Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Military Families: Visible But Legally Marginalized

LGB military families will be increasingly visible now that Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell has been repealed, and the military has stated that these servicemembers and their families are to be treated equally. Achieving equality in policy, practice, and attitudes will, however, take time and effort. Current Federal laws (e.g., the Defense of Marriage Act) prevent LGB servicemembers from being treated equally. Also, it is likely that anti-LGB attitudes held by some servicemembers did not simply end when DADT was repealed. Further, the military stance of neutrality is problematic given the need for LGB-affirming resources. These barriers to equal service are important to remedy because their existence may inhibit the strength of LGB military families, and the willingness of LGB adults to continue as enlisting as members of the U.S. armed forces.