Being gay in USAFA

Missnj

5-Year Member
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Apr 5, 2014
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23
I've accepted my appointment to USAFA, and I'm really excited to get to go to such an amazing school and to serve my country! However, I read some articles online, and even after the repeal of DADT, many people are still saying that the Academy isn't very tolerant of people like me (i.e., gay). Others are saying that most people are accepting of us. Does anyone know what it's really like? And any information on the Spectrum club would be appreciated, too.

Thanks!
 
Well, when I visited the naval academy for a few days, there was a gay kid in our company. Everybody was completely cool with it, and I didn't notice any different treatment at all. I was surprised honestly. I thought at least some people would show disdain or something. Anyways, as a fellow 2018er, I don't think your sexual orientation makes any difference (unless you let it define you), and I look forward to working with you, as I'm sure the rest of our class does as well. See you in June!

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I'm in the same "appointee who doesn't know diddly squat" boat as you, but I've heard similar things about the Academy being super against Christians, females...basically anything there is to be against really. If that's the case, I'm in trouble with ya, as both of those apply to me, haha.

In the end, I think it'll be like any other college (with regards to this issue, everything else, USAFA by far exceeds them all :wink:). There will be people who accept you for you are, and there will be people who won't. The people who accept you are awesome, and you're really blessed to have people like that around! The people that aren't so accepting...well, that's just the lemony side of life's lemonade, not entirely pleasant, but bearable if you're strong of heart.
 
..I've heard similar things about the Academy being super against Christians, females...basically anything there is to be against really.
Perhaps you could post some links to where you've "heard" these things?
 
I'm in the same "appointee who doesn't know diddly squat" boat as you, but I've heard similar things about the Academy being super against Christians, females...basically anything there is to be against really. If that's the case, I'm in trouble with ya, as both of those apply to me, haha.

In the end, I think it'll be like any other college (with regards to this issue, everything else, USAFA by far exceeds them all :wink:). There will be people who accept you for you are, and there will be people who won't. The people who accept you are awesome, and you're really blessed to have people like that around! The people that aren't so accepting...well, that's just the lemony side of life's lemonade, not entirely pleasant, but bearable if you're strong of heart.

If you go in with an attitude that they are against you, then they might pick up on that, and then be against you. Best to go in with an open mind.

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I was at USAFA Pre-DADT, but even then it wasn't such an issue.

My experience on active duty has been almost exclusively positive. You shouldn't be concerned about it.
 
Some people may judge you, but if you prove yourself to be a good person and good team member, they probably will change their mind, accept you, or have their criticisms silenced.
 
I've accepted my appointment to USAFA, and I'm really excited to get to go to such an amazing school and to serve my country! However, I read some articles online, and even after the repeal of DADT, many people are still saying that the Academy isn't very tolerant of people like me (i.e., gay). Others are saying that most people are accepting of us. Does anyone know what it's really like? And any information on the Spectrum club would be appreciated, too.

Thanks!

Thank God someone asked this question as a gay female myself I was wondering and researching as well. The results didn't comeback to positive from a couple reviews.
 
I'm most definitely not an expert on USAFA but here's my perspective as a cadet at USCGA:

I don't know if Hornet had a similar experience but I was a 3/c cadet when DADT was repealed and I remember having training after training, speech after speech about the repeal and how we all "felt" about the situation. To many of us, it felt like people were expecting a huge outcry from the Corps in condemnation of those who are gay, as though they were preparing for a major backlash. Flash forward to the day of the repeal and I would say that 99% of the Corps was happy and to most of us, it seemed natural and no one was bothered. Several cadets have come out since then and one of my classmates will be marrying an Ensign from the Class of 2013 in about a year or so: http://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/first-same-sex-marriage-announcement-at-the-coast-guard-acad

