Born: March 24, 1942 (Oslo, Norway)
Biography:
Margarethe Grethe Cammermeyer, born on March 24, 1942, is a former Norwegian-American military officer who made significant contributions to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Born in Oslo, Norway, Cammermeyer later became a United States citizen in 1960. Her military career began in 1961 when she joined the Army Nurse Corps as a student. She pursued her education and received a B.S. in nursing in 1963 from the University of Maryland. Later, she attended the University of Washington School of Nursing and obtained a master’s degree in 1976, followed by a Ph.D. in 1991.
Cammermeyer’s personal life took a significant turn when she married Harvey Hawken, and the couple had four sons. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1980. In 1988, at the age of 46, Cammermeyer met Diane Divelbess, who would later become her wife. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in her life and set the stage for her activism.
In 1989, while undergoing a routine security clearance interview, Cammermeyer disclosed that she is a lesbian. As a result, the National Guard initiated military discharge proceedings against her. On June 11, 1992, she was honorably discharged from the military. Unwilling to stay silent, Cammermeyer filed a lawsuit challenging the decision in civil court.
Her legal battle against the military’s ban on gays and lesbians serving in the armed forces gained significant attention. In June 1994, Judge Thomas Zilly of the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington ruled that her discharge and the ban itself were unconstitutional. This victory not only allowed Cammermeyer to return to the National Guard but also established a legal precedent for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the military.
Cammermeyer became one of the few openly gay or lesbian people serving in the U.S. military during the don’t ask, don’t tell policy era. Her bravery, resilience, and advocacy for equality served as an inspiration to others in the LGBTQ+ community.
The story of Margarethe Cammermeyer’s fight for justice and acceptance captivated audiences, leading to a television movie based on her life called Serving in Silence. Released in 1995, the film starred Glenn Close as Cammermeyer and drew heavily from her autobiography, also titled Serving in Silence.
Following her retirement from the military in 1997, Cammermeyer entered the world of politics. In 1998, she ran for the United States Congress in Washington’s 2nd congressional district and gained the Democratic primary nomination. However, she was defeated in the general election by Republican incumbent Jack Metcalf.
Cammermeyer’s commitment to public service continued after her retirement from the military and politics. In June 2010, she was appointed to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services. This committee, appointed by the United States Secretary of Defense, reports to the United States Department of Defense, providing valuable insights on issues affecting women in the military.
Recognizing her remarkable contributions and dedication, the Point Foundation honored Cammermeyer with its Point Legend Award in April 2011. This recognition underscored her standing as a trailblazer and role model for future generations.
In 2012, when same-sex marriage was legalized in Washington state, Cammermeyer and her wife, Diane Divelbess, made history as the first same-sex couple to obtain a marriage license in Island County.
Margarethe Grethe Cammermeyer’s life has been a testament to the power of perseverance, advocacy, and the pursuit of equality. Her bravery and unwavering commitment to fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community have left an indelible mark on society and continue to inspire generations to come.
Awards:
– Point Legend Award from the Point Foundation in April 2011.