Watch: Eric Fanning sworn in as first openly gay Army Secretary
“It has been a long process to get here, one that I don’t think even the writers from House of Cards could have scripted if they tried.”
–Eric Fanning, speaking after he was sworn in as Secretary of the Army, NBC News reports. Fanning’s relief was evident after his months-long battle to be confirmed by the Senate, which eventually approved his position unanimously earlier this week.
Fanning now holds the honor of being the first openly LGBT person to lead a branch of the U.S. military and comes five years after the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. He called his appointment a “tremendous honor.”
“Over the course of my career, it’s been a privilege to work alongside Eric…and watch him develop into one of our country’s most knowledgeable, dedicated and experienced civil servants,” Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said before Fanning was sworn in. “Eric embodies the kind of strong and steady leadership and civilian commitment to our men and women in uniform that have made our military the finest fighting force the world has ever known.”
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
