THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 14, 1994 TAG: 9407140700
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
``Clearly, my love of the Navy, the jets I flew, and the people I worked with raises the question then, why didn't I just keep my mouth shut. Why couldn't I just keep it quiet and do my job like other gay men and lesbians in the service.
``I didn't choose to be gay any more than any of you chose to be straight. I never rolled out of bed and said to myself, ``I think I'll choose my sexual orientation today.'' I doubt that the three of you if faced with such a hypothetical situation could rationally choose being gay. By doing so you would invite public disapproval or ridicule. You would invite discrimination to include the loss of your job, your family and in some cases your very life.
``I really didn't have a choice as to whether I was going to be open about it or not. It was a simple matter of truth for me. My mother and father raised me to respect the truth, and perhaps to a fault I have always been honest. So when I finally came to accept the fact that I was gay, it was only natural for me to be truthful about it with those who were a part of my life.
``So when I saw an opportunity to shed some light on this issue, which I felt had been in the dark for so long, I took the opportunity to be honest about myself hoping that it might cause at least a few Americans to take a second look at this issue which had destroyed so many lives.
``I, like you, believe that sexual behavior that is derogatory to good order, discipline or morale has no place in our armed forces. I, like you, feel that the Navy has no place for those who engage in sexual harassment or use force, coercion or intimidation for their personal interests. I, like you, believe that those who engage in fraternization are destructive to the accomplishment of our military mission, and I, like you agree that those who would lure minors into illegal, immoral or improper relationships are guilty of crimes worthy of the severest punishment.
``I agree that sexual conduct by military personnel aboard military vessels, aircraft or other areas under military control is properly subject to regulation including complete proscription, and I will in all aspects abide by those regulations. I do not condone this behavior nor will I tolerate it. Beyond these assurances, however, I consider my personal life to be worthy of the same right to privacy that any other military officer would enjoy, the same right you enjoy under our Constitution.
``The future for Tracy Thorne is really unclear now. I don't know whether my contract will be renewed this fall or not. But one thing seems apparent: One way or another I will be leaving Active duty no later than 01 October this year.
``I am here today as Lieutenant Tracy William James Thorne. I am a proud American. I am a proud Naval officer, and I am a proud gay man. I have earned my wings of gold, and I have earned the rank I wear with pride just as you do, and I have earned my rightful place in the Navy.''
KEYWORDS: U.S. NAVY HOMOSEXUALS
GAYS IN THE MILITARY
TRACY THORNE
by CNB