Renewed Threats to LGBTQ+ Federal Workers: A Modern Lavender Scare Unfolds

In a chilling reminder of past discrimination, Lucas Schleusener, CEO of Out In National Security, has raised alarms about the current climate facing LGBTQ+ federal employees. Schleusener warns that the situation mirrors the infamous "Lavender Scare" of the mid-20th century, with elements of the anti-LGBTQ+ backlash from the 1980s and 1990s re-emerging. He suggests that beyond the publicized executive actions, there are covert operations targeting LGBTQ+ individuals within the federal workforce, drawing parallels to the McCarthy era.

The New Joe McCarthy?

Schleusener draws a stark comparison, likening Laura Loomer, a prominent MAGA influencer and confidante of Donald Trump, to Senator Joe McCarthy. "This is a manufactured moral panic, weaponized through bureaucracy," Schleusener stated in an interview. "Back then, the State Department took pride in driving queer employees to suicide; today, trans service members feel pressured to take their own lives due to these hostile policies." The difference, he notes, is the pervasive reach of social media, which amplifies harassment while increasing LGBTQ+ visibility, making it harder to silence the community.

Incidents of discrimination have surfaced, hinting at a broader systemic issue. An FBI agent was reportedly terminated for displaying a Pride flag, and the federal administration chose not to recognize World AIDS Day, signaling a troubling trend. However, Schleusener emphasizes that these incidents are merely the tip of the iceberg.

Unveiling Bureaucratic Oppression

With experience in national security roles under President Obama, Schleusener describes the environment for LGBTQ+ federal employees as one of "overwhelming bureaucratic trauma." He highlights ongoing workplace harassment across various national security agencies, including the CIA and the Import-Export Bank. Unlike the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era, there is an aggressive effort to expose LGBTQ+ workers through digital witch-hunts led by certain factions within the Republican Party.

One such group, STARRS, is actively scouring social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to identify minority service members displaying pride in their identity. Schleusener cites cases of individuals being removed from their positions, such as a Navy endocrinologist whose rainbow banner and pronouns on LinkedIn led to harassment. "It’s not about denying security clearances," he asserts, "but rather about targeted harassment."

Modern McCarthyism and Its Consequences

Laura Loomer has assumed the role of a modern-day McCarthy, Schleusener claims, by using the Plum Book to identify federal employees with job titles featuring "LGBT," "DEI," "equity," or "trans." These individuals face doxxing and persistent harassment, contributing to a hostile work environment. Schleusener notes a decline in support for the affected employees, exacerbated by the fallout from Trump's executive order "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government."

This order has led to the disbandment of LGBTQ+ resource groups within government agencies, such as GLIFAA, where the entire board resigned, and its website was stripped of content. Schleusener argues that these actions are indicative of a renewed Lavender Scare, where the government actively excludes trans individuals from military service despite significant investments in their training.

Legal Struggles and the Fight for Justice

The situation is further complicated by legislative actions, such as the NDAA, which includes provisions to ban trans women from service academies. Additionally, Cold War statutes like the Walter McCarran Act are being utilized to prevent trans foreign nationals from entering the U.S. Schleusener contends that these measures represent an escalation of discrimination, with little hope of cessation.

Efforts are underway to legally document these acts of harassment, yet there are formidable barriers to filing lawsuits. Schleusener laments the slow, arduous legal process and fears that a misstep could set a damaging Supreme Court precedent affecting all queer workers nationwide.

As the LGBTQ+ community grapples with these challenges, staying informed and engaged is crucial. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest developments and insights on how political forces are shaping the landscape for LGBTQ+ people across the globe.