Gay grads of West Point come out!

A new organization is taking a different path to help end the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy by offering to partner with the nation’s oldest military academy, West Point. Their goal is to “support thousands of LGBT soldiers currently serving in the armed forces, and to educate the current military leadership on the importance of accepting and honoring the sacrifices and selfless service of their LGBT soldiers and officers.”

Knights Out, a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) West Point Alumni group, issued a statement pledging “to serve as a critical support and advocacy group for the full acceptance of gay service members, particularly at West Point.”

By publicly outing themselves, the group is striving to take ownership of their contributions to the institution and the military in general. In discussing the role of Knights Out, retired Colonel Stewart Bornhoft (West Point class ’69) pointed out that “all West Pointers, regardless of their own sexual orientation, will soon be charged with leading soldiers who freely acknowledge their diverse orientations. Just as we set the example for the successful integration of the races and genders, we will have that same responsibility when our nation joins the family of 26 other militaries that have implemented the freedom to serve openly. When open service is enacted, the words of the Cadet Prayer - ‘…never to be content with a half truth when the whole truth can be won’ – will once again be our guidepost.”

Additional published Knights Out goals include providing an online forum for discussing diversity in the military, serving as positive role models and providing diversity speakers for West Point.

Are you a West Point alumnus that dealt with keeping your sexuality hidden? Or do you have an opinion of the importance of this organization?

Comments

[Bradley]

About time someone stands up, because this don't ask don't tell policy. Thanks Army dudes. As a former sailor, i didn't get kick out of the military because i am bisexual, I got kick out for different reason. but thats now or there to be discuss. Thanks knight out thanks

[Dino]

This is badass, hmm it makes me think of my platoon leader from basic differenty lol i guess west point is smart, but this is awesome hell no one cares anyways at least not in my platoon all them fucks know I gets down with the dick lol, but with all seriousness this is awesome it is a step foward on the war on Gay Rights.

[Gregory]

I was enlisted in the Air Force for six years and I can tell you that miss the uniform and the camaraderie. I left service when my commitment ended because I found a partner whom I've now been with coming up on five years. I would again join the ranks of the Air Force in a heartbeat if they would simply acknowledge my partner and afford us the same courtesies as everyone else. Knights Out, both my partner (ex-army) and I are both rooting for you.

[dillonvossen]

just look north - no problems here in this regard...

[SailorMatt194]

This is great...I can't wait until the organization that I love, and that loves me back - no longer has this rule hanging over mine and so many of my Ship Mates heads.

[Eric]

I'll ask this on their forums to/website. Their group is only for former officers but is there one for enlisted?

Officers technically do make more of a difference in the military system as far as getting things done, but I support getting rid of dont ask dont tell with a passion that is unmatchable.

[tomriddlesmate]

The military is the last line of Defense for those who would oppose gay rights. Once the military falls to complete integration, there will be no stopping us. Benefits, marriage, civil rights...you name it.

[C. Elliott in VA]

As a Navy vet - i salute the Knights Out. Back in the day when I served - there was no "Don't Ask" policy. It was for "straight" forward - You can not be homosexual and be in the military. I served with great honor and had I stayed in - would have served a tour of duty in the White House. But I gave up my military career because I didn't want to lie to myself - my shipmates - or my country any longer than the 8 years I already had. So as an Honorably Discharged sailor - I stand and salute the Knights Out - BZ.

[Brian]

My name is Brian Hubbard. I joined the army June 14 2000. After basic I was assined to 2/502 INF BGD at FT Campbell KY. If anyone remebers the movie Soldiers Girl, that happened in C company of my BN; I was in A company. I have been on various deployments, as everyone else. Since the focus here is Iraq, I served during the invasion, from Jan 03 to Jan 04.
One week before I ETS'd in Sept 04, my roomate caught myself and another soldier in my bed. The appropriate chain of command took the appropriate actions, and 5 days later I recieved my Chapter 15. I now work in the oilfield, in the bible belt, and my sexual preference has not hindered my progress.
When I first recieved e-mail notices from the VA and military.com newsletters, that retired officers are urging congress to end the "don't ask don't tell" policy, I didn't feel much confidence that they would have a real impact. I am elated to see forward progression with our acceptance within our country and our military.
Thank you gay.com for keeping these stories alive. And I want to thank all supporters and organizations that are the backbone of this forward progression. And finally, thank you readers and bloggers.

