Hey- if they can hold a gun and shoot, follow orders, and complete the mission- I don't give a damn whether they're gay. They're a soldier, and therefore my brother.
attempting to go to annapolis myself and having a close friend in pararescue training, we often discuss military issues and both agree, that when it comes to homosexuality we dont care. if a guy is gay, its not like they are gonna try anything in the middle of a firefight or anything and honestly i dont think it would be much different to have someone gay fighting along with me. they are standing up for not just their but everyone's rights and that's something to be proud of
why? We need people who are willing to fight for our country, just because they are gay doesn't mean they are weaker or unable to preform the job at hand. why does it matter who someone loves. are you that insecure with your own sexuality that you feel threatened by a gay male, or is that your feel less of a man, if a gay man preforms better than you at anything?
how does it make sense that strong, well rounded, intelligent men, who happen to be gay, cannot serve in the military openly for the country that they love and that is supposed to be the land of the FREE and the home of the Brave?
Biggest? Yes, Best? Depends on who and what you are defining. But to imply that the policies of 10USC654 have anything to do with US domination is a tad bit naive.
I do not think it is naive at all. If anything it is opinion. I personally believe in the long run, it has a lot to do with how the group views one another, and group moral. Just because some are okay with homosexuality does not mean everyone is. Nor do I believe it should be forced on everyone to be okay with it.
As a gay alumnus of the Naval Academy, I cannot begin to express my pride in the creation of this film. It is long overdue. It has reminded me just how proud am I to have graduated and to have served in the Navy.
I can see there being some trouble with homosexuality in certain areas. When men and women berth together, there is going to be shennanigans eventually. The same applies to homosexual men berthing together(or with straight men).
The solution is, you dont berth men and women in the same quarters.
Since we don't allow men and women to berth together on a ship, will there be separate berthing areas for gay and straight?
no, you are not being realistic, which is what is happening now. There are numerous soldiers, sailors airmen and marines serving openly on active duty, for whom is this a problem? Not their roommates, it seems to be a problem for housewives in Michigan.
If we're being realistic, then you must realize that gay and straight sailors are already berthing together, showering together, etc. So where are the shenanigans that you are trying to warn us about? If everything you said above were true, they should already be taking place.
Great!!! Finally the public will learn about the unfairness that goes on at this place!!! Ignorance and bias on people's sexuality has no place in an institution of higher learning. You can use a gun if you're gay or straight!!!! Protecting this country has nothing to do with your sexual orientation. I can't wait for the entire film to be completed!!!!
I think it actually has to do with the morale of a unit, not the individual itself, if the rest of the people in that unit knew that individual was gay, then it would certainly be a detriment to the mission in their subconsciouness, is just the way it is, you cannot think about just the gay individual, you have to think of everybody else around him.
Why is it that homosexuality is an issue to begin with?
It is my view that Homosexuality is an issue because Homosexuals make it an issue. I believe they desire societies advocacy for what has been viewed as aberrant behavior. When you put anything ahead of your service to your country you have failed as an officer. Officers shoulkd
Hey Sennot1, you didn't finish your point here, but to cut to your question, if gays in the military were treated as equals with the counterparts, this would not be an issue. In fact, our studies show that fewer than 5% of the academy grads serving on active duty feel that they will "come out" in their unit. They don't want to talk about their private lives any more than they want to hear about the others'. They just don't want to feel that they are living a life of lies.
all i have to say is i dont feel sorry for any of you. you chose to be gay and overall choose to be in the military. you knew about the policy you knew you would have to live a double life. so dont try and get people to pity you.
hmm . . you obviously have not been to the film website, because "pity" is not at all what this film is about, as who's asking for pity here? If it is anyone that should be feeling bad, it is the US Taxpayers who are losing some pretty fine officers from our forces. Not because they knew when they entered the service, but learned about themselves in time. I won't even get into the "choice" discussion.
We did choose to join the military but often did not know our sexual orientation at the time of joining since you enter the academy at a very young age. I don't understand why you say we choose to be gay. I never chose it, but it is who I am. When did you choose to be straight? Can you tell me how you sat down and thought about it and decided, yeah I think I'll be straight. Your sexuality whether gay or straight is not a choice.
