In 1974 he was allowed to re-enlist for a six year term, despite both his homosexuality and his refusal to cooperate with the previous investigation. But he was investigated again – in 1975 and 1978 – on each occasion without further action. Intending to serve 20 years so that he would qualify for an Army pension, he re-enlisted in 1979 – and that’s where his troubles began.

Yet another investigation was undertaken in 1980. On this occasion it led to the revoking of his security clearance. This, in turn, prevented his promotion from staff sergeant to sergeant first class. When Watkins appealed to have his security clearance re-instated, the Army said it would discharge him – because homosexuals weren’t allowed in the armed forces! Watkins responded by suing the Army to prevent his discharge. So the Army changed course and said they would, instead, prevent him from re-enlisting at the end of his term of service in 1982.

And with that, the situation that Watkins had been trying to avoid since he first enlisted in 1967 became a reality. Despite having been open about his homosexuality from the very beginning; having been repeatedly assessed by psychiatrists and doctors as fit for service and having repeatedly received praise for his good work, the Army was now trying to get rid of him – because he was a homosexual.

So a series of court cases ensued throughout the 80; each time going to a higher court as one court ruled in favour of Watkins then the next one against. Eventually, in 1988, the Ninth Circuit ruled in Watkins favour. But this did not stop the Bush administration asking the Supreme Court to review the decision – thankfully without success.

After a long battle, the Supreme Court decide in favour of Watkins and against the Bush administration

The way was open for Watkins to re-enlist, which was his original intention.  In the end, he settled for a retroactive settlement that included promotion to sergeant first class, $135,000 in back pay, full retirement benefits and an honourable discharge. He had won the day – but it had come at a price. He lost his house, his savings and a relationship as well as a career when he was forced to find employment during his battle to be re-admitted to the army.

He was also angry at the racism he experienced in the queer community during and after his battle. In particular, the fact that he was ignored by ‘gays in the military’ campaigners whom, he felt, opted to promote more palatable (white) service personnel:

“We’ll go with a (white) woman who led a lie for fifty-six years before we go with a black man who had to live the struggle nearly every day of his life.”

He did receive some recognition though when he was asked to be grand marshal of New York City’s Pride parade in 1993.

Sadly, he never lived to see the repeal of Bill Clinton’s ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy and the introduction of a more inclusive one. He died of AIDS-related complications on 17th March 1996.

Reference:

1. Making Gay History Podcast, November 1989. Transcript of Eric Marcus interview with Perry Watkins.