[BataanAVER in NM]

As a graduate of a Service Academy, I applaud what Knights Out did. If you are an LGBT veteran, there are several organizations out there that are standing with Knights Out. Blue Alliance, and USNA Out are also affiliated with the Service Academy Gay and Lesbian Alumni (SAGALA) www.sagala.net. If you did not go to a Service Academy, then there is also the American Veterans for Equal Rights organization www.aver.us. All of the organizations I listed had representatives at SLDN's Freedom to Serve rally last Friday and need everyone's help in the coming days as we push to ensure that LGBT members of the Armed Forces can serve without fear and with dignity.

[Arthur]

HELL YEAH!! MY FREAKEN HEROS ON SOO MANY LEVELS!!

[repleon]

as a former sailor who was discharged under the "DADT", applaud the Knights Out. every time i hear about a possible repeal of "DADT", I gain just a sliver of hope of returning to the navy. Not a day goes by that i dont miss it. for me it was the best decision i made to join.

[sean]

Years ago, back in the mid-80's West Point expelled a cadet for being gay. They heard he was gay so they asked him and he told them the truth, that he was gay. He was promptly expelled from West Point. He was from Warren, Minnesota and must be in his 40's now. Does anyone remember him or his name? I always wondered what happened to him.

[TheLordofWales]

That's GENIUS!

[dex]

i kinda like the "don't ask don't tell policy." This is a loop hole for those who do not wish to serve if there is ever a draft. all you have to say is that you are gay and that is your get out of jail free card. Since there are 2 wars currently going on and troubles with North Korea. I think this policy should stay for a bit longer if not a lot longer.

[J.A. Geiger]

Don't ask don't tell if you're straight? Give me a break! It's a double standard and needs to be broken. If you're willing to give your life for your country you need to have all the support of every member of your country! Including every member of the service~ Come on Obama......you have the power and the commitment of every LGBT in the service. We need you now! God Bless You and your family! WE ALL RESPECT YOU!

[splerk]

With what's been going on with our military like losing paperwork and fighting a war out of false assumptions, ...
Who'd really wants to serve anymore.
What are they going to do now, let all the openly gays be the front sheild.
Watch your back!
Why would any gay enter the military to fight for quote American Rights that don't apply to them or us.
God bless you who have, though.

[Tim]

If i could of been out and proud when I was in the military, I still would be there.

[Michael Mammone]

I was wondering why they can not be supported through all the military not just armed forces it should be through out the hole military. Because that is discriminatory of how they are doing it and that is not far for the rest of the rest of the military like the navy and the air force which I already have a friend the air force and I want him to feel safe in the air force. Please try to convince the military which I mean the whole military not just one section because that is not far for the rest of the military people.

[james d]

i went to west point and im gay.. who the hell cares? i dont.. no one else does. you are here to do a job. not whine and worry about who cares if you suck dick or not. get over yourself

[msb45a]

My best friend is ex-navy, and I believe that once Gays are allowed to be open, he probably rejoin. I would be proud of him if he did, yes, I would miss him terribly if he did. My older Brother is ex-navy too, and Gay, but I think that he is too old now.

[Louis]

Big time salute! After 21 in the Army now retired MSG, I wonder if a group will start up for us? Something like "Silent Warriors Out" would love to tell my story!

[Chris]

well it is great what the knights out orginazition is doing but I do have to say to the officers in charge of West Point. well done. for letting this group form and accepting them. they could have just expelled all the kadets that were involved in the knights out group. so I say well done to everyone.

[Michael]

dudes. these are photos of citadel kids...not west point...

[ice_breaker01]

I am a former marine served active from 81 to 84 would have loved to be open back then. I didnt get out because of being Gay but hopefully things will change for the current active duty soldiers.

[Brandon]

I applaud this decision. Coming from a background where being homo/bisexual was a disgrace, and serving in the military was the ultimate honor, I can think of no greater reverance to this cause than a soldier in any branch of the Armed Forces being homo/bisexual and serving or having served honorably. Distinguishing himself and his country by his selfless pursuit openly and honestly.

