Hiding for My Life

Being Gay in the Navy

By: Karen Solt

Narrated by: Karen Solt

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Karen Solt, an eighteen-year-old nonconformist with an alcohol problem, is working at a gas station when a slick Navy recruiter railroads her into enlisting in the military. Before she knows it, she is on a ship in the Deep South, struggling to navigate not only a world much different from her small Northern Arizona hometown, but also her new discovery: she’s gay.

Figuring out her sexuality clarifies many things, but also creates a daunting new set of problems for Karen. It’s 1984: being gay in the Navy is considered a crime, and gay Sailors are regularly hunted by the Navy Criminal Investigative Service. Discovery means being kicked out, and by this point she is committed to the uniform (and to remaining with her first girlfriend, who is also enlisted). So she learns to hide her secret and find a way to serve—and even thrive professionally—without getting caught. But concealing her truth ultimately leads to devastating consequences.

A story of desire, addiction, the damage of secrets, the power of community, and the soul-crushing cost of turning people into “others,” Hiding for my Life is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit—and a poignant call for each of us to come out from hiding and live our truth.

©2024 Karen Solt (P)2024 Karen Solt

looking in a mirror

As a gay Navy vet myself, I can tell you this book is a very good representation of a lot of people's stories. I'm really grateful that Senor Chief Solt took the time to write it down. Thank you for sharing.

Honor, Courage, Commitment

Wow! This brought back a LOT of memories from when I served in the Navy, things I had forgot about. This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster ranging from laughter to saddened to amazement.
Thanks for writing this book, although I almost fell off the treadmill from laughing so hard.
- CiscoKid.

Mixed feelings

This gives amazing insight to a perspective that not many understand (those who haven’t gone through it). There were moments of laughter, “Wow” and moments that made me cry.

Truly an inspiration, no matter the sexual preference!

This book gave me all the feels: laughing, crying and admiration! Hiding For My Life, (wow Karen... just wow, from a proud cousin)!

We are invited into her world with a raw honesty and bravery that is truly inspiring. This book is not just her story; it's a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of being true to oneself.

From the very first page,she shares her journey of navigating life in the navy as a gay woman, drawing you into her life of camaraderie, conflict, and personal triumphs.

Karen's journey is uniquely hers, yet it resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to live authentically, being gay or straight! Her story is a powerful reminder of the bravery it takes to be true to oneself, no matter the obstacles or sexual preference.

Her time in the navy, dealing with both being accepted and discriminated against, shows what it's like to be different in a strict military environment.

What makes this autobiography special is Karen's unyielding optimism and belief in the power of love and community.

Reading Hiding For My Life, I felt a deep sense of admiration and gratitude for my cousin, Karen. Her courage to live openly and authentically in the face of challenges is an inspiration.
Thank you, Karen, for sharing your journey with us. Your story is a gift to the world, and it will inspire many to live their truth, just as you have.

A Strait Man’s Review

As a strait male, I would have never known about the solitude and fear that tens of thousand of active military personnel had to endure during these times. This book opens up a window into the lives of all of those who had to live in a constant state of uncertainty and fear for their future aspirations due to something as trivial as their sexual preferences. It is also a deeply personal story and exemplifies the incredible struggles of an individual living through these conditions in the most extreme of circumstances and ultimate conclusions. I’m not ashamed to say that I was in tears by the end.

Opening a door to a world not talked about

Listening to the words from the book spoken through the actual author and her experiences really made me connect to this book. The depth of the book and the experiences told really made me think about all the gay military members and what stress they must have went through. With every chapter I found myself wanting to listen to more. Every time I had to stop listening to do work, I would quickly turn it back on when I had free time again. I highly, HIGHLY, recommend listening to Karen read her truth. Such and amazing book and author

Pure love

Karen’s story was beautiful and tragic and made me laugh and cry. Her expressions of true love for people, the navy and her pets is heartwarming. Highly recommend. - Staci B

A direct and thoughtful approach of life in the military as a gay person.

I really enjoyed the storytelling of this author. She was graceful, direct, kind, and thought provoking in sharing her experience. There were moments of holding my breath, laughter and curiosity. Like how Six pack got his name. Listening to the author gave me a new perspective on how our gay military served their country. The perseverance to keep true love alive in the face of persecution. The rollercoaster of the new sobriety. The heartache of feeling helpless when those we love end their life. I enjoyed all chapters as the author took us along in her truth. Thank you for sharing your truth. We needed this book.