Navy SEAL threatened and bullied for being gay
Former CIA contractor and Navy SEAL says he was bullied and threatened for being gay.
The openly gay SEAL said he filed a formal complaint claiming he was abused over his sexuality when he was doing contractor work in Afghanistan in June.
Brett Jones, former CIA contractor and Navy SEAL says he was bullied and harassed. Photo: Facebook
Brett Jones, 41 told a San Diego newspaper that he felt targeted by his teammates because of his sexuality and feared for his life during his June deployment in an undisclosed location, because a group of contractors and civil servants in the CIA’s Global Response Staff watched news of the US Supreme Court ruling that legalised same-sex marriage.
Brett Jones, 41 and his husband Jason White. Photo: Facebook
It all started when no one was there to pick him up at and drive him to the headquarters resulting in walking by himself faced with abandonment and forced to walk in 48C temperatures without water as a prank.
He overheard people calling him a “faggot,” and he said they were defensive when he confronted them about it.
He overheard people calling him a 'faggot' and he said they were defensive when he confronted them about it. Photo: Facebook
When he got to his room it was noted his floor was dirty and the sheets smelt of feces.
Jones also said a presentation during a staff briefing contained sexist, racist and anti-gay themes and he was “Bad Monkey” and “Gay Gay”, by other members.
The ex-contractor has since come out with a video speaking of his hardships and motivating people to speak up.
“If your being harassed or abused for who you are, I can assure you, you’re definitely not alone.”
Brett Jones pictured with his son, Ethan. He was called names such as 'Bad Monkey' and 'Gay Gay'. Photo: Facebook
“Though there are people, organisations, churches, states, even countries doing all the can to strip you of your dignity, influence shame and rob you of your happiness that every human deserves in this life.”
“I’m asking you to hold on and be strong, the world is changing."
The author of The Story of the First Openly Gay Navy SEAL, said he feared for his safety and returned home early from Afghanistan.
In a statement to a San Diego newspaper, spokesman Dean Boyd said: "We take very seriously any allegation of sexual, racial or any other form of harassment and/or discrimination."
He suspects people will be reluctant to work with him now that he’s gone public with his story.
The former Navy SEAL told the AP that the CIA had contacted him and said they are investigating the complaint.
