Kicked Out of the Military for Being Gay: One Man’s Experience During “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”Title.

James Garcia enlisted in the Air Force in 1996 despite knowing that, as a gay man, he could be discharged from the military. Despite the risks involved and the emotional strain of staying closeted, James stayed quiet about his private life. After a supervisor caught wind and began creating a toxic work environment, however, he knew his only choice was to come forward to his base commander about who he was. After coming out to his supervisor with the help of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, James was relieved of duty and honorably discharged three weeks later.

[fobxxl]

I'm so sorry you went through what you did. I was drafted in the Viet Nam War in 1965 when I was 19. Fortunately, I didn't come out until I was 23. I came across a lot of negativity once I came out, not unlike many other guys back then. I lost my best friend and an older sister who couldn't accept the fact I was gay. I was in a relationship for 40 years until my partner died in 2017. It was a wonderful life. In April, I will turn 78. Live your life for yourself, not anyone else. You're a young man, and you have your whole future ahead of you. Those who want you to change to what they believe is right must understand that if anyone has to change, " it has to be them." Let love be your guide through your life. It is the TRUE POWER AND STRENGTH IN LIFE. knows who you are. HE knows your heart. HE made you. HE loves you.

[tomhaywood]

You are one GREAT man!!! I'm 63yrs. old and I am EXTREMELY proud of you!!

[coreypatrick]

Thank you for your service sir - I too served as a gay man in the military- it was not easy

[samueljaramillo]

Many that wanted to serve in the military were not allowed to. Many of those that were serving that shouldn’t be are allowed to . Such injustice. He did what he did to be able to be true to himself. Wonderful man.

[LenHealsU]

My heart goes out to you James, but you did the right thing. It's amazing how your peers and commander took you out to lunch at the end (in a positive way). I wonder if they felt guilt. Whatever the case I'm sure your experience helped to open the door for Gays to be legally in the military.

[DannyLTerry]

Thank you for sharing this/your story.
His story is a friendly reminder of how far we have come and those who served to get us here this far.
I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SPECIAL SERVICE.👍❤

[juliancoulden]

What an extraordinary man. He could have been bitter, but he wasn’t. The country’s loss.

[nelsonmunoz]

Thank you for sharing your story. You're a great man.
Greetings from Spain.

[ScribblebytesWorldwide]

He done told! At least he got an Honorable Discharge. Thankfully it's legal now.

[lisaboban]

What a great story! Thank you so much for sharing it with those of us who need to hear it.

[generaldiego]

thanks for sharing this because it took guts duder

[michaelfairbairn]

I had a friend who was in the Air Force at the same time who described his superior officers' constant efforts to catch him out. It must have been horrible for him.

[src]

The opening music makes nostalgic but im not sure for what lol
But I really like it....💖

[jamesrobiscoe]

Courage and bravery come in many ways. Yours led you to a greater involvement in living. Congratulations.

[firouz]

A Smart, handsome, wholesome man with integrity!

[aikane]

Good that the military's rules have changed. The rules/laws have changed, but the culture hasn't. Gay Soldiers relay doors are closed for them for upward promotional potential. It takes time

[louisdewit]

I am Dutch and met quite a few USA 🇺🇸 military Gay men in Amsterdam, where i live, and NY during the eighties.
The ones who visited then Gay capital of Europe, Amsterdam during the weekend were based in Germany. Already then, if you’d take all Gay men and women out of the military there wouldn’t be a US army left to speak of. In Britain 🇬🇧 the same issues applied. Until Gay helicopter and plane pilots started a protest about one of the Gay man being fired. The whole shit was quickly altered. Otherwise No Brittanica ruling any wave. I lived in Israel 🇮🇱 for a while. Military service compulsory and many sign up for longer.
I knew many Gay military.
In the Netherlands 🇳🇱 during my youth, ‘80, army duty was also compulsory. They made leaflets for Gays who wanted to use their being homo ad an excuse to get out of it. Passed the leaflet stating: ‘ 6:40 ‘The Dutch army and homosexuality’. You had to go. I had no problem with it. I did not mention anything but an fairly sure they guessed with my dyed blond hair. Did half of my service for UN in Lebanon 🇱🇧. LOVED it.
The work, driving around the Lebanon, having time off in Israel. Traveling to Egypt. And loved the companionship.
What this rather wonderful man describes about losing his years long partner and which way is devastating. AND his mention that easily things can worsen. Our Bigot enemies are not sleeping. Coming from ALL directions. Think of O’Shae Sibly. He did not get the attention G. Floyd got. Even worse. Almost ALL the comments on the YT video took a stance against the innocent and FIERCE Gay guys. Basically saying: The Gays should have known their place and kept quiet. Well … NO MORE !
🌈

[curiousexcitement]

Yeah ..1993...one year I was kicked out

[algiles]

I am afraid the military Establishment annoys me - they wouldn't give a damn what you were if there was a war on, but other times they had these judgemental tones. It is like in the UK - we had conscription until the early 60s. It wouldn't have bothered them if you were gay (though they no doubt would have punished you if you were caught), and you have to wonder how many gay men were killed in World War 2 and Korea - we will never know, but you can be sure that the poor lads who lost their lives were not all 100% straight.

[micheal]

Well spoken & groomed. They took you out, because they were gay too.