Serving openly
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I was on active duty in the Navy from 1983 to 1994. I was "out" before I went in. My first job specialty was untraditional for a female -- EN (diesel engineer). I was the first female EN to check aboard my ship, and at the time the only lesbian onboard. I didn't have any problems until I turned down a male who wanted to date me. After that, comments were made; I was nicknamed the snake; and hissing noises were heard when I walked by.
My second ship was known for all the lesbians onboard. We were known as the "Gomper's Girls." An investigation was initiated when I became friends too quickly with my new boss. The commanding officer of the ship dropped the charges and said that he knew there were lesbians onboard, but they were some of his best workers.
In San Diego, I worked in the Military Police. I was investigated because a woman was caught with another woman, and she named names. She said that "Kim that works at the Security Department" should be investigated. There were three Kims there, and I was the only one investigated. I inquired about the charges and was told, "If you walk like a duck and talk like a duck, then you are a duck." Charges were eventually dropped.
At my last two duty stations the personnel were pretty good about my lesbianism. I went to parties and functions with my partner. It was actually never spoken of, just accepted. I was placed in jobs that required secret clearances, and I was my department's training officer, kennel master, drug custodian, and watch commander.
The main reason I discharged from the military was that I was moving every two years. I was also tired of hiding who I was. I wanted to leave on my own before I was kicked out. I miss the service. You actually make friends a lot faster than in the civilian sector. If I had to do it all over again, I don't think I would. I like being who I am now, not having to change pronouns, etc.
-- Kimberlee
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