The NYT looks at the case of top-10-ranked Cadet Katherine Miller, who resigned from West Point earlier this month, saying she could no longer compromise her integrity and identity, and notes that she's certainly not alone:
"Interviews with three gay cadets, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because revealing their identities could result in expulsion, as well as conversations with Ms. Miller and several gay alumni, painted a portrait of a vibrant, if tiny, gay underground at West Point. The hiding begins on Day 1: new cadets must sign a document acknowledging that revealing one’s homosexuality can lead to discharge, as can demonstrating 'a propensity to engage in homosexual acts.'"
Everything must be on the DL:
"The male cadet in his fourth year said he had had sexual relationships with several other men at the academy. Last year, he fell for a guy at a gay bar in Manhattan who, to the surprise of both of them, turned out to be a classmate. Back on campus, they enjoyed and suffered through a seven-month relationship on the 'down low,' he said. They might share a meal at Grant Hall, but if they passed each other in company, they would simply nod hello or offer a casual back-slap. They did not attend the year-end formal dance together. 'I went alone and told the other guys my girlfriend from home had flight delays,' said the senior, who goes nightly to a deserted parking lot to make personal phone calls, for fear of tipping off his straight roommates."
