Great Lakes Naval Station leadership attended the Feb. 13 historic launch of Gay, Lesbian and Supporting Sailors (GLASS). Group photo taken outside following the meeting. - Photo by Hal Baim, Windy City Times
First gay group forms on U.S. military base
A group of about 75 people made history Feb. 13 at the Great Lakes Naval Station, north of Chicago.
It was the first public meeting of Gay, Lesbian and Supporting Sailors ( GLASS ) , believed to be the first non-academy, general base-sanctioned gay support group on any U.S. base in the world.
The Coast Guard can boast of having the first gay-straight alliance at a service academy, and such academies are located on a base.
The GLASS organizational charter was signed Feb. 10, and already other U.S. bases, including in Japan, have asked to see the bylaws to replicate the group in their areas. GLASS is thus an official Chartered organization of Great Lakes Naval Station.
This means that it is given the same weight and attention as the First Class Association, Chief’s Mess, or any other Command-sanctioned organization.
GLASS, the brainchild of 25-year-old Petty Officer Ann Foster, got off to an emotional start at the meeting, held on base. Base Commander Robert Sullivan and other officers, sailors, friends, and representatives of LGBT groups celebrated the historic evening.
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