Joseph Rocha: Gay Former Sailor Details Abuse In Navy Despite Keeping His Sexuality A Secret

Washington Post:

I was 18 years old when I landed in the kingdom of Bahrain, off the coast of Saudi Arabia, in the winter of 2005. It was the first time I'd ever left the continental United States. My joints ached after more than 24 hours of travel, but I knew that a new life of service and adventure awaited me on the other side of that aircraft door.

Read the whole story: Washington Post

Comments

[jeremyfive]

The United States Navy has despicable policies and intolerable "leadership".

Does it suprise anyone that we are not making progress on any war front?

The incompetent should not be allowed to hold command.

[blueskybigstar]

SinisterK9 and my response:

Let me get this straight...you said there needs to be more oversight, and I point out that we basically have more oversight and safeguards than civilians do, yet you argue.

You say there needs to be an independent investigator, and I point out there are multiple avenues for independent investigation, yet you argue.

Further you fail to take basic things into consideration; You don't know what has or what hasn't been investigated. You don't know how much of what this man says is actually fact and what isn't. Lastly, you fail to recognize that we live in a world that just plain isn't fair sometimes. There are multiple factors that you or I will NEVER know.

[blueskybigstar]

When the oversight is fixed, then justice does not happen. I know of the abuses of r a p e and against Iraqis and torture and yet justice is not happening. You need to look at the numbers of crimes committed and see how many come to justice. Very few. Many coverups. Corruption. Sad that you don't see it. All those things set up only work when people are willing to do justice. What you need to look up is Kay Griggs and you will know about the inner workings of the military. Tailhook. Ron Brown. Boorda. These things could not have happened without major corruption. How is it that this man who is supposed to be under investigation gets a promotion? This man's story is typical.

[blueskybigstar]

SinisterK9 I'm a Fan of SinisterK9 5 fans permalink

There are plenty of mechanisms in place for things like this. The only reason something like this can continue to happen over and over, is because everyone kept quiet about it, including the victim. This is the kind of thing you immediately report up the chain of command. If you are scared to, or don't trust your chain of command, then you report it to the Inspector General, who will initiate an independent investigation outside of your chain of command. Or you go to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (sworn federal special agents). Not to mention, immediately writing your congressman or senator. And for Gods sake, if all else fails, then contact the national media and get your story heard.

Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 09:35 AM on 10/12/2009
- blueskybigstar 155 fans permalink

No, when it was reported, the man in charge who did the deplorable actions was given a raise and they blamed the problem on a subordinate. There definitely needs to be an independent investigator of the military.

Reply Favorite Flag as abusive Posted 03:14 PM on 10/12/2009
- SinisterK9 I'm a Fan of SinisterK9 5 fans permalink

You are merely repeating much of what I have already said, given you clearly have no understanding of the military.

[blueskybigstar]

SinisterK9 is either hard headed and giving out wrong information or a purposely hard headed shill and giving out wrong information. Notice how he does not respond to the fact that after the complaint was made about the superior, the man was promoted and the abuses blamed on a subordinate who was not involved and who was also a victim of abuse. Can you say the word disinformation?

[DonCosenza]

This harrowing tale not only demonstrates that simply repealing DADT is not enough. It's not clear to me from Rocha's tale that the abuse he faced wouldn't have happened but for DADT. Imagine there was no DADT (or other ban on gays)... would this soldier have had recourse to complain about the abuse he faced? Unless there is a policy specifically protecting soldiers from discrimination based on their sexual orientation, I doubt it.

[wdw505]

if the abuse even happened..­.......hav­e we heard from the other side ........no­......righ­t now it is just that........a tale

[jbrantow]

Sorry you phobe protecting big 0t.....rumors of abuse usually are truth...
"DISMISSED: Joseph Rocha's Abusive Commander Forced Out of Navy"

[Matrsnot]

In talking to some friends who happen to be gay, I have posed questions about their attractions. They are generally NOT attracted to those not of the same mind. Like everyone else here they make mistakes and may read someone wrong and think they rae being invited for that type of activity. For the most part, they are not attracted to straight people in that way. For those like me who are straight, I will also pose the question to you. How many times have you tried to pick up someone and thought you were getting "positive" signals to be brushed off? Think about it. If a gay person does hit on you, warn them off. once. After that you have to decide how you will deal with it.

[OlongapoEd]

There is, unfortunately, a subset of straight (or at least avowedly straight) males who seem absolutely convinced that gay males are hot for their bods and who are all to eager too "punish" gay males for this supposed attraction. Of course, there are too many straight males (including plenty in the military) who flatter themselves (with no good reason) that they are irresistibly attractive to the opposite sex, but that is a different discussion.

[DonCosenza]

It's called "projecting".

[mados123]

There is a lot of discussion here about the integrity of the soldiers when really, it is mostly a cross section of our nation. The real issue is a policy that promotes intolerance.