No, of course he didn't sit down and choose to be straight -- humans are biologically designed to be heterosexual; since it is a necessity for the proliferation of species, heterosexuality is instinctual. This argument is not about whether or not being homosexual is a choice (in fact, there is no evidence supporting either claim, and testimonies are too unreliable to be cited). The argument is about what allowing open-service will do to the effectiveness of the military to execute its mission.
So, keep the points on track. Let's also remember, gays can still serve in the military, just not openly. There are many good reasons for this, and I have found that a majority of people arguing on either side do not know them. I'm not going to take the time to write them out, but I would encourage you to take a closer, more comprehensive look at WHY the current policy exists, and not let your orientation lend itself to partiality.
I hope they are not either of those things, maybe it will open your mind up to new ideas and possibilities, remember that some of the men and women you will lead some day will not be god fearing and some will be gay.
I find that most people who fear the unknown have something to hide themselves. "MadHtr4" I wish you the best of luck during Plebe Year. I know from experience that it helps to keep an open mind. You never know who you will ultimately depend on. Good luck. I hope you learn acceptance in college as well as naval traditions.
Neither of those atributes MadHtr have anything to do with how well one commands sailors or marines. I sincerely hope you learn that before you get to the fleet.
I served 12 years in the USN, and I'm a gay man. I wanted to make it a career and I loved what I did (flying). But it became increasingly difficult, on a personal level, to constantly worry about being "found out" which would lead to being kicked out. The Navy lost a great sailor because _they_ have a problem with gays serving. I didn't want to be "OUT", I just wanted to serve, do my job, and not be harrassed or have promotions influenced by who I am as a human being. Go Navy!
From the trailer I can tell this is a movie I want to see. These stories must be told for change to be possible, and change is possible when the public is educated and the opposing views are given equal time in the public arena.
I enlisted, but never served in the Navy because of a health issue. But, the question I was asked was, "Do you have a problem with homosexuality?". At that point in my life, I didn't, so I told the truth.
DADT needs to be repealed. So many LGBT folks serve honorably in the military here and elsewhere.
right, simple to say, but not that easy. . . what we know is that well over 90% of the LGBT alumni did not identify as LGBT when they took the Oath of Office as a Midshipman, over 50% still didn't identify as LGBT 4 years later when they were commissioned as officers serving in the US Navy and Marine Corps. For the vast majority, the coming out process was very, very difficult, sometimes impacting performance and usually impacting their career aspirations. That's what this movie is all about.
Well I appreciate the maker's concern for introducing a film that has a much deeper impact than people realize. However, for a future reference, to all those out there "who do things differently," perhaps the armed forces is not your cup of tea. The world isn't over, you can still live a life of happiness.
A life-long career in the Navy or Marine Corps isn't the "cup of tea" for about two-thirds of all those who graduate from the US Naval Academy. What we've recently learned is that the LGBT career served numbers aren't that much different than our straight counterparts. We have retired from full careers as surface officers, submariners, pilots and Marines.
As a grad who went into the Academy knowing I was gay and wanting to be a naval officer more than anything else in the world, it's my opinion that not allowing gays to openly serve in the military goes against the fundamental principles this nation was founded on. It's really that simple for me.
So, let's see Omega....patriotic gay people should NOT serve their country, because it would make homophobic pricks like you uncomfortable? Did I get that right. (A Vietnam Vet).
"Comfort" has never the reasoning behind DoD policy on LGBT, to include the pre-DADT era. Allowing this change is an issue of health, privacy, and morale/discipline. The statistics and reasoning behind these issues are both valid and shocking - I will provide them if you want. Nowhere in the Constitution, or in judiciary precedence, does it say that military service is a right. It is, in reality, a privilege, and unfortunately not a privilege for all.
I agree that nowhere in the Constitution, or in judiciary precedence, it says that military service is a right, as you say it is a privilege, and unfortunately not a privilege for all, but what's that have to do with LGBT status?? As one who was gay and had the privilege to serve for more than 24 years, so tell me what is so shocking!!! I want a military that will protect me and my family against all enemies foreign and domestic. And please do not bring Hitler nor the pope into your argument.
