Randy Phillips, a 21-year-old from Alabama, who recorded himself coming out to his dad on Tuesday (20th September 2011) when the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ ban was lifted, has now become a hero to hundreds of thousands as his video makes it around the globe.
Phillips first chronicled his trials as a closeted soldier stationed at Ramstein Air Base Germany anonymously, shooting videos that didn’t reveal his face. But in his heartbreaking video, below, he comes out to his dad on speakerphone, first asking if his father will always love him, no matter what.
Then he tells him that he’s gay.
There’s a long pause.
But finally, his dad says, “OK.” And also “I love you” and “I’m proud of you.”
A selection of You tube video by Randy Phillips, US Soldier on the repeal of the ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell. You Tube