British Military
Gay Soldier honoured by British military magazine
A gay soldier who has served in Iraq has been made cover star of the July 2009 edition of Soldier magazine. Trooper James Wharton, 22, talks of the ‘overwhelmingly positive’ experience he’s had as an out gay soldier in the British army.
Less than a decade ago it was illegal to be gay and serve in the UK armed forces. It wasn’t until 2000, following a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that the ban on gay men and women serving, and openly declaring their sexuality, was lifted.
Today, the British army works hard to embrace sexual diversity; recruiting via gay publications and offering same sex couples similar benefits to partnered heterosexual personnel.
“I came out to the Army before I told my parents, so that says a lot for the Armed Forces” Tpr Wharton says during the interview where he speaks about the “full support” gay and lesbian army personnel now receive. The 22 year old, about to be promoted to Lance Corporal, met his current partner during the 2008 London Gay Pride march – the first time members of the Armed Forces were allowed to march at the event in military uniform.
In a stark contrast, America’s ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy continues to prohibit gay U.S. military personnel from revealing their sexual orientation. “I still can’t get my head around the US’ policy” says Tpr Wharton who has served his country for six years, including a tour of Iraq in 2007 “Luckily I don’t have to deal with it, but clearly there will be gay soldiers in the US Army who are not being themselves – they aren’t allowed to be.”
For weekly gay news, chat and soundbites visit www.mand8.com/news
About the Author
Links for this story:
http://www.soldiermagazine.co.uk/mag/feature1.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don’t_ask,_don’t_tell
Military medics find out more about the frontline on their annual study day 28.03.11
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