Conduct Unbecoming

Gays & Lesbians in the U.S. Military

By: Randy Shilts

Narrated by: Daniel Henning

"A thoroughly researched and engrossingly readable history" (The New York Times Book Review) of gay men and women in the American armed forces by the author of And the Band Played On.

Published during the same year the American military instituted Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and 18 years before President Barack Obama repealed it, Conduct Unbecoming is a landmark work of social justice and a searing indictment of the military establishment's historic bigotry toward its gay servicemen and women. Randy Shilts' eye-opening book describes the bravery, both exceptional and everyday, not only of gay soldiers throughout history, but also of gay men and women serving in our modern military. With each anecdote and investigation, Shilts systematically dismantles the arguments against allowing gays to serve in the military.

At once a history of the American military and an account of the gay rights movement, Conduct Unbecoming is a remarkable testament to the progress achieved for gays in the military - and a revealing look at how far we have yet to go.

©1994 The Estate of Randy Shilts (P)2021 Tantor

outstanding information

As a veteran I had no idea the depth of damage going on then to the people and by the people around me.

Corpsman not Coors Men

I loved reading this book the first time I read it I thought I'd revisit it in audio. I was overwhelmingly displeased that the pronunciation of Corpsman was overlooked in its pronunciation. That's it, other than that still a very compelling book.