Military bronies

Ted Visser, TSgt Christine Sparks, Sgt Dylan Main, Cpl Zac Caruthers, SPC Jan P. Ducos, and LCpl Lyle Gilpatrick speak about their experience of being a brony and a service member in the United States Armed Forces. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Fandom Studies, military bronies represent an estimated 4–5% of the overall brony population and are largely an Internet-based community. The military bronies Facebook page, which was created in 2012, had accumulated more than 2,600 members by the end of that year. By 2013, the page had over 8,000 members; Military bronies also established dedicated websites and forums where members could display custom-made patches and discuss the show and fandom. Military bronies consist of service members from all military branches, though according to Pacific Standard, "there is a perception among them that Marines are the majority." At San Diego Comic-Con 2018, a "Bronies in Uniform" panel featured military bronies from multiple service branches discussing their experiences. The panel addressed topics like mental health challenges in the military and veteran suicide rates. == Reception ==

of a ponification of the United States In July 2012, some critics raised concerns about uniform violations after it was reported that some military bronies were displaying cutie mark patches on their uniforms at BronyCon 2012. A Military Times commenter identified potential violations of wearing uniforms at unauthorized events and displaying non-sanctioned patches. In response to the incident, a Pentagon spokeswoman stated that "non-authorized, non-military patches are not authorized for wear on military uniforms." In 2012, Margaret Loesch, the then-CEO and President of The Hub (the television channel where Friendship Is Magic aired), noted from an email from a group of United States enlisted personnel in Afghanistan explained how they came by the show by way of their daughters, but found the emphasis on teamwork and covering each other's backs resonated with their military fellowship. Loesch stated: "Even though it's a show designed for little girls, the theme of friendship and honor and integrity and the moral center has relevance to them. That's pretty special." Some military bronies have also reported experiencing bullying and harassment from fellow service members. At the 2018 Comic-Con panel, Navy LCDR Ted Visser described being "outed" as a brony in front of hundreds of personnel, which resulted in subordinates showing disrespect and at times refusing to follow his orders despite his rank. == Analysis ==

In a 2016 study published in the Journal of Fandom Studies, Maria Patrice Amon conducted ethnographic research on military bronies through brony convention attendance, interviews, and analysis of fan content. Amon found that military bronies represent an estimated 4–5% of the overall brony population, and that approximately 95% of military bronies are male. Amon argued that military bronies challenge traditional ideas about masculinity because their military service gives them secure masculine credentials, which allows them to openly enjoy a show designed for young girls without losing their masculine identity. According to Amon, by expressing emotions and sensitivity—traits traditionally associated with women—while maintaining their roles as soldiers, military bronies expand what it means to be masculine in military culture. Kevin W. Martin of Pacific Standard called the military bronies phenomenon "a fascinating site of negotiations of masculinity in one of its strongest bastions." He also observed that "male military bronies at times suffer from the kind of stigma and bullying reserved for feminine men and, because they are also often assumed to be gay, homophobia." == See also ==