[Gus]

Funny how that when the Military starts running out of soilders to stick in Haliburton body bags....the view that we homosexuals are *worthy* of serving in the military, becomes a more common opinion.
Sad actually.

[daddy_bear54]

I never was a member if the military (4F as a result of past orthopedic surgery), but I know a number of gay vets. It is rather sad that minority groups have had to fight for the right to serve heir country. Maybe the military and the government will finally get their heads out of their asses.

[Jay]

As a member of the Long Gray Line, I applaud Knight Out for what they are doing and stand for. West Point has always been on the foreground of social change in America and this issue is no different. Its tough being gay at the Academy but a few of us do make it through to serve our nation as officers in the Army.

[bguy1234]

Yea I hope that everyone would stand out and be counted for! I as a Pvt and was suppose to go to into officer school! my first sargent came to me one nite after I had been out and really drunk told me to come to his room and horny gay man i did! we had a relationship in his room for 8 weeks he told me if I told he swear that I tried to get him to let me do him! then when i was move to ait school the next sgt new and told me that i was to keep quiet and it all be ok! but he told other sgt and then it was like a one nite with him and so one! they kept sayin if you tell you get dishonarable discharge
so this continued thru! I got to vietnam and then i was assigned to DaNang officers mess then i really was used and abused by alot of officers from generals on down but they all told me if i told i be kick out! Yea maybe i wanted it but still I was used by all of them! being yong and dumb i never have said anything till now! The only thing I need to say is speak out I serve my country well the three tours in Nam There is more gay in the top and that there is in the lower ranks!
So General Wes speak out you know what you did I so do I! And now there are 3 congressmen that know what they did but yet live the life of and keep voting againest all gay things that come up!They are ashamed of there past!! I am not! Where should I go from here!

[corrective_unconscious]

>i went to west point and im gay.. who the hell cares? i dont.. no one else does. you are here to do a job. not whine and worry about who cares if you suck dick or not. get over yourself

Sure, so the str8 armed services personnel can't mention their dates or wives, or spawn for that matter, right Sport? Make those breeders check their wedding rings when they enlist. That would be equality, you cretin.

I love the guy who says West Point has been at the forefront of social change in America. Ha ha, they're just getting a gay alumni group now!

[disco valante]

I am a Naval Academy graduate, an active duty naval officer, and owner of a gay marketed underwear company, Disco Valante.

I think everyone should allowed to be themselves.

And congrats to the Knights, however,

GO NAVY, BEAT army!!!!

http://www.discovalante.com

[Michael Boudreau]

I'm an openly gay officer in the Canadian Forces Navy.
Life is great here, and it should be there too... someday... good luck to all!

[former_Navy_guy]

As a former Naval Officer I applaud the Knights for their decision to do this. Had I felt that my sexual orientation would not be an issue I would have made the Navy a career, but the thought of having to hide who I am made me muster out so that I could live my life honestly and without fear.

[LTC Michael L Johnson, USA Retired]

I am not a West Point Graduate. I received a direct commission in the Regular Army in 1962 as a Medical Service Corps Officer.

At the time I thought a hiomosexual was a man who wanted to be a woman. I never wanted that. I just was attacted to men. I checked that I did not have homosexual tendancies and I truly believed that in 1961 when I filled out the form.

I was a Major in 1976 and was taken to a gay bar in Washington DC by a civilian friend. I saw men who were men who liked men. That was me. I accepted that I was homosexual and read more about my old beliefs and found out I had been wrong.

I never went back to women.

I met a lover in 1978 and when I was reassigned to Germany in 1982. I was a Lieutenant Colonel then. I took my lover with me. Unfortunately he was an alcoholic and he died of liver complications. I was devastated. I had to make all the arrangements and hope my command did not find out I was gay. I knew of another gay officer through a mutual military friend. I went to spend a weekend with him and his lover. I at least could tell someone of my loss. Had I been straight and my wife had dies the Army would have been there for me. I could have talked in the office. But no I was gay and had to keep it a secret.

I served for over 24 years retiring in April 1986. Including two tours in Vietnam as a Commanding Officer of a forward Medical Depot. (1965-66 and 1971-72) First in Qui Nhon and second in Cam Ranh Bay.

