Marines at war over ‘Genderbread man’ in a green beret
A POSTER featuring a so-called ‘Genderbread’ person wearing a green beret has triggered anger and bemusement among Royal Marines.
The mocked-up image, intended to promote awareness of gender issues in Commando units, was attacked last night as disrespectful and a waste of money.
Some elite troops claimed the poster mocks their legendary green berets – which are only awarded after a brutally tough selection process.
A serving Sergeant Major told The Mail on Sunday: ‘I have no issues with anyone’s sexuality. But depicting a member of the Corps as a ‘‘Genderbread’’ person, and the wearing of a green beret, is deeply offensive. It looks as if the Marines are being mocked.’
A retired Royal Marines officer suggested the Corps had become ‘paralysed by political correctness’.
The poster, entitled ‘Helping You Understand Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity’, was produced by the Royal Navy in conjunction with
Compass, an equality campaign group officially recognised by the Ministry of Defence.
Last night, an MOD spokesman insisted that no offence was intended towards Service personnel. He also insisted the poster was supposed to be easy to understand. However, many troops were left confused by its wording.
The poster features four coloured boxes with the headings Expression, Identity, Sexual Orientation and Biological Sex. The text in each is supposed to explain the meaning behind these terms.
Under the heading ‘Identity’ the text reads: ‘How you, in your head, define your gender, based on how much you align (or don’t align) with what you understand to be the options for gender.’
‘Sexual Orientation’ is described as: ‘The sexual, romantic, physical and spiritual attraction you feel for others. Often based on the gender relationships between you and the people you are attracted to.’ Critics of the poster took to a Facebook page called Fill Your Boots, which is used by serving and retired military personnel. One person likened the use of language on the poster to ‘Batco’ – an encryption system used by British forces to send secret messages on the battlefield. Others said the poster was a waste of money at a time of defence cuts. The Royal Navy, of which the Royal Marines is part, has been praised by charities for its efforts to promote equality and diversity.
The ‘Genderbread’ person, based on the design of a gingerbread man, is used worldwide as an infographic to help people understand gender and sexuality issues.
An MOD spokesperson said: ‘We want the best possible people in the Armed Forces regardless of background – that’s why we are implementing a range of measures designed to encourage a diverse and inclusive workforce.’