violating the client-provider privilege (Barber, 2012).
Implications for Social Work
The implications of this study on the field of social work are numerous. The
intentions of this researcher were to shed light on a very underserved and under
recognized population in our society. The researcher also wanted to recognize a
marginalized subgroup of a major group known to everyone, the military. By conducting
this research, the researcher hopes social workers working with members of the GLB
population who are also veterans are able to understand the multidimensional, contextual
person, and recognize GLB veterans come with more than just the generalized trauma
that comes with serving in the military.
Social workers will also benefit from this study as it pertains to the person-inenvironment and stigma of concealing one’s sexual identity. Hopefully they will be able
to, as Cass (1979) stated, understand the distinction made between the private (personal)
and the public (social) aspects of identity to better help the GLB community.
65
Limitations
There were several identifiable limitations of this study. One of the biggest
limitations was the sample size of the participants. The researcher attempted to collect 40
surveys in both the original 2008 study and the subsequent 2013 study. The number of
respondents was not enough to draw a generalizable conclusion on the greater military
population. The second limitation was absence of randomization in sample selection and
the location in which surveys were collected. The researcher was limited to the
Sacramento area and utilized a purposive sample. The researcher believes the survey
might have generated many more responses if the survey was distributed to an area where
GLB veterans might feel more open to the survey topic, such as VA websites, San
Francisco GLBT centers, and more online domains.
The researcher also identified the survey to be somewhat lengthy and would
shorten the questionnaire to no more than 20 questions versus 30+ questions. This would
provide participants ample time to complete surveys and not feel overwhelmed with the
number of questions.
Conclusion
Throughout the research, the researcher identified some common themes that
emerged with elements of recommendation for other GLB persons to join the military.
The qualitative portion of the survey identified that even though the DADT policy was
clearly unjust to GLB service members participating in this research, 18 of 20
participants or 90% would recommend other GLB persons join the service, while also
66
recommending that those wishing to join should clearly examine their potential career
choice. Many participants recommended GLB persons not join specifically male
dominant occupations such as infantry and military police.
Recommendations
The findings from Chapter 4 indicate a significant amount of service members felt
they had to hide their sexual orientation from people in the military, including fellow
service members and leaders alike to be able to (a) not be subjected to physical harm or
abuse, (b) not be subjected to ridicule, (c) not be subjected to unfavorable actions by
supervisors, and (d) avoid being discharged via Uniform Code of Military Justice actions.
The researcher explored evidence-based studies on homosexuality and the
military (Cochran et al., 2013; Harry as cited in NDRI, 1993; Trivette, 2010), and it
strongly appears that future studies of this research would need to include a larger sample
size and provide adequate mental health assistance if more in-depth questions were going
to be asked of the participants. Future research should also provide access to all
necessary mental health assistance and access to resources dealing with issues specific to
the population of GLB service members.
67
APPENDICES
68
APPENDIX A
Approval Letter for Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center
!
69
APPENDIX B
Flyer for Participant Recruitment
AND
PLEASE HELP GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF
VETERANS’ EXPERIENCES WITH THE DON’T ASK,
DON’T TELL POLICY
By
ANSWERING A SURVEY
HELP AN MSW STUDENT FROM CSUS EXPLORE THE
EFFECTS OF THE DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL POLICY ON
VETERANS
DATA WILL BE COLLECTED ANONYMOUSLY &
CONFIDENTIALITY WILL BE ASSURED
70
PLEASE CONTACT: CHIDERA EGU at (916) 670-8902 OR
chideram@yahoo.com
71
APPENDIX C
Surveys
2008 Survey
Please read and sign the attached consent form and seal in the attached self-addressed
stamped envelope labeled “Consent Form.” Please answer the questions below to the best
of your ability. You may skip any question that you see as a problem for you to answer.
When you have completed this self-administered questionnaire, please seal it in the
attached self-addressed stamped envelope labeled “Questionnaire.” Please complete and
mail both the consent form and questionnaire by June 6, 2008.
Gender_____
Age____
Ethnicity_________________
Length in military______________
Branch of military___________________
Presently in military____________
Resigned/retired from military_______
Military job specialty __________
Rank _____________
Identify as (please circle one)
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Statement
1. I am very familiar with The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
(DADT) policy.
2. The Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy should be revised to
accommodate all members of the service.
3. I had to hide my sexual orientation in order to protect
myself from harm.
4. I was concerned about experiencing ridicule from
fellow service members.
5. I was concerned about experiencing physical abuse
from fellow service members.
6. I was concerned about being discharged.
7. I was concerned about receiving UCMJ actions.
Bisexual
Agree
Lesbian
Strongly
Agree
Gay
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Statement
8. I felt my supervisors inhibited me from progressing
upwards in the service because of my perceived sexual
orientation.
9. I hid my sexuality while in the military.
10. I was comfortable serving in secrecy with regard to my
sexual orientation.
11. I experienced stress while in the military due to my
sexual orientation and the DADT policy.
12. I considered resigning from the military due to the
stress surrounding the DADT policy and my sexual
orientation.