Thanks for doing this video. It is the story of many of my friends who served our country as gay men and women. The energy to hide is staggering. We must move on from this damaging aspect to our committed men and women who want to serve in our military. This is 2009....YES WE CAN!
Hey- if they can hold a gun and shoot, follow orders, and complete the mission- I don't give a damn whether they're gay. They're a soldier, and therefore my brother.
holycattle 2 years ago
I think having a soldier / sailor who is frightened of something as innocuous as homosexuality, is a FAR bigger concern.
We need brave people (and informed people), not frightened ones in our armed forces
ZachDC 2 years ago 3
attempting to go to annapolis myself and having a close friend in pararescue training, we often discuss military issues and both agree, that when it comes to homosexuality we dont care. if a guy is gay, its not like they are gonna try anything in the middle of a firefight or anything and honestly i dont think it would be much different to have someone gay fighting along with me. they are standing up for not just their but everyone's rights and that's something to be proud of
fahza 2 years ago 4
I think to not let homosexuals to join it is the best answer.
palonitas 2 years ago
why? We need people who are willing to fight for our country, just because they are gay doesn't mean they are weaker or unable to preform the job at hand. why does it matter who someone loves. are you that insecure with your own sexuality that you feel threatened by a gay male, or is that your feel less of a man, if a gay man preforms better than you at anything?
arthistorybuff99 2 years ago
how does it make sense that strong, well rounded, intelligent men, who happen to be gay, cannot serve in the military openly for the country that they love and that is supposed to be the land of the FREE and the home of the Brave?
arthistorybuff99 2 years ago 2
I applaud your telling of these stories for the public to hear. Best wishes and keep me posted.
PatternTheory 2 years ago
Other countries allow gay people to serve in their military. Imagine that.
vlsi0n 2 years ago 6
Our military happens to be the best. Imagine that.
Kyousuke687 2 years ago
Biggest? Yes, Best? Depends on who and what you are defining. But to imply that the policies of 10USC654 have anything to do with US domination is a tad bit naive.
theQboat 2 years ago
I do not think it is naive at all. If anything it is opinion. I personally believe in the long run, it has a lot to do with how the group views one another, and group moral. Just because some are okay with homosexuality does not mean everyone is. Nor do I believe it should be forced on everyone to be okay with it.
Kyousuke687 2 years ago
As a gay alumnus of the Naval Academy, I cannot begin to express my pride in the creation of this film. It is long overdue. It has reminded me just how proud am I to have graduated and to have served in the Navy.
SphinxLA 2 years ago 13
I can see there being some trouble with homosexuality in certain areas. When men and women berth together, there is going to be shennanigans eventually. The same applies to homosexual men berthing together(or with straight men).
The solution is, you dont berth men and women in the same quarters.
Since we don't allow men and women to berth together on a ship, will there be separate berthing areas for gay and straight?
I am not bashing gays, just being realistic.
Skierxman 3 years ago
no, you are not being realistic, which is what is happening now. There are numerous soldiers, sailors airmen and marines serving openly on active duty, for whom is this a problem? Not their roommates, it seems to be a problem for housewives in Michigan.
sfrower 2 years ago
If we're being realistic, then you must realize that gay and straight sailors are already berthing together, showering together, etc. So where are the shenanigans that you are trying to warn us about? If everything you said above were true, they should already be taking place.
pnj101 2 years ago 5
Great!!! Finally the public will learn about the unfairness that goes on at this place!!! Ignorance and bias on people's sexuality has no place in an institution of higher learning. You can use a gun if you're gay or straight!!!! Protecting this country has nothing to do with your sexual orientation. I can't wait for the entire film to be completed!!!!
cwazycwabber 3 years ago
I think it actually has to do with the morale of a unit, not the individual itself, if the rest of the people in that unit knew that individual was gay, then it would certainly be a detriment to the mission in their subconsciouness, is just the way it is, you cannot think about just the gay individual, you have to think of everybody else around him.
dianbyacamus 2 years ago
Why is it that homosexuality is an issue to begin with?