To make a longer post short, I wouldn't worry about it. There will always be a group of people who don't agree with certain rules, practices, or aspects of humanity but that is normal about everyday life. I would find it hard to believe that you would face any adversity about it because I feel that our generation is much more accepting of differences in sexual orientation. Anyway, congrats on your appointment and good luck with your Academy career. :thumb:
 
During the presentation yesterday they mentioned the Spectrum organization and I noted how it was talked about as if it were the Ultimate Frisbee club. Things have certainly changed since when I was in the Army prior to DADT. Then it was "Just look the other way", at least in my unit. But you could still be kicked out of the military for being gay, so that risk was alway s over your head. Times have certainly changed, not just from the military, but younger people really don't care if someone is gay (for the most part). You'll always run into individuals with issues, but there is no longer an institutionalized bias against gays. I don't have enough enough experience to give you any real advice, but I think signs point to it not being an issue for you. Or at least way less of an issue at any time previously.

PS - I almost posted this several times and cancelled. I don't write as well and as fluidly as I would like. Just making a casual note that times have changed for the better - and OMG, unit cohesion hasn't suffered. ;-) I think that was the old excuse.
 
As a fellow 2018er, I really hope there's no discrimination at USAFA. Kinda defeats the whole purpose of putting your country before yourself.

Personal bias aimed to bring a single member down eventually brings the entire team down.
 
As a fellow 2018er, I really hope there's no discrimination at USAFA. Kinda defeats the whole purpose of putting your country before yourself.

Personal bias aimed to bring a single member down eventually brings the entire team down.

No organization is perfect, but the issue of discrimination in the AF is targeted and punished. I've witnessed harsh punishments justly given for what some may think are small outbursts. I have not seen a leader brush aside such an issue no matter the target of discrimination(sex, race, etc.). Maybe a verbal counseling for what only seemed like an inappropriate comment. And yes we are only as strong as our weakest link. That is why the wingman concept is so important
 
Coming from someone who doesnt agree completly with your life choices. Do not worry about any harassment or anything. No you didnt read that wrong. People need to be more open minded and able to work as a team. This is the purpose of basic training to weed out those who cannot accept differences to work as a team. While your life choices may go against my beliefs i am eager to put aside our differences to work to the common goal of serving our country as an officer in the USAF. Im sure there are many others just like me, so no worries we'll all have a great time!


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As somebody on the enlisted side, there is absolutely no discrimination on any preference. I expect the same or even more of a zero tolerance when it comes to a military academy.

There is reporting for a reason, and don't be afraid to use it :)


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Coming from someone who doesnt agree completly with your life choices. Do not worry about any harassment or anything. No you didnt read that wrong. People need to be more open minded and able to work as a team. This is the purpose of basic training to weed out those who cannot accept differences to work as a team. While your life choices may go against my beliefs i am eager to put aside our differences to work to the common goal of serving our country as an officer in the USAF. Im sure there are many others just like me, so no worries we'll all have a great time!

In the interest of understanding and cooperation, I'm going to give you some advice here. Saying "life choices" to a gay man or lesbian is going to get you some choice words. To us, it's about as much of a "life choice" as having blond hair or black skin. Calling a spade a spade. That said, good on you for reiterating that you're a professional. It's a valued skill. Good luck.
 
In the interest of understanding and cooperation, I'm going to give you some advice here. Saying "life choices" to a gay man or lesbian is going to get you some choice words. To us, it's about as much of a "life choice" as having blond hair or black skin. Calling a spade a spade. That said, good on you for reiterating that you're a professional. It's a valued skill. Good luck.


Thank you! Sorry for the miss use of an incorrect term OP, No offense intended


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Thank you all so much for answering this for me. I feel a lot better now knowing that we're all at least willing to put our differences aside to work as a team, which is what's really important to me. I can't wait to meet all of you in June!!!

Also, sorry I didn't reply to you earlier. Things got REALLY busy at school and at home.


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Political correctness is on the rise at USAFA, so don't worry. There's plenty of homosexual females, actually.
 
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