Section 8 (military)

Section 8 was a category of military discharge employed by the United States Armed Forces which was used for servicemembers judged mentally unfit for service.

[1] A variety of sexual conduct could result in a Section 8 discharge, including cross-dressing, homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality and transgenderism;[2] along with necrophilia, bestiality and pederasty.

[1] The term comes from Section VIII of the World War II–era United States Army Regulation 615–360, concerning the separation of enlisted men from military service.

A Section 8 discharge for homosexuality of other sexual conduct was dishonorable,[1] and often made it difficult for people to find work in civilian life and did not allow for veterans benefits.

Poitier confessed to a psychiatrist that he was faking his condition, but the doctor was sympathetic and granted his discharge under Section VIII of Army regulation 615–360 in December 1944.