Gays in the RAF
Join Date: Jan 2003
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I think you will find that the RAF is quite accepting, and most of the younger generation will not find your sexuality an issue.
I know three gay pilots in the RAF, and one in the Navy. All are open with their sexuality, lead a normal life and let the Flying do the talking. As long as you are happy to be one of the lads and enjoy some banter, and do your job well then its really no problem. The current generation of Pilots and aircrew will be supportive of you provided you don't use your sexuality as an excuse or a barrier to being a team player.
You will get biggots and idiots in any walk of life, and you have already heard their outdated ramblings. I guarantee that if you show that you are a superb Officer and Pilot, no one will stand in your way, and you can have a fantastic life in the RAF.
Be yourself, and if the RAF is not for you you can always fly Navy!
I know three gay pilots in the RAF, and one in the Navy. All are open with their sexuality, lead a normal life and let the Flying do the talking. As long as you are happy to be one of the lads and enjoy some banter, and do your job well then its really no problem. The current generation of Pilots and aircrew will be supportive of you provided you don't use your sexuality as an excuse or a barrier to being a team player.
You will get biggots and idiots in any walk of life, and you have already heard their outdated ramblings. I guarantee that if you show that you are a superb Officer and Pilot, no one will stand in your way, and you can have a fantastic life in the RAF.
Be yourself, and if the RAF is not for you you can always fly Navy!
Join Date: Apr 2003
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The Only Gay in the Air Force
"I can't recall ever having someone say 'I'd like to work in your laboratory - by the way I like straight sex but occasionally some light to medium BDSM doesn't go amiss - I'm open to a little mutual DIY and I don't mind some web cam action - I've got GCSE's in chemistry and maths'."
Very good! And spot on! Just don't camp it up like a BA steward and you'll be fine.
Very good! And spot on! Just don't camp it up like a BA steward and you'll be fine.
Join Date: Jul 2006
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If this is not a wind up
What troubled me from the early posts, was mention of going on a gay pride march.
This could (note, didn't say will) suggest an image of being proud to be gay, or needing to tell others you are gay.
Often in life, folks whom are proud to be something (which others would just get on with) may have a chip on their shoulder.
During my training with the British army:
I was severely punched in the face during an NBC lesson. This was because I had done something stupid.
Repeatedly marched over a puddle of oil (in my best parade uniform) until I slipped over into it. This was because I was very good at doing drill, and had been showing off, thus I needed bringing down to earth.
I was once in an office, where I was ordered to turn round, and was promptly told to "**** off short ass", followed by a harsh kick to my backside. This was to remind me I had not saluted as I entered the office.
These are only a few examples of service life (PS ignore all here who have never served, as the military is a different world, not just alternative career path).
Now, NONE OF THE ABOVE BOTHERED ME AT ALL, and were all part of military life. If however any such things ever happen to you, and you wonder if if was because you are gay (even if that's why it happened) then military life is not for you.
Throughout my career I was often called "short-ass" or "Paki" (I am dark skinned), And none of this bothered me, as they were only names. If truth be told, the folks who said these things to me, would happily stand shoulder to shoulder in tough times
So although I realise the RAF has a much easier life than the army, if this is not a wind up, then please think long and hard as to whether you are up to the job.
This could (note, didn't say will) suggest an image of being proud to be gay, or needing to tell others you are gay.
Often in life, folks whom are proud to be something (which others would just get on with) may have a chip on their shoulder.
During my training with the British army:
I was severely punched in the face during an NBC lesson. This was because I had done something stupid.
Repeatedly marched over a puddle of oil (in my best parade uniform) until I slipped over into it. This was because I was very good at doing drill, and had been showing off, thus I needed bringing down to earth.
I was once in an office, where I was ordered to turn round, and was promptly told to "**** off short ass", followed by a harsh kick to my backside. This was to remind me I had not saluted as I entered the office.
These are only a few examples of service life (PS ignore all here who have never served, as the military is a different world, not just alternative career path).
Now, NONE OF THE ABOVE BOTHERED ME AT ALL, and were all part of military life. If however any such things ever happen to you, and you wonder if if was because you are gay (even if that's why it happened) then military life is not for you.
Throughout my career I was often called "short-ass" or "Paki" (I am dark skinned), And none of this bothered me, as they were only names. If truth be told, the folks who said these things to me, would happily stand shoulder to shoulder in tough times
So although I realise the RAF has a much easier life than the army, if this is not a wind up, then please think long and hard as to whether you are up to the job.
