Netflix’s new military series, “Boots,” focused on LGBTQ+ themes, has received criticism from the Pentagon. The show, which debuted on October 9, 2023, tells the story of Cameron Cope, a gay teenager who joins the Marines. This comes at a time when being openly gay in the military was not accepted.
Pentagon Responds to ‘Boots’
Cameron is portrayed by Miles Heizer, with Vera Farmiga playing his mother. The series draws inspiration from Greg Cope White’s memoir, “The Pink Marine.” On October 16, the Pentagon’s Press Secretary, Kingsley Wilson, addressed concerns about the series in a statement to El-Balad.
Official Statement
- Wilson emphasized the military’s commitment to maintaining elite standards.
- She stated, “The weight of a rucksack doesn’t care if you’re a man, a woman, gay, or straight.”
- Wilson criticized Netflix for promoting what she termed “woke garbage.”
Controversy Surrounding Secretary of War
Current Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has faced backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates for his views on military policies. Notably:
- He ordered the renaming of the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship honoring the slain LGBTQ+ rights activist.
- During a keynote address at Special Operations Forces Week 2025, he expressed strong opposition to diversity initiatives.
- Hegseth has also supported Trump’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the military.
Viewership and Reception
“Boots” quickly climbed the charts on Netflix, ranking among the platform’s top 10 shows globally. In its first week, the series garnered over 4.7 million views. As of October 18, it stands as the third-most-watched show on Netflix.
Context of LGBTQ+ Policies in the Military
The series is set in the 1990s, highlighting the era when the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was in effect. This policy permitted gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve in the military, provided they kept their sexual orientation private. Openly identifying as LGBTQ+ led to disqualification from military service.
As discussions about representation in media continue, the Pentagon’s critical stance on “Boots” serves as a reflection of the ongoing debate about LGBTQ+ rights within military contexts.
