Answer:
Despite the threat of oppression, LGBT military members sort of thrived during World War II. Many had never left their homes before and the war provided them an opportunity to find community, camaraderie/friendship, and, in some cases, first loves.
Explanation:
When Pearl Harbor happened and the United States went to war, suddenly, excluding the LGBT from military service wasn't as important. Women were allowed to enlist in the Women's Army Corps (WAC), and every patriotic American was expected to join in the war effort. Now, they were not well-treated whatsoever, but, from 1939 to 1945, they were policed much less and, in many cases, allowed to flourish within the confines of the military.
Some LGBT folk simply wanted to serve their country in its time of need. Some lesbians saw WAC life as a way to meet and live with other lesbians. Some joined the military not realizing they were gay or lesbian until they were exposed to others of their kind. Whatever their individual reasons, many of the LGBT rushed to enlist after Pearl Harbor.
The medical professionals were "trained" to spot homosexuals based on physical characteristics, behavior, and vocabulary. But as you can imagine, not many were "spotted."
If a man was caught doing the deed with another man, it was treated as a VERY serious crime. The guilty could be sent to the brigs, where guards enjoyed beating gay prisoners.
But, in spite of this, gay male culture, in lots of ways, flourished in the military. Drag shows were pretty popular during the war, and many men gladly dressed up in feminine clothing to put on a good show for their comrades. Homoerotic behavior was frequent in the barracks.
