The Military Takes Up The Fight For Gay Rights
Posted by Mary Kate McCormick 
They say that a picture says a thousand words, but in the case of US Marine Sgt. Brandon Morgan and his boyfriend Dalan Wells, one homecoming image represents even more.
While photos of military homecoming kisses are not uncommon, the image of Morgan in the arms of his boyfriend is more than a picture of one couple sharing an embrace.
Morgan and Wells’ homecoming photo initially spread over Facebook and has received national media attention because it speaks to the larger debate over gay rights in the U.S. and especially within the military.
With the repeal of the military policy “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) this past September and the recent movements to legalize same-sex marriage on a state level, this image confirms that strides for equal rights for gay Americans are happening.
Although the U.S. military is known for its conservative view on same-sex relationships, this picture proves that times are changing.
Parker Pierson, a second year student at the U.S. Naval Academy, had mixed emotions after seeing this image.
He said, “I am for gays in the military. I think everyone deserves the right to serve their country. That being said, I do not like this picture.”
Pierson was conflicted with the professionalism of a sergeant in uniform expressing joy at seeing a loved one after a tour of duty. “My first impression was that it wasn’t ‘professional’ … Everyone has a different opinion about gays in the military, but I think most people in the military would find this picture a little unprofessional.” He continued to say that homecoming kisses are usually more subdued and do not draw excessive attention from onlookers.
After searching online for other homecoming photos, Pierson concluded that it is not the fact that the couple in the picture is gay that made him object, but the unprofessional display of public affection that gained so much attention.
Here at Fairfield University, faculty and students seem to welcome a more progressive view on same-sex relationships.
Fairfield University’s expert in Catholicism, Dr. Elizabeth Dreyer, stated that “all genuine love is a gift from God and should be celebrated,” a statement that may seem contrary to the Catholic Church’s conservative view against gay marriage.
Sophomore Astrid Quinones ‘14, co-founder of Fairfield University’s Gender, Sex, and Sexuality Commons (GSSC), an LGBTQ advocacy group on campus, similarly remarked, “This photo speaks to how we should not underestimate the power of love, all love. These men, who may not be accepted in society, have accepted each other and have supported each other.”
According to Quinones, “The fact that one has returned from his tour of duty and his partner has waited for his safe return demonstrates that they both are just as strong and just as proud to be Americans as anyone,” a message that resonates with GSSC’s goals for awareness and same-sex advocacy here at Fairfield.
Sophomore Jesus Nunez, another GSSC member, stated that he did not even think about the conflict or situation surrounding the image when he first saw it. “Seeing two people show affection after a long distance and time apart seemed like a normal reaction to me. And then I realized he was trying to point out that it was two men kissing; I guess my work with Alliance has made me … desensitized to these sort of images.”
“As I thought about it, I realized how this picture is a great way to expose others who don’t have my experience as a gay youth about LGBTQ people,” continued Nunez. “How we too are serving in the military for our country and how we have loved ones waiting for us back home when we arrive.”
Nunez did not see the lack of professionalism in the image that Pierson pointed out. “Now, moments like this don’t have to be hidden,” he said. “With the repeal of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, showing affection upon the return of a tour won’t cause one to be discharged.”
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