the notion of a 'typical' soldier often overshadows the diverse realities of those who have served. among these, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (lgbtq+) individuals have historically faced unique challenges, their contributions frequently erased or minimized.
however, their stories, when brought to light, reveal remarkable courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
historical figures and hidden identities
the late historian louis crompton, in his book homosexuality and civilization, noted the challenge historians faced in reconciling frederick the great's sexuality with his military prowess.
some biographers even displayed homophobia when discussing the king. thomas carlyle, in his account, dismissed rumors about frederick's sexual orientation as "thrice-abominable," attributing them to malicious gossip.
while some of these claims might have been exaggerated, historian thomas babington macauley hinted at "vices from which history averts her eyes" when describing frederick.
macauley, known for his hostility toward frederick, portrayed him as a complex, almost contradictory figure.
yet, discussing the matter isn't mere speculation. johann georg zimmermann, writing two years after frederick's death, observed that the king was widely believed to have a "grecian taste in love," perhaps alluding to alexander the great's relationships.
voltaire, along with other prominent figures, suggested frederick's affections resembled socrates' love for alcibiades.
however, even zimmermann attempted to rationalize frederick's behavior, suggesting he only feigned homosexuality to maintain a strong military image after a hypothetical medical procedure - a theory lacking evidence.
frederick's upbringing in prussia, a kingdom known for its militaristic culture, further complicated matters.
his father, king frederick william i, was considered a violent and abusive ruler. according to crompton, the king's "principal passion in life was his regiment of 'giants,'" tall soldiers collected from across europe, sometimes forcibly.
frederick william's policies were harsh, including ordering the execution of roma people and "sodomites." young frederick, however, was drawn to french culture, poetry, and music, interests his father scorned as "effeminate." when frederick was 16, his father exiled his page, peter christoph keith, due to their close bond.
frederick later attempted to flee the kingdom with hans hermann von katte, his confidant and apparent lover.
their capture led to von katte's execution, forced upon frederick to witness. this event deeply traumatized him.
following this, frederick was exiled to a small village. during this period, he maintained a close friendship with a count he nicknamed "cesarion," and befriended michael gabriel fredersdorf, a soldier from a peasant background.
voltaire compared frederick to nicomedes iv's gay lover in a personal letter.
despite these inclinations, societal expectations dictated that frederick marry a woman. he married elisabeth christine of brunswick-bevern, but reportedly intended to keep her at a distance. indeed, fredersdorf remained a constant presence in frederick's life, later becoming chancellor and receiving a private estate.
this appointment was considered scandalous due to fredersdorf's humble origins, while elisabeth was kept away from court and never visited frederick's residence.
this distant marriage remained frederick's only known relationship with a woman.
the complexities of military service
frederick's military campaigns expanded prussia's borders, and he successfully defended against larger armies.
his era was a transitional period in military history, with armies still structured similarly to those of the medieval age.
wars were often fought between nobles, and desertion was a common issue. frederick's armies largely consisted of mercenaries.
battles were fought differently, with direct confrontation being highly risky.
exploiting tactical advantages was difficult, allowing enemy armies to retreat with significant forces intact.
discrimination and resilience in modern militaries
world war ii marked the beginning of lifelong identity struggles for many lgbtq+ individuals serving in the military.
systematic purges within bases and units destroyed communities built through shared sacrifices. "blue discharges" followed veterans, disqualifying them from benefits. in 1953, president dwight d. eisenhower signed executive order 10450, banning homosexuals from federal employment.
over 5,000 federal employees lost their jobs due to accusations of homosexuality.
these discriminatory actions pushed lgbtq+ people further into the shadows, emboldening law enforcement and politicians to target them. the stonewall riots in 1969, sparked by a police raid on a gay bar in new york city, marked a turning point, igniting the gay rights movement.
gay and lesbian veterans of world war ii became pioneers in the fight against military discrimination and blue discharges.
military discrimination remained a central issue for the lgbtq+ civil rights movement in the decades following the vietnam war.
