A review by crazylady_usmc
The Pink Marine: One Boy's Journey Through Boot Camp to Manhood by Norman Lear, Greg Cope White

adventurous emotional funny informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

For any who have stood on the infamous yellow footprints aboard Parris Island, this will bring back memories and have you rolling in laughter. Greg Cope White beautifully weaves his own story about hiding his sexual identity stowed away in the days before don't ask don't tell. As a transgender Marine who served under Don't Ask Don't Tell and was honorably discharged shortly after the policy was repealed this piece particularly hit close to home. I felt connected when the author writes, "Regardless of my insecurity about my appearance and sexuality, I gained confidence from membership in a group I never thought I could belong to, a group I never thought would accept me." This is connected to an idea now immortalized by 'Full Metal Jacket' that all Marines are shades of green. We have all earned our eagle, globe, and anchor and our bound by that, regardless of where we came, or who and how we love.