Conduct Unbecoming: Gays & Lesbians in the U.S. Military

Conduct Unbecoming documents the history of gay men and women in the U.S. armed forces. Published in 1993 when the military adopted Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, the book examines the military establishment's historical treatment of gay servicemembers. Randy Shilts draws on extensive research to present accounts of gay soldiers throughout American military history and those serving in the contemporary armed forces, highlighting both exceptional and everyday acts of courage. Through detailed anecdotes and investigations, Shilts addresses arguments made against allowing gay people to serve. The work functions simultaneously as a military history and an account of the gay rights movement, documenting progress achieved for gay servicemembers while assessing remaining challenges.