Out in the army my life as a gay soldier
ONE of Britain’s first openly gay soldiers is visiting Eastbourne Library to communicate about his experiences and his new book.
James Wharton was the first openly gay person to materialize on the front cover of Soldier magazine, the British Army’s official publication, and has worked for several years as a diversity role model for the charity Stonewall.
During his visit to the library, which will coincide with LGBT (lesbian gay, pansexual and transgender) History Month, he will talk about his book Out In The Army: My Experience As A Gay Soldier.
He will also be talking about his career in the Army and his work to advance equality for lesbian, gay bi and transgender people.
Cllr Chris Dowling, East Sussex County Council lead member for community services, said: “This is fascinating opportunity to hear an insight about army life, the challenges and rewards of organism one of the first openly gay soldiers and the important work of providing positive role models, particularly for young people.”
Trooper Wharton joined the Army in 2003 and entered the ranks of the Household Cavalry as a member of the elite Blues and Royals.
He has served in Iraq and alongside Prince Harry during training exerc
James Wharton’s new guide “Out In The Army – My Life As A Gay Soldier”
A limited months ago I was asked to be the official photographer for James’ new book. The book has just been released and James has since appeared in the Mail on Sunday, BBC Radio, LBC, Lorraine, Attitude magazine and many others to promote his new book.
Out in the Army looks at his marvelous career journey as he becomes a man, joins the Army and learns to cope with his sexuality in an often belligerent environment. His presence within the forces has also in turn helped the army itself reach to terms with homosexuality.
Wharton’s experiences develop the basis to his astonishing tale, from serving in Southern Iraq and with Prince Harry in Canada, to being hospitalized in a homophobic charge, to assisting at the 7/7 bombings and serving at the Royal Wedding.
His story will be taken right up to the direct when James leaves the army in 2013 after a ten year vow. The Army is certainly a alternative place now to when James signed up and there’s no question that he’s helped alter opinions and build life easier for gay service people in the future.
James was the first openly gay person to
Out in the Army: My Life as a Same-sex attracted Soldier - Softcover
Review
James Wharton's memoir of his being in the British Army is a stunning interpret . He trains to turn into one of those dazzling, shining cavalry troopers in the Blues and Royals, escorting and guarding the monarch, patiently sitting on their mounts as tourists photograph and giggle. But the Blues and Royals are no mere chocolate soldiers; they are deployed to Iraq like any other member of the military. It is while serving that Wharton finds the extra courage to come out and announce that he is homosexual. The consequences, both great and appalling, are written about without sentiment or self-pity. A wonderful, stirring and thrilling read. I laughed, wept and winced and closed the guide filled with admiration at such courage and grace. Stephen Fry An amazing story which is a mark of our modifying times, Out in the Army is an inspiring read from start to finish. Matthew Todd, ATTITUDE This acutely observed account of rocket attacks, scorpion bites and blistering heat - populated by mates such as Shagger, Smudge and Scoffy - could have been written a hundred years ago. It's the coming-out story, a gay wedding and a boyfriend wh
Out in the Army: My Life as a Gay Soldier - Hardcover
Out In The Army: My Life As A Gay Soldier
James Wharton
Seller:WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, Combined Kingdom
(5-star seller)Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Searching escape from the quiet countryside of North Wales, the young James Wharton joined the British Army with adventure on his brain - and he found it. At basic training, boozing and brawling accompany the daily trials of army animation but all the while James faces a battle of his own: he is gay and finding the courage to tell not only his family and friends but his fellow soldiers will be the biggest challenge of all. Written with searing honesty, James charts his amazing journey from punch bag to poster boy, along the way describing the troubles and trials of coming to terms with his sexuality. Late nights in the clubs of Soho to early mornings guarding the Queen; rocket attacks in the deserts of Iraq to tank rides with Prince Harry on the plains of Canada - this is James's life out in the army. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains u
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Seeking escape from the quiet countryside of North Wales, the juvenile James Wharton joined the British Army with adventure on his mind – and he found it…
At basic training, boozing and brawling accompany the daily trials of army being, but all the while James faces a battle of his own: he is gay, and result the courage to inform not only his family and friends but also his fellow soldiers will be the biggest test of all.
Written with searing honesty, and updated to include a new chapter, James charts his unreal journey from punchbag to poster boy, describing the troubles and trials of coming to terms with his sexuality via tardy nights in Soho clubs and early mornings at ceremonial events.
The first openly gay person to materialize on the cover of Soldier, the British Army’s official magazine, James has played an active role in developing support networks for gay men and women within the forces.
A courageous and candid account from the soldier who escorted the Queen to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, endured rocket attacks in the deserts of Iraq and served alongside Prince Harry on the plains of Cana