First Openly Gay Navy Seal to Speak at AMPA Gala

Though he was forced out of the closet, Brett Jones has an impressive history in the U.S. military and remains an icon for LGBT service men and women.

Growing up in a military family, Brett Jones spent his formative years amongst the Pyramids, the Iron Curtain, and the Korean demilitarized zone. He followed his family’s lead and became a Navy SEAL and served for almost 10 years. After being forced out of the closet and an honorable discharge in 2003, Jones became a security contractor.

This year, Jones will be speaking at the American Military Partner Association’s second annual National Gala in May. AMPA is the nation’s largest organization for the partners, spouses, and families of the country’s LGBT service members.

“Bret Jones is an American hero whose bravery and sacrifice inspires us in our work to advance fairness and quality for our nation’s LGBT service members, veterans, and their families,” said AMPA President Ashley Broadway-Mack in a statement. “His story is no doubt a tremendous help to many young LGBT service members who may be struggling with who they are, and it is a true testament to the strenght that diversity brings to our nation’s Armed Forces.”

This year’s AMPA National Gala will be on Saturday, May 9, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Watch a clip of Brett Jones discuss what happened below: