Should I mention my open bisexuality in the "adversity" essay?

I think this is a "depends" issue. If the goal is just to inform the audience (not sure if you are talking about the personal statement for USNA or MOC nominations) of your sexuality, then as mentioned above, it is inappropriate as most probably do not care or want to know. If the goal is to explain how your sexuality placed you in an adverse situation where you had to fight through certain issues or take a hard stance to demonstrate your own character/integrity, then inclusion might be warranted. Depending on your situation (which none of us know or requests to know), it might be no different than someone fighting gender equality, racial, cultural, religious, etc. issues. However, your explanation of why it is an adverse issue AND how that affected you (character/integrity) must be explained very well. You must assume that when you make such a statement, it will "jump out" at the reader and they might have doubts of why you choose this particular situation over others....which is why you need a very good explanation. Sometimes it is the unique things that distinguish candidates. I would caution you to think about your intentions for writing on the issue (relevant/appropriate) and if you pursue it, make sure that a very good argument and explanation accompanies it. Ultimately, it is your decision.
 
I can see how a transgender status needs to be disclosed for medical reasons (surgical history, hormone treatment, etc). Your sexuality isn't noteworthy to the military.
 
1) Don't ask, don't tell is way gone. They don't care who you are sleeping with, if anyone or no one (fencersmother's choice is the last there. Call me old fashioned.)

2) Is there any chance your bisexuality will be considered a "hook" by an adcom? Not too stinking likely, since they don't ask it. If they don't ask, really, it's because they aren't interested.

3) If you are not a troll, well, you need to do better homework.
 
usnabgo08 said:
I think this is a "depends" issue. If the goal is just to inform the audience (not sure if you are talking about the personal statement for USNA or MOC nominations) of your sexuality, then as mentioned above, it is inappropriate as most probably do not care or want to know. If the goal is to explain how your sexuality placed you in an adverse situation where you had to fight through certain issues or take a hard stance to demonstrate your own character/integrity, then inclusion might be warranted. Depending on your situation (which none of us know or requests to know), it might be no different than someone fighting gender equality, racial, cultural, religious, etc. issues. However, your explanation of why it is an adverse issue AND how that affected you (character/integrity) must be explained very well. You must assume that when you make such a statement, it will "jump out" at the reader and they might have doubts of why you choose this particular situation over others....which is why you need a very good explanation. Sometimes it is the unique things that distinguish candidates. I would caution you to think about your intentions for writing on the issue (relevant/appropriate) and if you pursue it, make sure that a very good argument and explanation accompanies it. Ultimately, it is your decision.
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I agree with this. If you have an experience with adversity related to your sexuality and a compelling story about how you dealt with it, then I say you should write about it. As long as you make the focus squarely on the situation you overcame, I think it could make for a very good essay. When you finish it, I'd give it to some trusted friends with both conservative and liberal views and see what their impressions are, asking them to focus on what jumps out at them/seems to be the central theme (don't tell them what you intended it to be). Good luck.
 
AF6872 said:
I think this is a Troll. Just my opinion.
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While it is possible that the OP is a troll, it is very likely that this thread (especially the post from @usnabgo08 ) will prove valuable to other candidates lurking out there.
If a troll promotes conflicts that is one thing, but in this case a thoughtful dialogue has resulted.

Juste mes deux cents
 
OP, if you are a troll please write and post the essay.
might make for interesting reading.
 
What you find as an adversity, will say just as much or more than how you handled said, "adversity". They are looking for young men and women who are focused.
 
AF6872, you might be right looking at the posting data (hindsight)...hopefully it is useful to someone!
 
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