Here's What We'll Say Growing Up, Coming Out, and the U.s. Air Force Academy

Reichen Lehmkuhl is perhaps best known for the ambition, intelligence, and athleticism that won him the grand prize on CBS's Amazing Race. Since winning the million-dollar prize, Lehmkuhl has gone on to find success acting in film and television. However, he played the biggest role of his life long before his professional acting debut, when he was forced to hide his sexuality to comply with the Air Force's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Here's What We'll Say tells the harrowing inside story of what happens when cadets who are committed to serving their nation's military figure out that they are in fact gay. Lies, deceit, jealousy, love affairs, and fear were part of survival for Lehmkuhl and dozens of other closeted cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy--all of whom had to conceal their sexuality at any cost. With no way out and no place to turn for protection, a new code of conduct emerged among gay and lesbian cadets that helped ensure their safety. Gathering secretly in various locations, cadets formed a hidden network that, for the first time, put gay and lesbian cadets in touch with one another. To guarantee the privacy of individuals in attendance, however, each meeting opened with, "Here's what we'll say..."--a pledge so sacred that the group had it inscribed on the inside of their class rings. Lehunkuhl's absorbing account chronicles the tough decisions and sacred promises made by this clandestine group, as well as the unseen gay world forced into hiding within the U.S. Air Force.Lehmkul, Reichen is the author of 'Here's What We'll Say Growing Up, Coming Out, and the U.s. Air Force Academy', published 2007 under ISBN 9780786720354 and ISBN 0786720352.