Catching up with Tracy Thorne

Today's Virginian-Pilot has a timely "Whatever Happened To . . . " profile of former Navy officer Tracy Thorne.

Many of our long-time supporters will remember that Thorne challenged the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban in court after appearing on ABC's Nightline, and facing dismissal for that appearance. Though the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately decided not to take his case, Tracy's story helped ignite a nationwide debate about the law.

Today, Thorne is Tracy Thorne-Begland, living in Virginia with his partner and helping to raise their two-year old twins. He remains active in the community, supporting the work of Equality Virginia, which has been working to defeat the anti-gay amendment on the ballot tomorrow in Virginia.

And when asked if he regretted his Nightline appearance and the ensuing controversy, Tracy replied, "No, I've never regretted it for a moment. It was the right thing to do. I think every member of the armed services has a duty to live their life honestly and openly, and I felt it was my obligation to step forward and say the policy then, as the policy is now, is hurting people, brave-hearted Americans who wanted to serve their country."

You can read the entire profile here.

- Steve Ralls