Honor Bound: A gay American fights for the right to serve his Country

by Joseph Steffan

During the long fight to ensure that LGBT members of the United States military could serve without fear of dismissal or legal prosecution, the case of Joseph Steffan drew attention the harrowing injustices they endured. Steffan was one of Annapolis's highest-ranking midshipmen--yet even he was expelled after revealing he was gay.

Here is his own account of the ordeal, which brought him national attention as he fought his discharge all the way to a hostile Supreme Court. 16 pages of photographs.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Biography, Memoir, History, Gay

245 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Robert Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and interesting memoir; some of the best descriptions and criticisms of the Naval Academy system and culture, as well as moving account about author's legal fight against discrimination; main criticism is that critical parts of the author's story are omitted, so on the whole it doesn't make sense (e.g., why did the navy start an investigation if the author was completely closeted and never engaged in homosexual conduct?)

[Suzanne Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Should be required reading for all Americans. I hope Steffan and others in the same circumstances are eventually awarded the degrees earned. I believe he will be, possibly along with reparations. This was a very memorable book that I think of often. After reading it, I gave two copies as gifts. This true story would make a fantastic movie.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It shouldn't have taken me almost 30 years to read this book, but I am glad I did. It is well-written and an inspiring story of courage, honor, and self-acceptance. Although we've gone through and beyond the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era, Steffan's story is still relevant.

[FAHASS]

921 STEFFAN

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steffan's was one of the cases that eventually brought down the edifice of institutional homophobia employed to harass and expel gays in the American military from the 1940's to 2011. I met the author on a book tour in Atlanta and still have my signed copy, as well as his example of the personal courage and integrity I and all gays needed during those dark and evil years.

[Lynnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in college and was heartbroken by his story. It is a true tale of the times and his struggles. Good read.