Ep 3 | His SUPERPOWER is Mindreading

SUPERPOWER Podcast

In this powerful episode of SUPERPOWER, host Kristine Milkovich sits down with former Air Force Lieutenant Steven Marose to explore his extraordinary journey of resilience and advocacy after being court-martialed and imprisoned in 1990 due to his sexual orientation.

Steve grew up in the Tacoma area and joined the Air Force as an officer in 1988. While in service, he was court-martialed for “consensual sodomy” and “conduct unbecoming an officer” and spent 18 months in prison at Fort Leavenworth. He emerged as a militantly out gay man and although he has in many ways never looked back, he continues 30 years later to carry the stigma of a felony conviction and dishonorable discharge.

Steve’s story was told last year on stage for the Seattle Men's Chorus and on CBS National News. This year when President Biden announced pardons for LGBTQ military veterans who had been convicted of consensual sodomy, news organizations once again turned to Steve for his reaction as the "face" of the issue.

Steve is a true change-maker and puts words and experience to the challenges many groups are facing when it comes to human rights in our country. He encourages us to keep fighting, stand up for what’s right, and be an ally and advocate for those around us.

In this episode:

[0:55] A story of resilience: meet Steve Marose

[3:55] Steve’s early life and military career

[7:58] Facing criminal charges

[12:12] Life after court marshall

[16:41] Fighting for a presidential pardon

[23:30] Challenges with military discharge and benefits

[32:03] Some urgency with presidential pardons

[35:03] Inspiration from Greta Kammermeyer

[40:44] The broader battle for human rights

[47:11] Steve’s SUPERPOWER and closing thoughts

Links & Resources:

Seattle Times: WA Veteran Imprisoned for Being Gay Among Just 7 Seeking Biden Pardon

Them.us: Biden Promised to Pardon Gay Veterans. Why Is Steve Marose Still Waiting for His?

BBC: Pardoned former officer says military gay sex conviction 'hangs over me'

CBS News: Air Force veteran once imprisoned for being gay still endures the stigma of a felony record

Seattle Gay News:The struggles of obtaining VA benefits for LGBTQ service members: Local Gay veteran hopes to obtain pardon before Trump inauguration

LGBTQ Nation: This gay veteran spent 2 years in jail because he had sex. He can finally get a pardon.

Advocate: Gay man fights for pardon after he was jailed for being LGBTQ+ in the military 30 years ago

Seattle Men’s Chorus on IG - @seattle.mens.chorus

Connect with Kristine Milkovich

themilkovichteam.com | IG - @stylebymilkovich | @kristine.milkovich on Facebook & LinkedIn