McGowan, Jeff

Jeff McGowan enlisted in the Army in the late 1980s. Through a steady series of promotions over the course of ten years, he eventually rose to the rank of Major. But McGowan had a secret: he is gay. In the don't-ask-don't-tell world of the Clinton-era Army, being gay meant automatic expulsion. So, at the expense of his personal life and dignity, McGowan hid his sexual preference and continued to serve the Army well. Ultimately, he realized that the Army held no future for gay men, including closeted ones. Desiring more of a personal life and tired of hiding his true identity, McGowan resigned from the service he loved in the late 1990s. He remains a staunch patriot and is proud of the military and his military service.

He recently published 'Major Conflict,' his personal account of his years in the service and the homophobia he encountered. McGowan commanded U.S. troops in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. McGowan rose to the rank of major, and left the military a decorated Persian Gulf hero.

In February, 2004, McGowan married his partner of six years in New Paltz, New York. His marriage was the first legally recognized same-sex marriage performed on the East Coast.