McGinn, Jennifer, former Private, U.S. Army (2001-2002)

Jennifer McGinn enlisted in the Army on November 13, 2001. She was motivated by the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001.

The Army assigned McGinn to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. There, she underwent basic training, followed by Advanced Individual Training as a Military Police officer.

During boot camp, McGinn became friends with another female enlisted member.

One night in February 2002, McGinn’s Drill Sergeant suddenly turned on the barrack lights, ordered a line-up, and announced—incorrectly—that McGinn and her friend had been kissing.

An investigation ensued. McGinn’s Drill Sergeant sought witnesses and accused the other recruits of lying for not coming forward. McGinn’s Drill Sergeant searched her wall locker, and read personal letters from her friends and family.

McGinn’s Drill Sergeant told McGinn that homosexuality is “just wrong,” adding that “men and women are made to be together, Private. It says that in the Bible. Do you read the Bible, Private?” McGinn’s Drill Sergeant declared that “you can’t go to heaven if you’re gay,” and remarked that “I see that shit on TV and, I’m not saying it’s wrong, but I’m a Christian and it makes me sick.” Other Sergeants made harassing statements and repeatedly asked McGinn about her sexual preference and sexual history.

Due to her Drill Sergeant’s allegations, the Army began an investigation into McGinn’s sexual orientation. During the investigation, McGinn was asked to fill out a questionnaire that asked several questions about her sexual history. Questions on the form included “Have you experienced difficulties being around other members of your own sex?,” “Did you tell your recruiter about your Homosexual/Bisexual conduct prior to entering the Army?,” and “Did you engage in Homosexual/Bisexual acts as an experiment?” Posing these questions directly to McGinn violated Defense Department and Army regulations.

McGinn was honorably discharged from the Army on April 1, 2002. At the time of her discharge, McGinn had served in the Army for five months.