Dustin Stephens: On Combatting Stigma as a Bisexual Male in the Navy
A sailor discusses the stigma and challenges that come with being an openly bisexual male, and why he’s committed to being visible.
A sailor discusses the stigma and challenges that come with being an openly bisexual male, and why he’s committed to being visible.
When Janae Marie Kroczaleski, aka Kroc, came out as a transgender athlete, she thought it might be the end of her powerlifting career. Instead, it opened new doors and opportunities.
Jennifer Dane lived in the closet when she served during Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. She now works to support the LGBTQ military community while also fighting for trans kids and improving education policy.
Kristin Beck came out as transgender after 20 years of serving as an elite Navy SEAL. It wasn’t received well. She’s now an activist and speaker who works hard to break gender stereotypes and help heal PTSD.
Justice Horn was scared to come out, but much to his surprise, his teammates and coaches were supportive. This is his story of being an openly gay college athlete and his advice for those still in the closet.
Several years into her military career, Jenny Thielke realized she was gay. But there was just one problem: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was still in place. This is her story of going from serving in the closet to being out, open, and a mentor for other LGBTQ troops.
Zane was assigned female at birth, and despite wishing he was a boy from a young age, he thought he was a lesbian. He joined the Army and later realized he was a transgender man, but the trans service ban was still in place. Once it was lifted, he was able to serve authentically as himself.
When Fiona Dawson came out as gay, she became a major LGBTQ advocate, but after several years, she realized she was actually bisexual. She now advocates for the bi community, and through her work as a filmmaker, she also shares the stories of trans military members and fights for their right to serve.