Meet Gray!

My name is Gray Young, and I am a recent veteran of the US Navy.

I am originally from Baton Rouge, LA. I attended the US Naval Academy for undergraduate university and graduated in 2010, accepting a commission as an officer in the Navy. This all occurred during the years of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT), banning service of openly LGBT servicemembers. After graduation, I reported to my first ship, the USS John Paul Jones in San Diego, CA! While serving there, I participated in the effort to repeal DADT (more on that in a future blog post!) After JPJ, I reported to USS Lassen, in Yokosuka, Japan. Upon completion of that tour, it was time for some shore duty! I moved to Rota, Spain, where I served on the task force for Naval Expeditionary Combat operations in Europe and Africa. After that adventure, I was appointed the Secretary of the Navy’s Innovation advisor and worked at the Defense Innovation Unit in Silicon Valley.

During my time in the Bay Area, I met my amazing husband, Connor. In recent years, I have served onboard the USS Oscar Austin in Norfolk, VA and the USS Ross in Rota, Spain. My husband Connor also got to move to Spain with me and enjoy the gorgeous country and amazing people in southern Spain! I loved my career in the Navy, which developed me into the leader I am today. I have separated from active duty, and I will attend the Stanford Graduate School of Business in the fall of 2022.

After the struggle to repeal DADT, the Navy immediately embraced and supported me. At the time DADT was repealed, my commanding officer gave a speech to the crew reminding us that he has always run his ship as a meritocracy and that he would not change that approach. He set the standard on the ship that all people were welcome and valued as members of the crew and family. My experience at all of my following commands was similar, with commanding officers, peers and subordinates who fully respected me as an out gay service member. My husband Connor, was also fully welcomed into the community and supported by other spouses at our various commands!

While my experience in the Navy as an out gay officer was overwhelmingly positive, that does not mean that discrimination does not exist in the Navy or our sister services. The military has specific resources to educate and support you if you are experiencing discrimination. I have found them useful for me and my sailors during my career. Your command will have a Command Managed Equal Opportunity representative who will provide support and resources to you or file a formal investigation on your behalf if you ever do experience discrimination. I encourage you to reach out to your CMEO rep and find out ways you can be involved.

Additionally, the DoD and services celebrate pride month! Your command will likely have a committee to plan celebrations, education and events. Most ships and commands also have a diversity committee that celebrates various cultural heritage and history months throughout the year. I encourage you to get involved in those groups, as some of my best experiences came from serving on those committees!