The Lavender Scare was a period of time in which thousands of people identifying as LGBT were forced to resign as they were believed to be a threat to national security. This relates to the Red Scare as it demonstrates the impact of moral panics. Anyone who identified in a way that “contradicted” American values were pushed out of public facing offices in order to preserve the moral fabric of America in the face of our enemies.
Anti-communist beliefs were viewed as being apart of America’s fabric. Due to the show of manliness and power that existed during the Cold War, LGBT folks were viewed as immoral and weaker. This was especially connected to the USSR’s atheistic policies, and therefore, as many Americans were Christian, the conservative populus at the time would support any way of life that aligned with what were believed to be good, American, and Christian values. The Cold War was a nuclear arms race, but it was also a show of a superior value and ethical system as well.
Sexual innuendos are still used in politics. An unfortunate part of modern politics is the prevalence of smear campaigns and a huge attack is one’s personal or sexual life. For example, sexual innuendos are used to remove someone’s credibility. During Hillary Clinton’s run for president, Republicans and Donald Trump used Bill Clinton’s affair in order to weaken her credibility. Donald Trump’s overturning of DEI policies also has the ability to target LGBT individuals which demonstrates how sexuality is still a divisive tactic in politics.
Will Wright 