Visibility for the Queer Veteran Community
LaShawn McGhee
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Revry is speaking with LaShawn McGhee, the co-founder and chief production officer at Revry. As a veteran, LasShawn shares her thoughts on the day and more to highlight the unique perspective of LGBTQ service members.
After leaving a nine-year nursing career with the United States Army, LaShawn dedicated herself to the art of storytelling by graduating from The American Film Institute (AFI) with a master’s degree in film editing. Since graduating, LaShawn has worked on film, television, and documentary projects as an editor, assistant editor, and producer. Previously involved in Ava Duvernay’s ARRAY film movement and a regular juror and panelists at events such as Outfest and the American Film Market (AFM), LaShawn brings her experience of working on feature films (Selma, The Leisure Class) and broadcast television (Girl Rising, A Chance to Dance) to Revry. Her technical skills are matched only by her passion for sharing the unique voices and stories of the LBGTQ community with the widest audiences possible.
What does Veteran’s Day mean to you?
The military has always been part of my life. I grew up in Arlington, Virginia just steps from The Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, and the Pentagon. I used to watch the Honor Guard Practice ceremonial rituals on weekends during shopping trips to Fort Myers Army base with my Mom, who is a retired Navy Veteran.
My Maternal Grandfather was also a Veteran, so for me, Veteran’s Day celebrates the legacy and pride of service. It’s a time-honored tradition that I’m grateful to be part of.
What kind of stories do you feel still need to be highlighted for the queer Veteran community?
Queer Vets are as distinguished as any other service member, and to be honest, more so because a lot of us had to serve in silence. I joined the Army during don’t ask don’t tell. This was a time of quiet head nods and undisclosed meeting places. A time when secrecy was a necessity because the stakes for exposure were high. We have made strides since I left the Army in 2003, but there is so much more to be done. Highlighting the accomplishments of queer service members is essential to furthering the voice and message of equality.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I often wonder what things would have been like had I retired from the Army, but I have no regrets about changing course into filmmaking. As for my younger self… I would have told her to take advantage of every opportunity and to reach for the stars and never look back.
