WATCH: 4 Men Talk About What It's Like to be Gay in the Military

"Don't ask, don't tell" was repealed in 2011, but the ripple effect of homophobia in the military is still strong. "I genuinely thought that if I joined this seemingly hyper-masculine institution that I would come out straight at the end," says Lt. Adam Shuman.

Four men talked with Buzzfeed about their experience being gay and serving. The men range in age, backgrounds, and years enlisted, but share a common sentiment: there is tremendous progress to be made for LGBT American soldiers to feel safe and accepted in the military.