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JEFF CLEGHORN
When we asked Jeff Cleghorn what his hobbies are, he said “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal.” It gives you an idea of why there is no one in Atlanta (or perhaps the country) fighting the good fight against ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ as fiercely as he is. In-between appearances as a military analyst on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC, the decorated Army veteran works for the rights of LGBT families as a partner at the law firm Kitchens New Cleghorn, LLC.
How would you define your role in Atlanta’s LGBT community?
As an Attorney, gay Veteran, and native Georgian, I am fortunate to be able to speak to the issue of the U.S. military’s treatment of LGBT soldiers. I worked for six years on the staff of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) in Washington, D.C., and now serve on SLDN’s Board of Directors. As one of Georgia’s 33,000 gay and lesbian Veterans – having served almost 12 years as an Army Officer – I care deeply about the fight for equality in the armed forces, and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
What do you forecast for Atlanta’s LGBT community in the next 5 to 10 years?
I believe Atlanta’s LGBT community will continue to grow and prosper, and am hopeful that our community will keep working together to promote inclusiveness and non-discrimination within our city, and throughout the State of Georgia.
We learn from all our experiences, both good and bad. Tell us about a negative life experience you’ve had that you learned a valuable lesson from.
I know firsthand the deep personal hurt that comes from having my country tell me that it is okay for me to risk my life in service to country, but it is not okay for me to be honest about being gay. This is an insult, and it fuels my passion to help right this wrong.
How has being LGBT shaped your outlook on life?
My father was a Southern Baptist Deacon and a factory worker with the Ford Motor Company. He taught me to stand up for my beliefs, to fight for what is right, and to always work harder than the next guy. Since coming out, I have tried to embrace my father’s values in living my life with dignity, as well as in using my personal experience to promote gay equality through education and advocacy.
Tell us a little more about yourself. What are your hobbies? What are your goals?
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal is my hobby. My free time outside of my law practice, such as it is, is spent primarily trying to help LGBT soldiers. My goal is to see Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repealed, and to see the day that America treats every gay soldier with the dignity and respect that our service – and sacrifice – deserve.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one book you would want with you?
Unfriendly Fire: How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Weakens America by my good friend Dr. Nathaniel Frank.