It is my view that Homosexuality is an issue because Homosexuals make it an issue. I believe they desire societies advocacy for what has been viewed as aberrant behavior. When you put anything ahead of your service to your country you have failed as an officer. Officers shoulkd
Sennot1 2 years ago
Hey Sennot1, you didn't finish your point here, but to cut to your question, if gays in the military were treated as equals with the counterparts, this would not be an issue. In fact, our studies show that fewer than 5% of the academy grads serving on active duty feel that they will "come out" in their unit. They don't want to talk about their private lives any more than they want to hear about the others'. They just don't want to feel that they are living a life of lies.
theQboat 2 years ago
all i have to say is i dont feel sorry for any of you. you chose to be gay and overall choose to be in the military. you knew about the policy you knew you would have to live a double life. so dont try and get people to pity you.
Lancheros 3 years ago
hmm . . you obviously have not been to the film website, because "pity" is not at all what this film is about, as who's asking for pity here? If it is anyone that should be feeling bad, it is the US Taxpayers who are losing some pretty fine officers from our forces. Not because they knew when they entered the service, but learned about themselves in time. I won't even get into the "choice" discussion.
theQboat 3 years ago 4
We did choose to join the military but often did not know our sexual orientation at the time of joining since you enter the academy at a very young age. I don't understand why you say we choose to be gay. I never chose it, but it is who I am. When did you choose to be straight? Can you tell me how you sat down and thought about it and decided, yeah I think I'll be straight. Your sexuality whether gay or straight is not a choice.
culverpc 3 years ago 6
No, of course he didn't sit down and choose to be straight -- humans are biologically designed to be heterosexual; since it is a necessity for the proliferation of species, heterosexuality is instinctual. This argument is not about whether or not being homosexual is a choice (in fact, there is no evidence supporting either claim, and testimonies are too unreliable to be cited). The argument is about what allowing open-service will do to the effectiveness of the military to execute its mission.
JGdrummerSpin33 2 years ago
So, keep the points on track. Let's also remember, gays can still serve in the military, just not openly. There are many good reasons for this, and I have found that a majority of people arguing on either side do not know them. I'm not going to take the time to write them out, but I would encourage you to take a closer, more comprehensive look at WHY the current policy exists, and not let your orientation lend itself to partiality.
JGdrummerSpin33 2 years ago
i will be a member of usna c/o 2013 starting 01 JUL 2009 and I sincerely hope both of my roommates are straight, god-fearing men.
this video is so very gay...
MadHtr4 3 years ago
i guess of you are a girl or a gay guy, that would be really hot!
sfrower 3 years ago
I hope they are not either of those things, maybe it will open your mind up to new ideas and possibilities, remember that some of the men and women you will lead some day will not be god fearing and some will be gay.
Mego0427 3 years ago 4
I find that most people who fear the unknown have something to hide themselves. "MadHtr4" I wish you the best of luck during Plebe Year. I know from experience that it helps to keep an open mind. You never know who you will ultimately depend on. Good luck. I hope you learn acceptance in college as well as naval traditions.
swim97 3 years ago 9
Neither of those atributes MadHtr have anything to do with how well one commands sailors or marines. I sincerely hope you learn that before you get to the fleet.
WarlordPrince 3 years ago 11
Probably because you're afraid you'll be attracted to them otherwise
artydodge 3 years ago 2
Any chance of moving up the release date?The sooner this comes out, the more it can help in the repeal of DADT.
fccg65 3 years ago 3
I served 12 years in the USN, and I'm a gay man. I wanted to make it a career and I loved what I did (flying). But it became increasingly difficult, on a personal level, to constantly worry about being "found out" which would lead to being kicked out. The Navy lost a great sailor because _they_ have a problem with gays serving. I didn't want to be "OUT", I just wanted to serve, do my job, and not be harrassed or have promotions influenced by who I am as a human being. Go Navy!
spgray65 3 years ago 8
Well said!
Beat Army!!!
WarlordPrince 3 years ago 4
From the trailer I can tell this is a movie I want to see. These stories must be told for change to be possible, and change is possible when the public is educated and the opposing views are given equal time in the public arena.
