Hey all! As an LGBTQ+ high school student, I'm curious and hopeful about representation in different careers. When referring to the U.S. military, does anyone know which branch might have the highest number of openly gay troops? Any insight helps.
While collecting accurate data on the number of openly LGBTQ+ individuals in the different branches of the U.S. military can be challenging due to concerns about privacy and stigma, there's some information that we can consider. As per a 2015 analysis by Department of Defense, it was found that the Navy had the highest percentage of servicemembers who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
That being said, all branches of the military are required to uphold the same nondiscrimination standards since "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was repealed in 2011, meaning that all branches are legally open to members of the LGBTQ+ community. It's also crucial to note that the military as a whole has made significant strides in fostering an inclusive environment over the past decade.
Keep in mind, the experience of LGBTQ+ servicemembers can vary greatly depending on the specific attitudes and cultures of individual units and bases, regardless of the branch of service. Speaking with LGBTQ+ veterans or active duty servicemembers might give you more real-life insight on this. You might also want to research supportive organizations like the Modern Military Association of America, which advocates for LGBTQ+ servicemembers and provides resources related to inclusion in the military.
Remember to choose your branch primarily on the type of career and experiences you want from the military. Happy to hear you're considering service!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.