[LuvzAmerica]

well you speak with common sense, some of that could be passed around to the military bashers on this board.

[aftershock]

Care to call the abusers in this case what you've referred to anonymous internet message posters, or can you still not be bothered to "speak to that?"

[BraineyRubble]

The United States Constitution provides protections to all Americans, not just the ones you deem worthy. Some of us that took the oath understand that.

[gallimaufry03]

The military is very similar to any corporation or group of working people: you get some good, you get some bad, you get some who work hard and you get some slackers. We can't villify "the military" in general for what some 455holes do. I've read plenty of accounts of straights in the military supporting their gay comrades.

At the end of this article there is a box to leave a question or comment for Joseph. I left a message of strong support for him and I hope other like-minded individuals will as well. Peace.

[LuvzAmerica]

THANK YOU! You have to be the first level headed poster here that understands that bad people come in all walks of life... not just the military!!!

[lkim65]

Teh military IS NOT similar to a corporation or group of working people. The military has it's own judicial system, and it's not like you can just quit if you are abused or don't like it. It is a completely different enviroment.

[gallimaufry03]

lkim ... I was not likening the structure of the military to a corporation but rather simply stating that when you have groups of people working together some of them are great and some of them suck. Had you read my post, I think you would have seen that point.

[BarryS]

Clearly the wrong soldiers, sailors are left to stay in the service, and the better, saners ones are forced out. What a system. We have all this to thank to Sen Nunn and Gen. Powell whose fear of a shower with other soldiers trumped the system. [as though a five-star general, or a ranking US senator EVER had to share a shower!] What they needed was some psycholocical help, not DADT law.

[Matrsnot]

The Army has a chapter in their Army REgulations regarding homosexuality. It is designed specifically to discharge homosexuals. Period. That is the way it is and has been for decades. May not be right, but those putting these people out of the Army are following regulations. It could change if congress passes a law regarding the issue.

[LuvzAmerica]

I just love reading all of the negative comments on the military as a whole... like no honorable people are serving this country. Its sick and disgusting. There are ignorant people everywhere... some of you people act like where you live, work, and socialize everyone is perfect and lives in perfect harmony with the next person... NO THEY DO NOT.

My brother (a Marine) served on a Navy Aircraft Carrier a few years ago and while he was at work, some gay sailor came up and was talking with him... long story short, that sailor leaned in a tried to kiss my brother.... he got punched in the face.

Now, if I were as ignorant as some of you, I would be screaming that ALL gay people are like this and are just disgusting homo sex freaks who cant control themselves. Because I am a thinking person, I KNOW this not true. I served with women who I knew were lesbians, they never came on to me, and they did their job just as well as the next person.....

Point is, you sure wouldnt want us "straight people" making asanine assumptions about ALL gay service members.... so please, refrain from trashing ALL "straight" military members!

[aftershock]

"Point is, you sure wouldnt want us "straight people" making asanine assumptions about ALL gay service members...."

Only problem is the majority of you "straight people" do just that, but I digress. I see in your scrawling rant you could call stereotypers sick and disgusting, but the soldiers responsible for this abuse are just "ignorant." Maybe you should re-evaluate what you're protecting. This example isn't indicative of the entire armed forces, but hazing like this and on lesser levels is a very, very common problem in the military, and those who take part in it are the sick and disgusting ones. This is not an indictiment of the whole military, but it needs to be addressed up front and not swept aside easily as some of you who serve and have served seem to be trying to do. I get the code you all live by, but there's a time when you have to say enough's enough and make a stand.

[wdw505]

if the abuse even happened

[springsm]

Hum....I think I would ask what your brother and this other person were discussing..and is your brother afraid of something. To punch him in the face was really mature...how about "I am not interested and sorry if I led you on". I know that takes alot of control with a marine on board a navy ship...but please...don't lump all of the posters here in the same box either.

[LuvzAmerica]

sorry if I led you on? Bwhahahaha­hahahaha..­. I think its hilarious when you people say lets not blame the victim that you would acually sit here and blame the victim. Must have been something that my brother did huh??? This guy couldnt have just been off his rocker....

just like when a woman gets raped, its something she did, said, or was wearing.... the rapist was just enticed right????

unbelievable.

[tattuchu]

Um...so your brother is an honorable person, one of the good guys, but he punched a guy in the face for trying to kiss him? Why couldn't he simply say, "Dude, not cool," and leave it at that?

[LuvzAmerica]

yes, my brother is honorable. We are all told while going over our enlistment package that homosexuality in any form willnot be tolerated and is grounds for seperation... just the way it is.

My brother was reprimanded, as he should have been, but I also applaud him for standing up for himself. Now, should I say all gay people will act like this particular sailor? NO, bc I too have served and I know most people, straight or gay have self control....

but lets not make it seem like all gays are just great people who just want to serve their country.