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If you really are serious, take good note of the different tones of the posts you have attracted and learn from them. They show a cross section of the views, stereotypes and prejudices you will face if you join up.
The official line is now that it doesn’t matter any more what your sexual proclivity is. However, how you exercise that proclivity must not detract from the operational effectiveness of the unit you are one team member of. Armed Services exist to deliver state sponsored violence to the state’s enemies as decisively and efficiently as possible. It is sometimes forgotten, even by those serving, that all servicemen and women, whatever their trade, may one day be required to fight and so must ultimately be willing to kill or be killed, however unlikely that eventuality may seem. This implies that those you may go into combat with must trust you with their lives, and you must trust them with yours. If you are perceived as a weak link or unreliable, you will not be trusted and so you will degrade the effectiveness of your unit until you are removed from it.
Everyone’s first impressions are dictated by the mental stereotypes they hold. John Prescott perceives anyone living in the countryside as an upper-class Tory twit. Junior ranks perceive Air Officers as only interested in their pension and knighthood. Most people perceive journalists as blood-sucking leeches. Fortunately those prejudices seldom survive actual contact with the object in question (journalists excepted).
It will be the same with you. Your success or failure as a member of the RAF team will depend on how you are perceived by the other team members after you have joined. So how you perceive yourself is very important. If you see yourself as a pilot you will be in with a chance. If you see yourself as a gay pilot you will have less chance, but if you just see yourself as gay, forget it.
If you really want to join up, and especially to become a successful service pilot, put your sexuality firmly on the need to know shelf. Whatever you decide, good luck.
The official line is now that it doesn’t matter any more what your sexual proclivity is. However, how you exercise that proclivity must not detract from the operational effectiveness of the unit you are one team member of. Armed Services exist to deliver state sponsored violence to the state’s enemies as decisively and efficiently as possible. It is sometimes forgotten, even by those serving, that all servicemen and women, whatever their trade, may one day be required to fight and so must ultimately be willing to kill or be killed, however unlikely that eventuality may seem. This implies that those you may go into combat with must trust you with their lives, and you must trust them with yours. If you are perceived as a weak link or unreliable, you will not be trusted and so you will degrade the effectiveness of your unit until you are removed from it.
Everyone’s first impressions are dictated by the mental stereotypes they hold. John Prescott perceives anyone living in the countryside as an upper-class Tory twit. Junior ranks perceive Air Officers as only interested in their pension and knighthood. Most people perceive journalists as blood-sucking leeches. Fortunately those prejudices seldom survive actual contact with the object in question (journalists excepted).
It will be the same with you. Your success or failure as a member of the RAF team will depend on how you are perceived by the other team members after you have joined. So how you perceive yourself is very important. If you see yourself as a pilot you will be in with a chance. If you see yourself as a gay pilot you will have less chance, but if you just see yourself as gay, forget it.
If you really want to join up, and especially to become a successful service pilot, put your sexuality firmly on the need to know shelf. Whatever you decide, good luck.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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There should be no difference. I worked with a number of openly gay/bisexual people in the RAF; I also remember the occasional sex change that brought some hilarity (Benson late 90s). Your only problem will be if you try to use your sexuality as a tool to gain advantage. I remember when we first took on female pilots where there was a very small minority that decided to either play the sympathy or victimisation card. This was a real pity as the majority of the girls could easily hold their own.
So, back to gays. They have been around the armed forces for a while (way before the rules changed in 1999) and most people just didn't have an issue. As for those who advise you to keep things quiet, I must ask why? Just behave like an officer.
So, back to gays. They have been around the armed forces for a while (way before the rules changed in 1999) and most people just didn't have an issue. As for those who advise you to keep things quiet, I must ask why? Just behave like an officer.
I am due to start IOT soon. I would like to take some of your time to ask if I should openly say that I am Gay to my new work colleagues
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Who cares?
Gay or straight being selected for IOT is light years away from being operational - I am expecting you will not make it but hope you do andthat you learn a lot along the way....
Join Date: Jan 2007
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I cannot believe that you didn't ask at the AFCO or at any stage of the recruitment process before you got this far down the line. It would have been far more discreet than 'outing' yourself in a public domain. You have been accepted you say and are now just a little concerned about what you are getting yourself in to and what others may think? Flabbergasted!
