Tuesday Afternoon, April 11, 2023
NAVY SECRETARY CARLOS DEL TORO
TELLS GAY CHAPLAIN AND MRFF CLIENT
THAT HOMOSEXUALITY IS A CHOICE
DURING ONLINE TOWN HALL


During an online town hall with Navy Chaplains and Religious Program Specialists (RPs), Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro responded to a question from LTJG Cory Newell, a gay Navy Chaplain and MRFF client, who asked how he plans to make
the Navy and its Chaplain Corp less homophobic.

Secretary Del Toro’s response, which “devastated” Newell,
and led 13 other Chaplains and RPs to come to MRFF, was:

“So, my message to you is have faith, understand that the battles you face, challenges you face… are not easy, they are defined by your choice to be homosexual. And that we have to work together and have hope. That we will continue to make progress in time.”
MILITARY TIMES & NAVY TIMES
COVER MRFF

Top story on Military Times & Navy Times homepages

Navy secretary: chaplain defined by
“choice” to identify as gay

By: Geoff Ziezulewicz and Kimberly Dozier

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Military Times covers Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro telling openly gay chaplain and MRFF client LTJG Cory Newell that homosexuality is a choice during an online town hall event on Monday.
This morning, LTJG Newell sent the following
email to Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

From: "Rev. Cory Newell, MDiv, BCC"
Subject: Secretary Del Toro, follow up from gay chaplain yesterday.
Date: April 11, 2023 at 8:30:00 AM MDT
To: Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro

Good morning Secretary Del Toro,

When you spoke yesterday you offered to talk about my concerns offline. I would like to take you up on your offer. Several things said yesterday left me upset and feeling even less than I already did. 

When I asked about homophobia it’s very easy to unequivocally say- “homophobia, racism, sexism, gender discrimination, or any similar attitude or behavior has no place in the military or in American society. While we know there is still much to be done, we are actively working to create a culture that supports all people and celebrates the things that make each of us unique.”

But that isn’t what you said. My heart and hope is grieved.

My cell phone is (phone number withheld) and I am available today whenever is possible. I appreciate your time and offer to talk through these things, sir.

V/R,

LTJG Cory Newell, CHC, USN
A few recent examples of MRFF's advocacy
on behalf of the military LGBTQ+ community
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