[wdw505]

now you will have your brother compared to a gay basher because he turned an attempt at affection into an assault..........i however would do the same thing

[aftershock]

After you got off, I'm sure you would self hater

[Samnchgo]

The military never punishes those involved in activities like this. Oh, they find scapegoats. But they never punish the real guilty parties. Remember Tailhook? Abu Ghraib? No, the military protects the straight white men at the top and punishes others who were "just following orders."

Obama could make a giant step toward ending DADT by issuing an executive order stopping its enforcement while Congress moves to repeal it. This, however, will not stop male heterosexual service members from abusing gay and female service members. For that, no law can help. Only the punishment of those who allow/encourage this to happen will stop it.

But alas, the military's record on punishing those responsible for those who greenlight this behaviour does not give me hope that the repeal of DADT will end this type of abuse.

[LuvzAmerica]

what some people fail to consider about overturning DADT is, it leaves it open to be asked. Recruiters are gatekeepers into their forces.... if they ask, and get an answer they dont like, they will find some way to keep those people out.... not all, but some will. And bc they did not say, "oh, you're gay, you can't come in"... there will be no way to say they didnt take them bc of that!!!

It is not as simple as overturning it, there are a whole lot of small side things that must be changed in conjunction with DADT, and most people who only have tunnel vision on DADT, cannot see it.

[Arrech]

Terrible story.

So much to do yet concerning Human Rights in this country.

[SparkyGump]

I posted a comment regarding my hazing in the Navy and it looks like it was moderated?!

[LuvzAmerica]

This is sad and I feel sorry for this guy.... I want to caution all of those who sit up and make collective statements about the military as a whole because of a few rotten apples. We have some very brave and honorable men and women who sign up for this very dangerous job and do it with pride. Not everyone is this ignorant.

I served for 4 years and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Marines.

And please, do not think this is just military life where gays are treated horribly. I know of a girl over the summer who blew her brains out bc she was severely harrassed at work by her superiors bc she was a lesbian... she worked for Border Control.

I wish people would stop maligning the military and acting like civilian life is so peachy.... homosexuality is something that all sectors of life might find a bit uncomfortable.... it boils down those who can do their job, go home, and not worry about it, and those who are just angry, ignorant aHOLES>

[springsm]

You are correct, but who do you think is on the Border Control? The ones in the town where I grew up as a whole new batch of them...the number went from 2 to 34...and they strut around with their guns and badges and look like over weight little losers and I would bet they would act inappropriately in most instances. Who knows why they are there. It is not for homeland security in that area. I think that you are correct on your assessment of homophobes, but where do you find the majority of the ones who are not in the impoverished uneducated righteous states? The military.

[LuvzAmerica]

wow.. I cant even respond to any of your posts.... these assumptions of yours are so ignorant!

[Matrsnot]

The military is a cross section of the citizens of this country. So damning those who serve because they are straight is incorrect. There are MORE problems in the civilian sector than in the military, becasue the military has taught discipline to these people. Sure, some get through and are bullies, but most, probably 99% are not. if you haven't been there and done that, you should not criticize the military as a whold. Even if yo uhave, the assessment would not be a fair one to say the least.

[botan]

This is why as a gay man I support violent assault on straight people. The best way to bring a straight man to his knees is to threaten his wife. I know it sounds horrible but its true.

[LuvzAmerica]

That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.... you threaten me you better be ready to bring it. I dont need my husband to fight my battles.

[k6007]

lol

[springsm]

He got the reaction he was looking for with this statement, didn't he?

[coolrepublica]

this is the dumbest thing I ever heard. Now you are making gay people sound stupid. stop please.

[limber]

And the best way to bring a man who's using you as proxy to threaten your husband is to kick him forcefully in the balls with a pointed boot.

I'm just saying.

[blukazoo]

get therapy. lots of therapy.

[Matrsnot]

As long as a gay person does not bother me with their sexuality and hit on me, I have no problem with them. If they do, then they will be told once and firmly to stay away. Anymore of the crap and they go to the hospital. Threaten my wife or family? That will not bring me to my knees. It may bring you to yours before yo uhit the ground face first though.

[LuvzAmerica]

exactly.. excellent post. I cannot believe he even posted something like that. And yet he asks for support his struggle, while saying things like this. WOW. Wont garner much support saying crap like that!

[aftershock]

What constitutes gay sexuality "bothering you" out of curiosity? If a woman hits on you and you're not interested and they keep pestering you still, do you threaten to send them to the hospital as well?

[botan]

The only way to stop this abuse is to stand up tp it and fight back. If you beat the H$ll out of someone the rest of the pack backs off.

[AfroGoddess]

I agree. Folks are taught to follow orders, and then they have to ignore all that training to defend themselves.

I would have taken one person each time and done them in but good. And on the oral s@x simulation, I just wouldn't have done it. And when they'd want to write me up, I'd mention how gay it would look that they wanted to make me pretend to perform oral on someone.

[SinisterK9]

The order was unlawful, and you are obligated not to follow it.