Gay Iraqi Veteran Anthony Woods Runs for U.S. House in California

During the same week the Pentagon discharges a decorated Arabic linguist under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the Obama Administration sends mixed signals on the future of the failed policy, another openly gay and highly decorated Iraqi War veteran is running for Congress and brings a unique perspective to the debate on gays in the military.

Twenty-eight-year-old West Point graduate Anthony Woods led two combat units in Iraq and received a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government before being discharged for being coming out as gay. Woods is running in a special election in California's 10th Congressional District where he grew up. Daily Kos calls Woods "a rising young progressive star", and, if elected, he would become the first black openly gay representative in Congress. The Washington Blade:

Woods said his personal belief system prompted him to disclose that he is gay to his commanding officer last summer, during his sixth year in the military and shortly after he completed his studies at the Kennedy School under an Army educational program. The disclosure triggered an investigation by the Army that led to his honorable discharge last December.

The discharge came nearly four years after Woods completed his first tour of duty in Iraq as a second lieutenant in charge of a 17-member combat unit from 2004 to 2005 for which he was awarded an Army Commendation Medal. He led a 64-soldier combat unit on his second tour in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. The Army awarded him a Bronze Star for his service on that tour.

“I loved my career in the military and I was really looking forward to continuing that career,” Woods said. “But my time at Harvard provided me an opportunity to recognize and to fully come to terms with who I was. I started to realize that it is not at all worth going back to a life of lies and being dishonest to my commanders, to my soldiers, to my peers. It was something I was no longer willing to do and something I don’t think other members of the LGBT community who serve in the military should do.”

The seat for California’s 10th will become vacant later this month when Rep. Ellen Tauscher  resigns to become the Obama Administration's Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. The East Bay district has a solid Democratic majority and Tauscher has been one of the strongest supporter of LGBT rights in Congress. Tauscher has been the leader on repealing the military's failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

The special election is slated for September or October. Woods is a considered a strong candidate and is his military knowledge is key in CA-10 where military veterans are a significant number of residents. The district includes Travis Air Force Base.

AFTER THE JUMP, watch Anthony Woods' campaign video.

Comments

[Dante]

i'm impressed

[James]

This is great. I'm so glad to see our young men standing up and taking advantage of the opportunities that come their (our) way. I wish him the best. He is an amazing example of what we can accomplish!

[Nathan James]

This fine young man deserves every success! We need to see more like him. His accomplishments will point the way for other bright, young SGL men of color.

[Joe W]

I went to his website - and made a donation. He's great!

[alicia banks]

kudos!!!

a great role model and inspiration for all!

peace
ab

[Bill]

I already contributed to his campaign and encourage others to do so. BTW The linguist that they are kicking out is a classmate of Lt. Woods.

[Ravenback]

I'm glad to hear this wonderful news. The 10th Congressional district is where I live. Finally, I'll get to vote for two of my own -- Black and gay. I'll definitely pay close attention to him.

[MDS]

We need more stories like this. Plus he is nice eye candy. for a change eye candy with substance

[Giselle]

I wish him all the luck in the world.

The more friendly LGBT people in congress we get the better. make they can FORCE Mr. Obama to keep his promises.

[G.]

This story is PHENOMENAL!
And yes I just donated too, I love to see any positive brotha making a difference.

You go Anthony Woods!

[Isis]

I'm kinda disappointed he's Gay! That means I don't have a chance, lol!

I wish him much success though. He has done a lot in his mere 28 years! I hope he wins!

[Andy Niable]

Get out those checkbooks. Money talks (and wins).

[Faison]

Yes I am donating!
This man is an inspiration ... and PHINE.

[marcus]

I've already donated and will donate again! I'm totally committed to supporting a gay brotha!! Lets all unite and donate some cash and pass along info about Anthony Woods to a friend. I'm so proud of Anthony!

[Gregory]

Thank you for bringing us this positive story. I read elsewhere that as a consequence of being discharged under the D-A-D-T policy, he was required to repay the $35,000 scholarship he had received from the Kennedy School, which he called "a small price to pay for being honest." Now that's putting your money where your mouth is.

[Chitown Kev]

Donated.

[Mark Andrew]

I just donated too. Good for him and for us in Northern Cal.