13. I did resign from the military due to the stress
surrounding the DADT policy and my sexual
orientation.
14. My military occupation allowed me to express my
sexual orientation without discussing it.
15. Because of my military occupation, my sexual
orientation was not an issue.
16. I expressed my sexual orientation to my fellow service
members.
17. I expressed my sexual orientation to officers.
18. I expressed my sexual orientation to enlisted members.
19. Expressing my sexual orientation would limit my
ability to promote or change branches.
20. I believe there is a large Lesbian subculture in the
military.
21. I believe there is a large Gay subculture in the military.
22. I believe there is a large Bisexual subculture in the
military.
23. I felt that expressing my sexual orientation would
make me feel like I was inadequate to serve my
country.
24. I felt people suspected I was Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual
even though I hid it.
25. I felt emotionally adequate to serve my country
regardless of my sexuality.
Strongly
Agree
72
73
Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability.
A. How has the DADT policy affected you?
1.
If you answered Strongly Agree or Agree to question 2, please explain what you think
should be changed about the DADT policy?
C. If you answered Strongly Agree or Agree to question 3, why and from whom?
1. If you considered resigning from the military due to the stress regarding your sexual
orientation, what made you stay?
74
2. During any time in your career did you ever feel that you could express your sexual
orientation to your supervisor without feeling like less of a soldier? Please explain.
3. Hiding my sexual orientation made me a better service member. Yes or No and why?
4. Have you experienced any of the following as it relates to your sexual orientation while
serving in the military? (Please check all that apply)
___ happiness
___ anxiety
___ sense of meaning
___ low morale
___ high morale
___ depression
___ life satisfaction
___ positive self image
___ negative self image
___ high self esteem
___ low self esteem
___ anger
___ joy
___ resentment
___ sadness
___ peace
___ serenity
H. Would you encourage other Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual people to join the military
with the current DADT policy? Explain.
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2013 Survey on Paper
Please read and sign the attached consent form and seal in the attached self-addressed
stamped envelope labeled “Consent Form.” Please answer the questions below to the best
of your ability. You may skip any question that you see as a problem for you to answer.
When you have completed this self-administered questionnaire, please seal it in the
attached self-addressed stamped envelope labeled “Questionnaire.” Please complete and
mail both the consent form and questionnaire by July 30, 2013.
Gender_____
Age____
Ethnicity_________________
Length in military______________
Branch of military___________________
Presently in military____________
Resigned/retired from military_______
Military job specialty __________
Rank _____________
Identify as (please circle one)
Strongly
Disagree
NA
Disagree
Statement
1. I am very familiar with The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
(DADT) policy.
2. The Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy’s repeal is
designed to accommodate all members of the
service.
3. I have/had to hide my sexual orientation in order
to protect myself from harm even after the repeal
of the DADT policy.
4. I am/was concerned about experiencing ridicule
from fellow service members while the DADT
policy was in effect.
5. I am/was concerned about experiencing ridicule
from fellow service members after the repeal of
the DADT policy.
6. I am/was concerned about experiencing physical
abuse from fellow service members while the
DADT policy was in effect.
Bisexual
Neutral
Lesbian
Strongly
Agree
Agree
Gay
Strongly
Disagree
NA
Disagree
Neutral
Statement
7. I am/was concerned about experiencing physical
abuse from fellow service members after the
repeal of the DADT policy.
8. I was concerned about being discharged while the
DADT policy was in effect.
9. I was concerned about being discharged after the
repeal of the DADT policy.
10. I was concerned about receiving UCMJ actions
while the DADT policy was in effect.
11. I am concerned about receiving UCMJ actions
after the repeal of the DADT policy.
12. I felt my supervisors inhibited me from
progressing upwards in the service because of my
perceived sexual orientation while the DADT
policy was in effect.
13. I felt my supervisors inhibited me from
progressing upwards in the service because of my
perceived sexual orientation after the repeal of
the DADT policy.
14. I hid my sexuality while in the military while the
DADT policy was in effect.
15. I hide/have hidden my sexuality while in the
military after the repeal of the DADT policy.
16. I was comfortable serving in secrecy with regard
to my sexual orientation while the DADT policy
was in effect.
17. I am comfortable serving in secrecy with regard
to my sexual orientation after the repeal of the
DADT policy.
18. I experienced stress while in the military due to
my sexual orientation and the DADT policy.
19. I experienced less stress while in the military due
to my sexual orientation and the repeal of the
DADT policy.
20. I considered resigning from the military due to
the stress surrounding the DADT policy and my
sexual orientation.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
76
Strongly
Disagree
NA
Disagree
Neutral
Statement
21. I did resign from the military due to the stress
surrounding the DADT policy and my sexual
orientation.
22. My military occupation allowed me to express
my sexual orientation without discussing it.
23. Because of my military occupation, my sexual
orientation was not an issue.
24. I expressed my sexual orientation to my fellow
service members while the DADT policy was in
effect.
25. I expressed my sexual orientation to my fellow
service members after the repeal of the DADT
policy.
