Abstract
This article is a follow-up on the autobiographical sketch, of a lesbian entitled: Fleet of Hope and offers social science comments on this “insider" account. After the South African Department of Defense’s Policy on the Prevention and Elimination of Unfair Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation have been outlined, and key theoretical concepts and views of scholars have been described briefly, an attempt is made to illuminate the gay woman’s experiences including her former experiences of her career in the South African Department of Defense with the aid of these constructs. The article is concluded with some recommendations.
Highlights
This article is a follow-up on the autobiographical sketch, of a lesbian entitled: Fleet of Hope and offers social science comments on this “insider” account
In order to do this, we review the South African Department of Defense’s Policy on the Prevention and Elimination of Unfair Discrimination on the Grounds of Sexual Orientation
As is evident in Thando’s sketch, valuable and rich information were obtained on South African female homosexuality in general and lesbianism in the South African military context
Summary
In the light of the scarcity of local knowledge on lesbianism in the military and its possible effect on its functioning, this article strives to make a modest contribution in providing a basis for building knowledge on being both female and gay in the South African Defense Force. According to the Constitution of South Africa Act 108 of 1996, Section 9(3) states that the state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth. Equality guarantees persons the right that they will not be discriminate against on the following grounds, including but not limited to one’s race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language, birth and social responsibility. All DOD personnel will be educated/trained in the identification, prevention, resolution and elimination of unfair discrimination including sexual orientation Individuals who believe they have been unfairly discriminated against on the grounds of sexual orientation will be afforded multiple avenues to seek resolution and redress; all personnel will be made aware of these avenues. This can be seen in settings such as prisons and military camps, where this type of sexual activity is seen as a mere substitute for heterosexual behaviour. iii)Personalised homosexuality refers to individuals who have a preference for homosexual activities, but who keep their sexual preference a secret – hidden from friends and colleagues. iv) Homosexuality as a way of life refers to individuals who openly acknowledge their sexual preference and for whom homosexual activity is integrated into a distinct lifestyle
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