McDaidUSA 3 years ago 10
I enlisted, but never served in the Navy because of a health issue. But, the question I was asked was, "Do you have a problem with homosexuality?". At that point in my life, I didn't, so I told the truth.
DADT needs to be repealed. So many LGBT folks serve honorably in the military here and elsewhere.
gnushell 3 years ago 7
Needs to be shown in high schools as I have friends that are still not out. I hope this helps someone somewhere
jamesgaffigan 3 years ago 6
New motto: "If you're gay, don't go to USNA" - It really is that simple.
Omega1874 3 years ago
right, simple to say, but not that easy. . . what we know is that well over 90% of the LGBT alumni did not identify as LGBT when they took the Oath of Office as a Midshipman, over 50% still didn't identify as LGBT 4 years later when they were commissioned as officers serving in the US Navy and Marine Corps. For the vast majority, the coming out process was very, very difficult, sometimes impacting performance and usually impacting their career aspirations. That's what this movie is all about.
theQboat 3 years ago
Well I appreciate the maker's concern for introducing a film that has a much deeper impact than people realize. However, for a future reference, to all those out there "who do things differently," perhaps the armed forces is not your cup of tea. The world isn't over, you can still live a life of happiness.
Omega1874 3 years ago
A life-long career in the Navy or Marine Corps isn't the "cup of tea" for about two-thirds of all those who graduate from the US Naval Academy. What we've recently learned is that the LGBT career served numbers aren't that much different than our straight counterparts. We have retired from full careers as surface officers, submariners, pilots and Marines.
theQboat 3 years ago
As a grad who went into the Academy knowing I was gay and wanting to be a naval officer more than anything else in the world, it's my opinion that not allowing gays to openly serve in the military goes against the fundamental principles this nation was founded on. It's really that simple for me.
WarlordPrince 3 years ago 7
So, let's see Omega....patriotic gay people should NOT serve their country, because it would make homophobic pricks like you uncomfortable? Did I get that right. (A Vietnam Vet).
kmwa 3 years ago 4
"Comfort" has never the reasoning behind DoD policy on LGBT, to include the pre-DADT era. Allowing this change is an issue of health, privacy, and morale/discipline. The statistics and reasoning behind these issues are both valid and shocking - I will provide them if you want. Nowhere in the Constitution, or in judiciary precedence, does it say that military service is a right. It is, in reality, a privilege, and unfortunately not a privilege for all.
JGdrummerSpin33 3 years ago
I agree that nowhere in the Constitution, or in judiciary precedence, it says that military service is a right, as you say it is a privilege, and unfortunately not a privilege for all, but what's that have to do with LGBT status?? As one who was gay and had the privilege to serve for more than 24 years, so tell me what is so shocking!!! I want a military that will protect me and my family against all enemies foreign and domestic. And please do not bring Hitler nor the pope into your argument.
sfrower 3 years ago 9
GLBT people can serve in the British army openly and it functions just as well as the US army =]
hyperharajuku 3 years ago 5
I think that it's time for a change. "Omega"...I guess you think that Rosa Parks shouldn't have taken the bus either.?.?
swim97 3 years ago 2
hang tough
rickbar123 3 years ago 3
good for them
2boss4 3 years ago 3
Can't wait to see it.
Emmjaye4life 3 years ago 3
Thanks for doing this video. It is the story of many of my friends who served our country as gay men and women. The energy to hide is staggering. We must move on from this damaging aspect to our committed men and women who want to serve in our military. This is 2009....YES WE CAN!
Santafelarry
Santafelarry 3 years ago
This makes gay jokes about the navy not funny anymore...
jasonrfalk 3 years ago 25
I didn' t know 10 words could affect me like that. Thanks for sharing - we're very proud of this film.
WarlordPrince 3 years ago 3
Looks great!
ozusaoz 3 years ago
Can not wait to see it!
holdenintyler 3 years ago
Incredibly important. Thank you to the courageous men and women who are sharing their stories.
sulleyfamily 3 years ago
Outstanding! Stories that need to be heard.
sdjames1989 3 years ago
It's great to see this...and I'm proud to be a part of this important project.
jwsoto 3 years ago
Awesome everyone! I'm so proud to be a part of this project.
WarlordPrince 3 years ago