USNA Out
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| Formation | 2003-11-11 |
|---|---|
| Type | 501(c)(3) |
| Legal status | Corporation |
| Purpose | Philanthropic |
| Headquarters | Annapolis, MD  United States |
Membership | c. 200 |
Chairman of the Board | Brian C. Bender |
Staff | 0 paid |
| Website | USNAOut.org |
USNA Out is an American non-profit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Alumni of the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. USNA Out is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that does not represent the U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association or the U. S. Naval Academy.
History
The group was initially formed in 2003 when 35 LGBT alumni of the Naval Academy petitioned the USNA Alumni Association for special status as a non-geographic chapter of the Alumni Association, similar to the association's RV chapter. The initial request was rejected on multiple grounds.[1]
The organization continued to grow, and in November 2009 established a leadership structure to support the membership of over 200.[2] The organization now comprises an unofficial "affinity group" among the US Naval Academy Alumni. The organization incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in the State of Maryland in September, 2009.
Mission
USNA Out provides a path for "reconnection" for the many GLBT USNA alumni who have over time been disassociated from the U. S. Naval Academy and the USNA Alumni Association because of their sexuality or gender identity. By maintaining visibility, the members of the organization become role models for current Midshipmen, parents and family of midshipmen and for other alumni serving in the fleet.
Although most USNA Out members would prefer to see an end to the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, political activism is not within the mission of the organization. [2]
Outreach
In 2007, members of USNA Out began the "OUT of ANNAPOLIS Project" with a goal of putting human faces and personalities to the LGBT alumni. The project included a detailed study of the alumni to establish who the alumni were as a group. It also included online profiles numerous alumni for the purpose of becoming "role models" for current midshipmen at the academy and junior officers in the fleet.[3] In June, 2008, the OUT of ANNAPOLIS Project expanded to include a documentary film by the project title, OUT of ANNAPOLIS.[4][5] The film opened at the SVA Theater in New York in June, 2010.
One of the more revealing facts from the OUT of ANNAPOLIS study was the that only one in six of those who enter the academy identify as LGBT at the time they enter.[6] The remaining 83% re-identify as LGBT while at the academy, in the fleet, or as civilians after completion of their service.
References
- ^ "Naval Academy Alumni Disallow Gay Chapter". Los Angeles Times. 2003-12-06. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
- ^ a b USNA Out website
- ^ USNA Out Website
- ^ Marech, Rona (2008-12-21). "USNA alumni asking and telling". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
- ^ Kelly, Earl (2009-01-27). "Film documents gay life at Naval Academy". The Annapolis Capital. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
- ^ OUT of ANNAPOLIS website
External links
See also
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