Out Officers Tell All in “OUT of Annapolis”

OUT OF ANNAPOLIS is not simply a documentary but an oral history of proud officers with one thing in common. They are all LGBT alumni of Annapolis. Starting with those graduating in the 1980s and continuing with those from the 1990s, eleven officers from Annapolis, the U.S. Navy and U.S Marine Corps tell their stories as they learned how to survive under the wave of scrutiny and suspect before and during “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. All speak with fervor about serving their country and their numerous accomplishments. However, among all their glory, each talks about missing a part of themselves.

There is a memorable story from Robin Bolster, Class of 1984 who tells of being questioned for many hours after she was suspected of having a lesbian relationship with another naval officer in the early 1980s. After hours of questioning, she admits being a lesbian and makes what she calls “two of the most difficult phone calls she ever made” to tell her girlfriend and parents. It is a telling story of the lives of officers in the 1980s that experienced the witch-hunts for those that were gay or lesbian in the military. The 1990s class tell about their proud moments on the ship and fearful moments as they wait to be discharged or discovered to be “gay” under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.

With more than 300 LGBT Annapolis alumni, this cross section allows us to hear from the voices of those who have served as LGBT. It is a testimony and a learning experience. As you listen to the alumni the statistics are important to note. Title cards introduce just a few. Fewer than one out of eight naval officers identified as LGBT when they took their Oath for the Naval Academy. Some officers married heterosexual partners and later realized their sexuality years after graduation. Some realized their sexual orientation while serving. Others were engaged to heterosexual partners. Today, these proud men and women live OUT lives and in this film, they share themselves with the world.

OUT OF ANNAPOLIS is the triumphant story about how officers survived despite the odds. The film is proudly directed and produced by out members of the Annapolis alumni. Steve Clark Hall, Class of 1975, is the producer and director. Joe Soto, class of 1983, is Executive Producer. All Original Songs are performed by Heather Davies, class of 1993.

Daniel Choi, the current face of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell proclaimed at this year’s Equality Forum, “I am somebody and I deserve full equality. Right here. Right now.” We hope that the future alumni of Annapolis can be themselves and proclaim that statement with gusto.

Sekiya Dorsett