Final answer:
Historically, gay soldiers were banned from the U.S. Military due to concerns about unit cohesion, morality, and potential subversion. The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy allowed them to serve discreetly, but discharges persisted. Legal challenges and political pressure led to the repeal of this policy in 2010 and further advancements towards inclusivity in military service.
Step-by-step explanation:
The arguments used to justify banning gay soldiers from the U.S. Military were primarily centered around unit cohesion, morality, and the fear of subversion. During World War II, homosexuality was hardly tolerated and questions about sexual orientation were included in psychological examinations. However, homosexual service members often hid their personal lives, as illustrated by the celebrity musician Liberace who was only disqualified due to a physical injury.
The military ban on gay and lesbian individuals gained national attention when Time magazine covered the story of discharged Air Force Sergeant Leonard Matlovich in 1975. Despite the challenges to the ban, it was not until the 21st century that a shift in policy occurred. The infamous 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy was a compromise that allowed gays and lesbians to serve as long as they did not disclose their sexual orientation. The policy, although intended to be more inclusive, continued to result in many discharges.
Legal challenges and political pressure eventually led to the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' in 2010, and the full cessation of its enforcement in 2011. Furthermore, the ban on transgender military service was lifted in 2016, but was later reinstated and again removed, most recently by early 2021 under the Biden administration.
Historically, blue discharges were used to expel gay and lesbian service members, increasing substantially after World War II. These discharges were not dishonorable, but they prevented veterans from receiving benefits and led to discrimination in civilian life.