a legacy of service and pride
serving one's country in the face of adversity is a profound act of patriotism. june, in particular, is a time to celebrate the diversity and pride of lgbtq+ individuals who have defied the odds.
it is crucial to capture and preserve the stories of gay, lesbian, and transgender veterans, ensuring their service is honored in our history.
their experiences reflect the complexities of identity, service, and the ongoing struggle for equality.
untold stories: beyond frederick the great
while frederick the great's story offers a glimpse into the historical presence of lgbtq+ individuals in military leadership, it's just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
numerous other lgbtq+ soldiers have contributed significantly, often in silence and secrecy, to various military efforts throughout history. their stories, often undocumented or suppressed, are crucial for a more complete understanding of military history and the diverse experiences of those who have served.
the challenges of secrecy and concealment
for centuries, lgbtq+ individuals faced immense pressure to conceal their identities within the military.
fear of persecution, discharge, and social ostracism forced many to live double lives, carefully guarding their secrets and relationships. this constant pressure took a significant toll on their mental and emotional well-being.
the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, while intended to be a compromise, further perpetuated this culture of silence and concealment.
it allowed gay and lesbian individuals to serve, but only if they remained closeted, preventing them from openly expressing their identities or forming open relationships. this policy was eventually repealed in 2011, marking a significant step forward, but its legacy continues to impact many veterans.
the impact of discrimination and prejudice
discrimination against lgbtq+ soldiers has taken many forms, ranging from subtle microaggressions to outright harassment and violence.
discriminatory policies and practices often limited their opportunities for advancement and recognition, hindering their careers. the fear of being discovered could also lead to anxiety and depression, negatively impacting their performance and well-being.
the "blue discharges" issued to lgbtq+ service members had devastating consequences, denying them access to veterans' benefits, employment opportunities, and social acceptance.
these discharges effectively branded them as undesirable and damaged their reputations for years to come.
acts of courage and resilience
despite facing these challenges, lgbtq+ soldiers have consistently demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience.
they have served with distinction in every major conflict, often exceeding expectations and earning accolades for their bravery and dedication. their contributions, however, often went unrecognized due to their concealed identities.
many lgbtq+ soldiers found strength and support in secret communities within the military.
these networks provided a sense of belonging and solidarity, helping them cope with the pressures of secrecy and discrimination. these hidden communities often served as vital lifelines, offering emotional support and practical assistance.
examples of unsung heroes
identifying and celebrating specific lgbtq+ soldiers from the past is often difficult due to the historical need for secrecy.
however, researchers and historians are uncovering more and more stories, bringing to light the contributions of these unsung heroes. from codebreakers to medics to frontline soldiers, their service has been invaluable.
- alan turing: while not a soldier in the traditional sense, turing's work as a codebreaker during world war ii at bletchley park was critical to the allied victory.
his contributions were initially obscured due to his homosexuality, which was illegal at the time.
- jose sarria: a world war ii veteran, sarria was a pioneering gay rights activist who ran for public office in san francisco in 1961, a groundbreaking act of visibility.
these are just a few examples of the many lgbtq+ individuals who have served their countries with honor and distinction, despite facing significant obstacles.
the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion
while significant progress has been made in recent years, the fight for equality and inclusion for lgbtq+ service members is far from over.
ongoing challenges include ensuring full access to healthcare, protecting transgender service members from discrimination, and addressing the long-term effects of past discriminatory policies.
organizations dedicated to supporting lgbtq+ veterans play a crucial role in advocating for their rights, providing resources and support, and raising awareness of their contributions.
these organizations help ensure that lgbtq+ veterans receive the recognition and respect they deserve.
preserving the stories for future generations
it is essential to continue documenting and preserving the stories of lgbtq+ soldiers, ensuring that their experiences are not forgotten.
oral history projects, archival research, and educational initiatives can help shed light on their contributions and promote a more inclusive understanding of military history.
by recognizing and celebrating the service of lgbtq+ soldiers, we honor their bravery, resilience, and dedication, and reaffirm the importance of equality and inclusion in the military and beyond.
their stories serve as an inspiration to future generations and remind us of the ongoing need to fight for a more just and equitable world.
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