Ask Sarge

Dear Sarge,

I have been in the military for more than 20 years and am about to retire, and not really because I want to. Throughout my career, I have always been highly motivated and constantly involved in projects and functions in all facets of my career field and service. Now that I am only a couple weeks away from retirement, I am feeling anxious Read More

Ask Sarge: On Partner Benefits & Drag Queens

“My partner is a new recruit and we have a family. I’m so afraid that they will separate our family and totally devastate our kids and myself. Can you give me more information on this?”Read More

Ask Sarge: Joining the military and PCSing to Virginia

Dear Sergeant,

I’m in the Army and looking to attend the OutServe Capital Summit, so I need to take some annual leave from work to do so. I tried to get online during my lunch break to look up the dates of the summit on the OutServe website and was met with an “Access denied, LGBT material” error message. It has been six months since the repeal and I still can’t get onto LGBT websites at work. What can I/we do to get this rectified? 

– Blocked Blogger  Read More

Ask Sarge: Deployment, Pregnancy and PCSing

“I am an active-duty service member and my partner is currently pregnant. I have no idea where to begin in order to support my family.”Read More

Ask Sarge: Rehab, Coming Out, Correcting the Record

Dear Sergeant,

I was discharged from the Navy during the Vietnam War in Sept. 1967 for being gay. Originally, I received a Good Conduct discharge; however, seven months afterward, my discharge classification was changed to a Misfit Discharge. In 1983, I was able to upgrade my classification to an Honorable Discharge, but I was stripped of all medals that I had earned during my service. Do you know of a way to reinstate them?Read More

Ask Sarge: On Coming Out & Partner Benefits

Dear Sergeant,

I write because I need an outside opinion. I am a currently serving bi Soldier, and I am writing because I need advice about coming out. I have questioned my own sexuality since middle school and became solid in what I was a few years ago. I was always afraid to act on anything or tell anyone, but a few close friends, because of DADT. Now with the repeal of DADT, I am feeling more bold to actually come out to friends and family. I love my friends and family and I am afraid of losing those relationships though. My family has already hinted that they would love me no matter what (which leads me to believe they already suspect something), but I am still afraid.

My support structure is minimal because I recently got PCS’d overseas and am currently deployed … so I am away from those who could provide me that support. I just don’t want to feel like I am hiding anymore … please offer some advice. Thanks.

Read More

Ask Sarge: Getting Orders

Dear Sergeant,

I am in a same-sex relationship right now and I have just received orders to Texas. My main issue is that I am in love with the girl that I am with, and when it becomes legal to marry, I plan to. With the repeal of DADT, should I have her move with me? I mean, its hard enough now to bring her around people I work with because everyone sees that we are together – more than a typical friendship – but I just want her to be a part of all of my life – not half of it.

–Conflicted Lover

Read More

Ask Sarge: Answers to LGBT Military Issues

I am a 26 year-old guy who recently entered the military. I arrived to my first duty station a few months ago and have noticed that I have become more agitated on a daily basis, and I’m not sure why that is. My supervisor is 4 years younger than I am and I live in the dorms. I just don’t understand why my life experience is pushed aside — I feel like I am treated like a toddler. What can I do? — UNDER-APPRECIATED DORM DWELLER Read More