Surviving the Silence

Before the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was established, Col. Patsy Thompson had the difficult task of discharging Army hero Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer because of her sexual orientation. It was a decision filled with irony, as Thompson herself was also secretly a lesbian. Thompson’s nuanced handling of the military tribunal led to Cammermeyer’s eventual reinstatement through the federal judiciary and subsequent reforms in military policy. Though a 1995 TV movie produced by Barbra Streisand brought Cammermeyer’s memoir to the public eye, Thompson’s narrative remained hidden until the release of “Surviving the Silence.” The documentary also dives deep into Thompson’s personal life with her wife, Barbara Brass, detailing the emotional challenges they faced as they concealed their relationship to safeguard Patsy’s military career. Together, they navigated these struggles and eventually emerged as passionate advocates and activists later in life. Watch “Surviving the Silence (2020)” to learn more about this remarkable tale. Streaming options include cineby and 123Movies, where you can watch online for free. You are already on the right site to watch it here and explore a compelling history of courage and transformation.