Tom and Bao
On February 27, 2010, The Oregonian ran the incredible story of Tom Norton and Bao Nguyen, a gay married couple. Tom is a Vietnam Vet and Bao is a refugee from Vietnam. The couple met years after the war in Portland.
Tom’s story is incredible. He joined the Army and volunteered to fly MedEvac Helicopters in Vietnam.
In Vietnam, he flew 2,186 wounded soldiers to safety, was shot down more than 20 times and earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. All the time, he struggled with his sexual identity in an Army that would not allow him to be open.
He returned to the United States and became an activist to first allow homosexuals in the military and now to end the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy that forbids us to serve openly.
He recently came out to his Veterans’ Support Group – inspired by Obama’s recent call to end the policy.
His partner and husband (they married in 2004) Bao was shunned in his country and exiled first to Cambodia then Thailand. Eventually he made it to Portland where he was first recognized for his artistic abilities. He is now an excellent artist. The home he shares with Tom features his work in every room.
Tom is determined to do his part to end Don’t Ask Don’t Tell:
“I grew up with so much pain that my whole struggle for gay rights was for future generations,” Norton said. “I didn’t want them to suffer, to hide, to consider suicide — all the things that happen.”
Read the Full Article Here!
Oregonian Article by Julie Sullivan
Photo by Faith Cathcart of The Oregonian
Note from Fabulous Rob: I made the mistake of reading the pathetic comments left by people who abuse free speech by hiding in anonymity. But I believe in Free Speech…and suffering abuse is a small price to pay to preserve it.
If you would like to leave your comments on THIS SITE, please do so below!
