Our History
Knights Out was founded in 2009 to advocate for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell on behalf of LGBTQ+ West Point Graduates. Becky Kanis (USMA '91) agreed to chair the inaugural Knights Out Board of Directors. L. Paul Morris (USMA '80), Brenda S. "Sue" Fulton (USMA '80), Margaret Wilson (USMA '89), Scott Melendez (USMA ex-92), Sarah Haag (USMA '03), and Dan Manning (USMA '04), and Daniel Choi, (USMA '03) comprised the first class of board members.
Knights Out Board Members March in San Francisco Pride, 2009.
“It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed”
Knights Out worked hand-in-hand with leaders from Service Members Legal Defense Network and the Naval Academy’s LGBQ+ alumni group, USNA Out, to shift public perception and advocate for “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal.” After the successful repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, Knights Out worked in conjunction with West Point cadets to found an LGBQ+ affinity club, called Spectrum in 2012. The club represented a significant step forward and official recognition that LGBQ+ cadets were valued members of the Corps of Cadets. Knights Out incorporated Spectrum in its annual Gala for the first time in April 2013.
In January 2021, The Department of Defense established policy to allow transgender Servicemembers to openly serve in the armed forces - this also afforded Spectrum the opportunity to publicly acknowledge the trans cadets that had long served side-by-side with the West Point Corps of Cadets in silence. This policy change also provided for gender affirming medical care that thousands of trans servicemembers relied upon.
Unfortunately, as of February 2025, DoD policy has indefinitely suspended medical care and ascensions for transgender Servicemembers. Knights Out remains committed to advocating for open and dignified service - which includes transgender Servicemembers.
“America is stronger, at home and around the world, when it is inclusive. The military is no exception.”