LGBT Veteran Activist Stephen Snyder-Hill to Speak at UC

A U.S. Army captain and combat veteran who rocked the 2011 Republican presidential debate by coming out on national television will speak about his experiences from an in-the-closet service member to an out-and-proud advocate for equality Monday, Oct. 26, at the University of Cincinnati. 

Stephen Snyder-Hill, author of the book, “

Soldier of Change: From the Closet to the Forefront of the Gay Rights Movement

,” will reflect on his more than two decades journey as a gay man in the military from 6-9 p.m. in UC’s MainStreet Cinema.

The event, co-sponsored by the UC’s

Office of Veterans Programs & Services

and

LGBTQ Center

, draws a spotlight on the contributions of gay, lesbian and transgender servicemen and women and the struggles they face.

More than 48,000 lesbian, gay and bisexual soldiers are actively serving in the military and reserves, according to estimates by UCLA’s Williams Institute, a think-tank on LGBT issues.  Advocates estimate as many as 15,000 transgender people serve in active-duty military and the reserves.

“These are men and women who served like the rest of us and they deserve the honor and recognition,” said Terence Harrison, a combat veteran and program manager of the UC Office of Veterans Programs & Services.  “It’s about being a soldier despite your race, ethnicity or orientation.”  

Snyder-Hill was catapulted to the forefront of the national debate on whether gay, bisexual and transgender people should be allowed to serve in the military when his videotaped question regarding support of gay service members was posed to candidates at the 2011 Republican presidential debate.

The live debate took place just days after the repeal of “Don’t ask, Don’t tell,” the 1993 law that allowed gays and lesbians to serve in the military only if they did not reveal their sexual orientation.

Snyder-Hill posted his video question to YouTube from his base in Iraq.  Wearing an Army T-shirt, the buzz-cut soldier with bulging biceps asked the GOP contenders:

“In 2010, when I was deployed to Iraq, I had to lie about who I was because I'm a gay soldier and I didn't want to lose my job. My question is, under one of your presidencies, do you intend to circumvent the progress that's been made for gay and lesbian soldiers in the military?”

The question met with immediate boos from audience members before former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum answered. “Sexual activity has no place in the military," he said, going on to add that allowing gays to serve openly "undermines" America's ability to defend itself and that he would reinstate "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" if elected. The audience cheered.

The incident marked a major milestone in the 2011 primary, with even President Barack Obama weighing in on the Republican candidates’ silence amid the crowd’s jeers.

"You want to be Commander in Chief? You can start by standing up for the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States, even when it's not politically convenient,” the president said at a dinner speech.  

Harrison, who served with the north-central Ohio native in the Army and Army Reserves, called Snyder-Hill’s act a daring and brave move that with his continued advocacy serves to inspire other LGBT service members to be true to themselves.   

“To be brave and come out in a war zone and tell his story and not hide who he is takes courage,” said Harrison.  “Potential soldiers who may be coming behind him will see what he had to go through and overcome and may want to join the military and serve their country as well.”

The event is free and open to the community.  A book signing follows the event at the UC LGBTQ Center, with light refreshments served.

More information:
What:

Soldier of Change: From the Closet to the Forefront of the Gay Rights Movement

When

: 6-9 p.m., Monday, Oct. 28

Where

: UC MainStreet Cinema (

campus map and directions

) 

Contact

: UC Office of Veterans Programs & Services, 513-556-3244; UC LGBTQ Center, 513-556-4329

Cost

: Free