Rather than saying I am nervous, I am a little bit apprehensive about people asking the dreaded question, "So do you have a girlfriend then?" It has taken ALOT of convincing to try and bring my mum and dad around the fact that I want to join the army and frankly, they are still convinced that it is a predominatly institutionally homophobic organisation that is simply painted over by the government as being an 'equal opportunities employer'. I'm also not convinced that life will be straightforward (pardon the pun!), should i tell my future colleagues that I am gay. I am proud of who I am, but I am concerned, more so about the 'old arses' in the army who are from a generation where ridiculing the gay community was not only a normal way of life, but in some institutions a requirement. I even read of an old army document on wikipedia from years ago which was actually a government leaflet warning of 'the Dangers of Homosexuals in the military' with unbelievable quotes in including this one: "But all in all, look out for signs of make up wearing and feminine behaviour. This is a tell-tale sign of homosexual behaviour and shall not be tolerated nor go unpunished'. I cannot believe that this text is from the 20th century. I regard myself as 'straight acting', but i hate using that term because it is not an act, it is just me. I do not try to be gay or try to be straight. I am just simply me.
It also doesn't help when many army career leaflets pride themselves on noting that 'racism, sexism, ageism will not be tolerated', but in all i've looked at so far, no mention of sexual orientation. Is this deliberate or am i just being paranoid? You'd think they they would include this to reassure people like me. The 'laddish' culture is obviously to be expected, but i am 'laddish' myself so i can't see how i couldn't fit in. I just don't want to feel uncomfortable about talking about relationships and that. Alot of people have advised me not to tell anyone, but i'm really bad at lying and would rather tell the truth even if it means getting grief from people.
I am hopeful that times have obviously moved on since then. What i want to know is, are there a large number of gay personnel within the army? And if so do you know any as friends/colleagues and what have their experiences been like? Have they ever had any negative experiences because of who they are? Has anyone ever had any promotion problems because of this?
Thank you for your help everyone
