Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer
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Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer |
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| Activist and Author, Serving in Silence Colonel Grethe Cammermeyer, RN, PhD: USA retired nurse, soldier, political activist, mom, grandmother, and student, is an avid spokesperson for lifting the ban against gays and lesbians in the military. Using the military as the paradigm she weaves stories of social change, stressing the necessity to change the military as well as the corporate workplace to an accommodating environment for everyone. The challenge to the sexual minority community in disclosing and the challenge to the sexual majority to feel less threatened is illustrated as she shares anecdotes about grappling with her own sexuality, dealing with her children, being a political candidate and now an activist. During her military career she challenged policies that discriminated against married women, and married women who became pregnant. In 1989, Colonel Cammermeyer, having served for 25 years, challenged the military's anti-gay regulation. Her story drew national attention since she was nationally recognized as a specialist in neuroscience nursing, was Veterans Administration Nurse of the year in 1985, had earned the Bronze Star for Service in Vietnam, was Chief Nurse of the Washington National Guard, and had an earned Ph.D. in Nursing Science. Her book Serving in Silence (with Chris Fisher) was published in 1994. In 1995 a made-for-television movie, Serving in Silence, in which Glenn Close portrayed Colonel Cammermeyer was aired earning the Peabody award and three Emmy Awards. In June 2010, Col. Cammermeyer was selected as a member of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, (DACOWITS). In April, 2011, she received "The Point Legend Award," which is presented to an individual who has, through the course of his or her lifetime, achieved greatness in their professional career and unapologetically supported the LGBT community. It was presented by the Point Foundation (www.pointfoundation.org), the nation's largest scholarship granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students of merit. The Cost of Serving in Silence The cost of serving and living in silence is extraordinary to the individual, the family, the corporate world, the church and reality. It is not just a simple "why can't you just be quiet?" as Senator Warner asked Colonel Cammermeyer at the Senate Armed Services hearing in 1993 on lifting the ban against homosexuals serving in the military. Col. Dr. Margarethe Cammermeyer's compelling story of trials and tribulation in the military, to running for public office, to dealing with children and grandchildren give her a unique perspective of the costs and benefits of an open accepting society and work environment. The weaving of her own experiences with the changes in society makes the topic of gays in the military and in society and ever present and challenging topic of her lectures and discussions. Demystifying the unknown is the only way to challenge even subliminal biases. The benefits are in providing a safer work place, challenging prejudices, providing security with respect to home family and community. It occurs one person at a time coming out and speaking their truth. Colonel Cammermeyer's truth cost a military future and gained her the respect and integrity of all who hear her story. Her story is an exemplar of the lives of thousands unsung and unheard in America. Vistit: Cammermeyer.com |