Members of the U.S. Coast Guard at the Great Lakes Naval Station have made military history by starting Gays and Lesbian And Supporting Sailors (GLASS), the first LGBT group formed on a military base, according to the Windy City Times.
GLASS is registered as an official chartered organization at the Great Lakes Naval Station, which means authorities consider it as legitimate as the First Class Association or any other command-sanctioned organization. Around 75 people attended GLASS’s inaugural meeting on Monday, gay and straight. (Talk about strength in numbers!)
Dena Partain, a 24-year Navy veteran who serves as GLASS’ mentor and advisor told the Times that, two days earlier, GLASS had made an appearance at Equality Illionois’ gala.
“At the gala, veterans kept coming up to our table,” Partain said, holding back tears. “They were just so happy we were there… To have that support, I can’t even describe it.”
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It should be noted that similar organization, OutServe, predates GLASS but is an independent organization operating outside of command structure.
Sounds to us like a new era of “Do Ask, Do Tell” has been ushered in.
Photo by Hal Baim/Windy City Times
Puck
Congrats to the founders of GLASS.
As a current physician in the USNR i am very proud that this organisation has taken roots within the bureaucracy of the military
Professor Locs
It is about time that the military is recognizing gay people as valuable contributors to this great country of ours–and not asking us to hide who we are just to serve our country.
Kim62
Just a correction – the founders of GLASS are Navy sailors and not Coast Guard.
Out Military
This is Great! GLASS – if you’re reading this, please setup a profile on http://OutMilitary.com – the gay military network! We love you!
Ginasf
May I has how it’s an LGBT group since, unlike many other countries, trans people still aren’t permitted to serve in the US military? I think you mean a GLB group. That’s kind of like saying a ‘male only’ club is for everybody.
CBRad
This article is really good news to read, for a change. Good for them !
Stefan
Moments like this are brought to you by the repeal of DADT. I still have to pinch myself sometimes to realize this is real.
Jonathan
An extraordinary moment in the history of the US armed forces. To see these gay men and women as themselves at a military function is nothing short of a revolution in America.
Ginasf
@Ginasf: Correction… “May I ASK”…
Dave
I agree GinaSF, the group itself may be inclusive of bisexuals and Trans people but you wouldn’t know this based on the name which only includes “gay and lesbian” which is typical bi/transphobic and bisexual/trans erasure.
TASTEY GOODIES
AS A FORMER MILITARY BRAT, I FIND THIS 2 BE VERY ENCOURAGING 4 MY GLBTQAIP MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS!!!