Obviously, it shouldn't matter in this day and age but with some you meet it will. The replies on here are testament to that. I honestly find it difficult to deal with homosexuals in general and not just at work. That is my issue to come to terms with and those that I do know are thankfully very discreet. You will just have to get on with it if being a blue suit Pilot is really what you want to be. Just do your best, pull your weight, don't look at using your sexuality as an excuse for why you are doing well/badly throughout training and keep your private life private.
However, now that you have announced on here that you are starting IOT soon then everyone on the next intake or two will be wondering which future pilot has the tag GP on PPRuNe. No doubt there will also be sweepstakes on the go as well.
As for luck......I think you will need lots of it
SA
Obviously, it shouldn't matter in this day and age but with some you meet it will. The replies on here are testament to that. I honestly find it difficult to deal with homosexuals in general and not just at work. That is my issue to come to terms with and those that I do know are thankfully very discreet. You will just have to get on with it if being a blue suit Pilot is really what you want to be. Just do your best, pull your weight, don't look at using your sexuality as an excuse for why you are doing well/badly throughout training and keep your private life private.
However, now that you have announced on here that you are starting IOT soon then everyone on the next intake or two will be wondering which future pilot has the tag GP on PPRuNe. No doubt there will also be sweepstakes on the go as well.
As for luck......I think you will need lots of it
SA
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has the tag GP on PPRuNe. No doubt there will also be sweepstakes on the go as well.
Red On, Green On
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As these are anonymous forums the origins of the contributions may be opposite to what may be apparent. In fact the press may use it, or the unscrupulous, or sciolists*, to elicit certain reactions.
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While younger people won't care, older people rarely grow out of their original beliefs. Of course, it is an employer's duty to treat everyone fairly, but there is no necessity for an employer to know.
As for your colleagues, what bearing does it have upon them. Little to none really - when you socialise with people and go to the pub / club with them, you rarely hear anyone announcing "by the way - I'm heterosexual" in civilian / military life. Why should it be different if you are gay?
There are of course those of both sides who wear their sexuality as a badge - different girl every Friday / different chap every Friday - if that is you, and the way you want to behave when off duty, so be it - you will be judged for the tart that you are, not for your sexuality.
However, if you are are more normal character and associate with people who are balanced, most of them won't care if you are out or not. Basically, if you want to be defined as "gay", then by all means announce it. But expect people to be prejudiced - it is reality that many are.
If on the other hand, you want to be judged as a team player, great chap, great pilot, then work hard to define yourself as that. If people afterward meet your partner, they won't define you as gay, but the team player, great chap, and great pilot you always were - if they behave otherwise, they weren't worth knowing.
As for your colleagues, what bearing does it have upon them. Little to none really - when you socialise with people and go to the pub / club with them, you rarely hear anyone announcing "by the way - I'm heterosexual" in civilian / military life. Why should it be different if you are gay?
There are of course those of both sides who wear their sexuality as a badge - different girl every Friday / different chap every Friday - if that is you, and the way you want to behave when off duty, so be it - you will be judged for the tart that you are, not for your sexuality.
However, if you are are more normal character and associate with people who are balanced, most of them won't care if you are out or not. Basically, if you want to be defined as "gay", then by all means announce it. But expect people to be prejudiced - it is reality that many are.
If on the other hand, you want to be judged as a team player, great chap, great pilot, then work hard to define yourself as that. If people afterward meet your partner, they won't define you as gay, but the team player, great chap, and great pilot you always were - if they behave otherwise, they weren't worth knowing.
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GP if you can take banter and I mean no holes barred (no pun intended) banter then go ahead.
In my experience in the Crewroom, Mess or any pub/bar that you as bunch may be frequenting, any foible, character trait, physical difference, foot size , ear size anything will get the SH1t ripped out of it.
It's not personal it's banter.
Now if you are one who reacts badly to banter.....................................
Nuff said and Good Luck
In my experience in the Crewroom, Mess or any pub/bar that you as bunch may be frequenting, any foible, character trait, physical difference, foot size , ear size anything will get the SH1t ripped out of it.
It's not personal it's banter.
Now if you are one who reacts badly to banter.....................................
Nuff said and Good Luck
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there is no privacy in the Mess
Funny, 3 pages of responses to one of the most obvious trolls in recent history... Thought you hoccifer types were supposed to be smart... But you keep bashing on even after you've had it pointed out to you...