MN and Homosexuality

[Unregistered]

As the post suggests this is a question about the MN's attitude to homosexuality, more specifically the attitude towards gay people on ship.

Its a worry for me and possibiliy anyone else gay in the MN, is this an issue for people on ship, or does it depend on the crew of the ship and their individual attitudes?
I know you'll always get some people that don't like it, and thats up to them, just don't want to find myself in the middle of the north sea on a boat full of homophobic russians motormen.

[size4riggerboots]

I know of a few gay people in the mn and no-ones ever had a problem as far as I'm aware, its not generally a good plan to dance in in a pink boa and shove it in everyones face mind, but its not an issue.

[MEJG]

Hey there, Sailor ;-)

Beleive it or not there are many many queers in the Merchant Navy, and not all of them are dancers on cruise ships... You even get engineering cadets who work on dirty dirty tankers and box boats who aren't eligable to give blood (if you get my meaning)...

As far as I'm concearned, it's not a big issue... rarely as big as people like to think (also works with a few other homosexually related topics) and most people dont have any issue with it

As long as you're good at your job, most people couldn't really care less if you're adam and steve, adam and eve or niamh and eve

[ETwhat?]

Generally theres no real need to discuss your personal life with your crew mates, i dont mean that you keep yourself apart and not socialise with them but theres a certain amount of personal life that isnt needed to really be discussed. which allows you to gloss over it, just dont go to the brothel with them when your in port.


There are cases of bullying and other issues with gay officers but the same way that girls had different issues, its also sometihng that is becomeing less common (apparantly) and companies are more organised to deal with it.

It does take a certain mind set as some people seem unhappy unless they have forced everyone to know and then prove acceptance,
Ultimately if you want to enter the MN go for it,

[CharlieDelta]

MEJG gets the prize for campest post ever on this forum. I don't tell anyone. If they ask, I'm honest. Most can tell anyway. No problems at all, though I'm on cruise ships so if you don't get on with some people you can socialise with others. Never let your sexuality define you. Do your job well and that's all that matters.

[MEJG]

MEJG gets the prize for campest post ever on this forum. I don't tell anyone. If they ask, I'm honest. Most can tell anyway. No problems at all, though I'm on cruise ships so if you don't get on with some people you can socialise with others. Never let your sexuality define you. Do your job well and that's all that matters.

You wait until you taste my enchiladas later... fabulous!

Clearly I'm a special case... most don't even suspect... but as it's been said... if you can do your job then that's what counts!

[Unregistered]

Well I mean Im an engine cadet so I will be working on big engines getting dirty and oily in a room full of testosterone, (most gays would kill for the chance)
I just wondered if anyone knew of any bother, it wouldn't stop me and I'd never be the homo that sits in the corner going "its cause im a puff", but its always better to know the most about things before you go jumping into them...I think I'l be keeping my steps album at home though

[Unregistered]

I'm a gay engine cadet soon to be heading offshore in the North Sea and beyond from Warsash. I've had no real issues at college and am out to anyone I get to know. I don't generally prance around in a pink boa as it's not really me, so I guess not many people realise! That does mean I don't actually know anyone here who is also gay.

I don't know how I'll find it when I get to sea and am not in an academic bubble any more. I guess it will be a like that every time I join a new ship...

[GuinnessMan]

I don't think i've ever sailed with a straight Messman.....

[Chiefy]

TBH no one cares, I dont mean that in a nasty way, but like many things folks is folks and if we where all the same then it'd be dead boring

Unless you feel the need then dont ask dont tell seems to apply.

As people say if you can do your job thats the biggest issue

[CharlieDelta]

I'm a gay engine cadet soon to be heading offshore in the North Sea and beyond from Warsash. I've had no real issues at college and am out to anyone I get to know. I don't generally prance around in a pink boa as it's not really me, so I guess not many people realise! That does mean I don't actually know anyone here who is also gay.

I don't know how I'll find it when I get to sea and am not in an academic bubble any more. I guess it will be a like that every time I join a new ship...

There's at least five of us in Warsash, and that's only Phase 3 people.

[Faust]

I've been on a ship where the second and third engineer were gay and nobody gave toss. It is 2011 and nobody really cares anymore, don't let your sexual preference affect your life at all!


I know of some cadets in phase one - just started - that are gay and nobody would even think of passing comment to them.... at the end of the day we are all in the same position!

Good luck with the career!

[dawg]

the second and third engineer were gay and nobody gave toss. ... at the end of the day we are all in the same position!

Speak for yourself, love.

[Faust]

Speak for yourself, love.

Maybe I poorly worded that.

[dawg]

buggered if I know