One gay soldier’s coming out seen by millions [video]
A US soldier stationed in Germany had one of the world’s most viewed coming out experiences yesterday. Identified in the press as 21-year-old Randy Phillips, he said in the video that he was about to call his dad back in Alabama. Nervous and lacking sleep, he explained that his family members had “no clue” about his sexual orientation. After he asked for reassurance of his father’s love, he told him he that is gay, to which his dad appeared to reply, “Yikes” then said (AreYouSurprised via YouTube):
“I still love you son, it doesn’t change our relationship…. You are my son, and I am very proud of you, okay? And I will always love you.”
Portions of the video appeared on local and national news reports as well as talks shows like Rachel Maddow and The View. It was not the first video posted by Phillips. He began this very public process back in April when he was 20 and deployed in the Middle East. He posted more than a dozen other videos talking about his journey, showing only his mouth and torso because the military’s discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy was still in effect.
In one video he told a friend that he’s gay and in reply the friend said, “It’s all good…. I couldn’t give a rat’s ass. Hey, love is love.” Another time he says he “chickened out.” During his months-long evolution he was questioned by viewers of his videos and came to realize that he was “weary to accept the whole persecution,” adding that homosexuality was a “big taboo” where he’s from and in the military. He said he almost wanted to be exposed via his posts so that he would be pushed further out of the closet.
Phillips also discussed training received about DADT’s repeal and an influential commentary that appeared in Stars and Stripes from the head of OutServ. He described a presentation by a military speaker who explained that there would be no extension of health coverage or tax breaks to gay partners because of the Defense of Marriage Act. Phillips says the trainer also replied effectively to questions about the purpose of repeal and the misguided call for separate facilities for gay soldier from others. Phillps’ confidence and happiness seemed to build through the summer after his fellow soldiers found out that he was gay, and he eventually produced a supportive “It Gets Better” video for younger viewers.
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