"I shine an honest light on the heavy toll NCIS witch hunts and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell took on me and other gay Americans who donned our nation’s uniform from the 1980s through the early 2000s."
"Even if you don’t publish your book, write your book. You will have a new relationship with yourself and the rest of the world because you will be free from the story within you that needs to be seen—primarily by you."
Dear Karen, my deepest congratulations on publishing your honest memoir. I cannot even imagine, how many lives of gay people were completely destroyed by the political policy of the some stupid people in the power. There is still a law in Russia to send gays in the prison. Like Love is a crime and punishable because you love not opposite gender person but your own gender.
Thank you, and yes…there are many places in the world that are dangerous for the LGBTQ+ community. Step by step, my hope is that our world becomes a more loving and welcoming place for all. Thanks for your comment 🙏
I really enjoyed reading this, being introduced to a world I could never know about on my own. Thanks for your bravery and persistence at emerging from secrets. I like the backdrop of how you're caring for your mother, and loving your pup.
Thank you! Yes, my life is much different these days and I love the slower pace with my pup and watching over my mom. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Appreciate your comment. 🙏
Also, I have lived my entire life extremely Navy adjacent, on a large inland fjord where all kinds of Navy stuff is tested and the ships and subs abound. I almost got hit by a torpedo when I was sixteen and sitting on our beach with my mother and young siblings. A vast Navy base sits just around the "corner" of the bay. A few years ago, in nearby Port Townsend, a giant ship released thousands of women and men for "liberty" for a day before they headed off to some combat zone. We happened to be in town that day, and it was startling to see all these young people wandering around town. A few fights as the day wore on. Thanks to your piece, Karen, I'm wondering how many suffer that same shroud of enforced silence. I look forward to reading your book. I'm glad for the peace you're experiencing now.
I was a Navy officer in the 1980s and experienced the "management challenges" (i.e., extreme pain) of watching those who worked for me struggle to hide their true identities. It was such a farce and had such wide-ranging implications for everyone involved. Thank you, Karen, for publishing your story.
"Even if you don’t publish your book, write your book. You will have a new relationship with yourself and the rest of the world because you will be free from the story within you that needs to be seen—primarily by you."
Loved this advice.
Yes! Me, too.
Thank you!
Dear Karen, my deepest congratulations on publishing your honest memoir. I cannot even imagine, how many lives of gay people were completely destroyed by the political policy of the some stupid people in the power. There is still a law in Russia to send gays in the prison. Like Love is a crime and punishable because you love not opposite gender person but your own gender.
Thank you, and yes…there are many places in the world that are dangerous for the LGBTQ+ community. Step by step, my hope is that our world becomes a more loving and welcoming place for all. Thanks for your comment 🙏
I really enjoyed reading this, being introduced to a world I could never know about on my own. Thanks for your bravery and persistence at emerging from secrets. I like the backdrop of how you're caring for your mother, and loving your pup.
Thank you! Yes, my life is much different these days and I love the slower pace with my pup and watching over my mom. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Appreciate your comment. 🙏
Also, I have lived my entire life extremely Navy adjacent, on a large inland fjord where all kinds of Navy stuff is tested and the ships and subs abound. I almost got hit by a torpedo when I was sixteen and sitting on our beach with my mother and young siblings. A vast Navy base sits just around the "corner" of the bay. A few years ago, in nearby Port Townsend, a giant ship released thousands of women and men for "liberty" for a day before they headed off to some combat zone. We happened to be in town that day, and it was startling to see all these young people wandering around town. A few fights as the day wore on. Thanks to your piece, Karen, I'm wondering how many suffer that same shroud of enforced silence. I look forward to reading your book. I'm glad for the peace you're experiencing now.
Thank you so much, Kirie.
I was a Navy officer in the 1980s and experienced the "management challenges" (i.e., extreme pain) of watching those who worked for me struggle to hide their true identities. It was such a farce and had such wide-ranging implications for everyone involved. Thank you, Karen, for publishing your story.
Thank you, Bette-and for your service as well.
Another eye opening, blisteringly honest author interview. Thanks again for this series, Sari.