West Point Grads Come Out to Battle Gay Military Ban

Military school students organize against DADT

38 West Point graduates came out on March 16 while announcing their newly formed organization Knights Out, which seeks to lift the ban on LGBT soldiers serving openly in the military.

In a statement, the group pronounced its intent to offer support to LGBT soldiers who are currently serving, and “reduce the stigma associated with sexual diversity by providing an open forum for discussion between out LGBT West Point graduates and their fellow alumni.”

As well as advocating for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Knights Out will strive to educate military administrators about honoring and accepting the invaluable contributions of LGBT soldiers. Alumni of the U.S. Air Force and Naval academies have already formed their own similar support groups.

Vietnam combat veteran and 1969 West Point graduate Colonel (retired) Stewart Bornoft noted that 26 other militaries have already affirmed the right of their LGBT soldiers and officers to serve openly. He commented, “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.”


What Do You Think?