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Knights
Out
West
Point
LGBT Alumni
Come Out |
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WEST
POINT LGBT ALUMNI GROUP OFFERS SUPPORT TO ALMA
MATER
Organizers offer partnership with the nation’s
oldest military academy as the end to “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” quickly approaches.
WEST POINT, NY – A courageous group of America’s
best and brightest are once again answering
their call to duty, honor, and country: by
coming out of the closet.
“Knights Out,” an association of Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) West Point
Alumni and their supporters emerged from
anonymity today 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.
As
congress approaches the decision to allow LGBT
military personnel to serve openly, the group is
prepared 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 37
members of Knights Out ended once and for all
the anonymity that has obscured from full view
their service to the nation as West Point
graduates. Knights Out seeks to reduce the
stigma associated with sexual diversity by
providing an open forum for discussion between
out LGBT West Point graduates and their fellow
alumni. Knights Out is well-positioned to
help West Point maintain its status as the
world’s premier leadership institution by
swiftly and effectively adapting to the end of
the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which
Knights Out believes is both imminent and
inevitable.
Colonel (Retired) Stewart Bornhoft, West Point
class of 1969 and Vietnam combat veteran,
welcomed the formation of Knights Out: “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.”
On
the 207th anniversary of the founding
of West Point, it is fitting that Knights Out
brings over 275 combined years of Active
Duty service of their LGBT members to assist
West Point and the AOG. The organization
takes its name after West Point’s mascot, the
Black Knight, a selfless warrior whose identity
must be hidden but emerges to save the day
nonetheless.
Knights Out is led by a board of LGBT West Point
graduates and their supporters. The group
includes combat veterans and leaders in their
local communities. All are also members of
the Service Academy Gay and Lesbian Alumni (SAGALA)
network, with over 340 members, a number
which includes some Active Duty combat
commanders currently in Iraq and Afghanistan.
SAGALA protects member identities because of the
current discriminatory policy.
Under
the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, gay and lesbian
service members are allowed to serve in the
United States armed forces, but are not
permitted to tell coworkers their sexual
orientation, living a secret life in exchange
for the opportunity to serve. Because West Point
cadets live by the Honor Code, that they “will
not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who
do,” LGBT cadets and graduates are frequently
forced to compromise their integrity. This
policy undermines the Army Values of Honor,
Integrity, and Respect, resulting in the
premature resignation of many talented service
members and West Point graduates.
For
additional information see the
Knights out Fact Sheet
and visit the Knights Out website:
www.knightsout.org
©
2009 Gay Military Signal
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