William Way LGBT Community Center Digital Collections

Ben-Shalom, Miriam; Bérubé, Allan; Camacho, Paul; Dyer, Kate; Jackson, Donna; Holobough, James; Mulraney, Bruce; Pacifica National News; Phelps, Nell “Johnnie”; Steffan, Joseph; Watkins, Paul; WXPN; Wylen, Bert

Bert Wylen presents Unfriendly Fire: Lesbians and Gays in the Military, broadcast on May 24, 1991. Wylen introduces the special program, discussing the history of United States policy regarding homosexuality in the military. Allan Bérubé discusses his studies and provides insights into military life for homosexuals during World War II. Wylen reflects on the paradoxical nature of the military’s relationship to homosexuality and the challenges of codifying existing practices institutionally. Bruce Mulraney discusses the experiences which led him to earn a Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam. Donna Jackson discusses her dismissal from the military on the basis of her sexuality after serving for seven years. Kate Dyer reflects on the particular difficulties facing the gay and lesbian partners of deployed troops. Miriam Ben-Shalom discusses the personal appeal of military service and the broader importance of ensuring equal opportunities for lesbians and gays. James Holobough reflects on his acceptance of an ROTC scholarship to attend college and the lawsuit later filed against him by the organization after his dismissal on the basis of his sexuality. Joseph Steffan discusses his expulsion from the US Naval Academy on the basis of his sexuality only weeks before his graduation. Kate Dyer discusses a Pentagon-commissioned study demonstrating that the core premise of the military’s ban on homosexuality is false. Dr. Paul Camacho discusses the various methods for repealing military policy on homosexuality. Perry Watkins discusses his attempt to sue the United States Army for his dishonorable discharge after serving in the military for 15 years. Wylen reflects upon the precedent set by Harry Truman who signed an executive order commanding the racial integration of the US military. Bruce Mulraney discusses this history further. Nell “Johnnie” Phelps reflects her experiences as a lesbian in the military and her lack of faith in the possibility for substantive change. Wylen discusses ongoing push back against the military’s policy, including threats by colleges and universities to ban ROTC programs. “Something Inside So Strong” by The Flirtations plays

1991-05-24

00:27:54

7" reel tape

local: Ms. Coll. 8; https://digital.wilcoxarchives.org/islandora/object/islandora:1711

Gaydreams audio recordings

English

Philadelphia, PA

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