I met several gay officers and we were good leaders. We never hit on our troops. I played with civilians. However, I always worried I could be found out and loose everything.

We have to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell and let gays serve openly.

[spc navarro]

From the bounty hunters.... i say thank you knights out ur doing what we all wish we could do... thanx again stay strong..

[patrick r. schuppe]

i hope at all milatry schools run by the dod should try to update the "don't tell"policy on guys and lisbions who serv in our milatry , and learn to respect them for what the are good leaders in our milatry.

[Gruff]

I am a graduate of the Air Force Academy, Class of '95. At graduation I cross commissioned into the Navy and served for ten years. At the ten year mark, I decided to leave the Navy because of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. I gladly support the Knights Out and would encourage my fellow USAFA alumni in a similar position to come together as well. I'm all for Service Academy rivalry, but I think this is a battle that we all equally share and should fight together!

[chad]

this gives us out here in iarq hope that we can come out and be our self one day soon. i'm still debating re-uping cus i'm tired of hinding and wants a life.
i still want to go to West Point or at lest finsh my college with ROTC. this makes me smile and can go out on mission with hope for the next day

[Gary]

I'm thrilled with the courage the Knights are displaying. As I come near the end of a career, the stress of self-denial is taking its toll. I think younger men and women who haven't had to live in a world that described homosexuality as an illness are far more healthy and free to be true to themselves and more whole as individuals along the way. When straights get over their self-focus and realize we're not trying to screw them...maybe they'll begin to understand that we aren't a threat to them, their lifestyle or their concept of marriage. We just want to love and be loved like all of humanity.

[j.sin]

p.l.u.r.

[Mike]

It is great to hear all of your stories. I have never been in the military, but I am a young gay teacher and football coach at a high school in super conservative Oklahoma. I know how you feel about having to hide that part of you. I do it every day. Thank you for serving our country. You are true heros.

[Beth W]

This is so darn overdue. The military whines about not having enough personnel then kicks people out for being gay. That's the crime. I won't stop advocating for gay and lesbian rights until we have a civil rights amendment in this country. Thanks for taking another step forward.

[Michael]

It is a shame the gay community has not aquired 'full cohesiveness' in the war of 'rights'. I'am a gay male and about 22 years ago, I went to a Air Force 'strat' bar in Delaware, called TAPS. I was used to- but uncomfortable being around many servicemen through my friends marriages and relationships; I was there less than 5 minutes- when looking at the dance floor where there were about 20 men dancing- each one as seductive as the next. I kept watching because if I didn't know any better- I would have thought I was in a gay bar! The women sitting at the tables never uttered a word! Here were exceptional men erotically dancing amongst themselves- no women were on the floor. When I went to the 'Mens' room- it only took a second to realize these guys were making out-
hot 'n' heavy in the stalls, while several 'other's sat on the sinks with their lovers standing between their open thighs. I couldn't believe it. The two women I had come with never saw or picked up on anything. I danced right along with them- and 3 hours later , not a woman once came onto the floor. What a night. md

[Terri]

I'm not military and never have been but I'm a lesbian public school teacher. My profession has the unspoken rule of DADT (so the parents don't go nuts with all of us who might be recruiting the tender little kiddies into a life of sin)----so maybe if you are all made legitimate, then I won't have to worry every day about being found out and fired on the spot. All military folks, past and present, are my heroes. Than you for fighting yet another fight that might just benefit the entire country.

[Kit]

As a current hospital corpsman serving with a marine infantry battalion I greatly appreciate the efforts of Knights Out. I only wish that congress would finally get into action. Please, Knights Out, do more than just advise current military leadership. Please also direct attention to Capitol Hill because that will be where any progress is made. Thank you, again.

[Serving Proudly]

I have been serving honorably for nearly 18 years. I am so sick of seeing married military members get paid more and have a better support system. It pains me that every time I go TDY, which has been quite often lately, my partner can't drive me to the base, or publicly say goodbye. I have been fortunate to be around people that appreciate me for who I am and not what I am. But we will never be equal until we have equal benefits. There is no reason why someone who has the same exact date of rank and time in service as me gets paid more because they are married and I am not. I have been in a committed relationship for 4 years now. I have seen marriages (in the military) not last 6 months.