In September 2007, 19-year-old Army Spc Bethany “Skyler” James left Fort Campbell near Louisville, Kentucky, to seek refuge in Canada after hearing horror stories from fellow soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. “I just wanted to let everybody know, that if you are in the military and you’ve been thinking, why am I putting up with this? You don’t have to put up with it.” An “out” lesbian, Skyler was ridiculed daily by the other soldiers and even received hate letters.
Queer war resister leaves US Army over homophobia
Ariel Troster, Capital Xtra. October 16, 2007
“I’ve worked with Courage to Resist now for six years. One of the best decisions the Chelsea Manning Support Network ever made was hooking up with them. They are amazing. I can’t sing their praises enough. In fact I became a regular donor.”