26. I expressed my sexual orientation to officers
while the DADT policy was in effect.
27. I expressed my sexual orientation to officers after
the repeal of the DADT policy.
28. I expressed my sexual orientation to enlisted
members while the DADT policy was in effect.
29. I expressed my sexual orientation to enlisted
members after the repeal of the DADT policy.
30. Expressing my sexual orientation would limit my
ability to promote or change branches.
31. I believe there is a large Lesbian subculture in the
military.
32. I believe there is a large Gay subculture in the
military.
33. I believe there is a large Bisexual subculture in
the military.
34. I felt expressing my sexual orientation would
make me feel like I was inadequate to serve my
country while the DADT policy was in effect.
35. I still feel expressing my sexual orientation
would make me feel like I was inadequate to
serve my country even though the DADT policy
has been repealed.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
77
Strongly
Disagree
NA
Disagree
Neutral
Statement
36. I felt people suspected I was Gay, Lesbian, or
Bisexual even though I hid it.
37. I felt emotionally adequate to serve my country
regardless of my sexuality while the DADT
policy was in effect.
38. I still feel emotionally adequate to serve my
country regardless of my sexuality after the
repeal of the DADT policy.
Strongly
Agree
Agree
78
Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability.
A. How has the DADT policy affected you?
1. If you answered Strongly Agree or Agree to question 2, please explain what you think
should be changed about the DADT policy?
C. If you answered Strongly Agree or Agree to question 3, why and from whom?
79
D. If you considered resigning from the military due to the stress regarding your sexual
orientation, what made you stay?
E. During any time in your career did you ever feel that you could express your sexual
orientation to your supervisor without feeling like less of a soldier? Please explain.
F. Hiding my sexual orientation made me a better service member. Yes or No and why?
G. Have you experienced any of the following as it relates to your sexual orientation
while serving in the military? (Please check all that apply)
___ happiness
___ anxiety
___ sense of meaning
___ low morale
___ high morale
___ depression
___ life satisfaction
___ positive self image
___ negative self image
___ high self esteem
___ low self esteem
___ anger
___ joy
___ resentment
___ sadness
___ peace
___ serenity
80
H. Would you encourage other Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual people to join the military
with the current DADT policy? Explain.
81
2013 Survey Monkey Survey
82
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84
85
86
87
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APPENDIX D
Consent Forms
2008 Consent
I understand that I have been invited to participate in a research study conducted by
Chidera Egu, a Master of Social Work student in the Division of Social Work, California
State University, Sacramento. This study will examine the affects of the Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell (DADT) Policy on Gay, Lesbian, and Bi-Sexual Veterans’ Emotional WellBeing.
Procedures:
I understand that I am being asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. The
questionnaire should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. I understand that
my participation is anonymous and no names will be recorded. As a participant in the
survey, I may decide at any time not to answer any specific question, skip questions or
stop taking the survey.
Risks
I understand that the survey may evoke emotional responses and that if I experience
stress or discomfort as a result of your participation in this study, I may contact and
receive free mental health services at the following locations:
1. CSUS Psychological Services, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819, (916) 2786461;
2. Counseling Services at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center located at 1927 L
Street, Sacramento, Ca. 95814, (916) 442-0185, or
3. VA Northern California Health Care Systems located at 10535 Hospital Way,
Mather, Ca. 95655, (800) 382-8387 or your local VA hospital.
Benefits
I understand that as a participant I will not receive any kind of monetary compensation.
By being a part of the study, I may gain awareness of how my sexual orientation affected
my ability to serve in the military. Also, I might gain awareness of the impact the DADT
has had on my emotional well-being. When I take my military experiences as a Gay,
Lesbian, or Bisexual service member into consideration of my whole being I am more
able to understand myself. Hence, I will be helping social workers better understand the
concept of person in environment and allow them to expand their own awareness of the
emotional baselines of diverse clients.
Confidentiality:
My responses on the survey will be kept confidential. Information I provide on the
consent form will be stored separately from the completed questionnaires in a locked
cabinet in a secure location at the researcher’s home. The researcher’s thesis advisor will
have access to the completed questionnaires for the duration of the thesis. The final
90
research report will not include any identifying information. All of the data will be
destroyed approximately one month after the project is filed with Graduate Studies at
California State University, Sacramento.
Rights to withdraw:
If I decide to participate in this study, I understand I may withdraw at any point. During
the interview I may elect to not answer any specific question.
If I have any questions, I may contact the researcher: Chidera Egu at
chideram@yahoo.com or (916) 670-8902 or, if I need further information, I may contact
the researcher’s thesis advisor: Professor Tania Alameda-Lawson at (916) 278-7068 or
by email at: talawson@csus.edu.
I have read the descriptive information on the Informed Consent Form. I
understand that my participation is completely voluntary. My signature or initials
indicate that I have received a copy of the Consent Form cover letter and I agree to
participate in the study.
Signature of Study Participant: ______________________________Date: __________
91
2013 Paper Consent
92
93
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