Meet Grethe Cammermeyer: The Lesbian Colonel
Grethe Cammermeyer, a Norwegian immigrant who became a U.S. Army hero, is the ultimate example of living your truth—no matter the cost. At 19, she joined the Army, kicking off a journey that took her from serving as an Army nurse in Germany, Vietnam and the U.S. After earning her degree from the University of Maryland, she didn’t stop—she went on to earn a Master’s and PhD from the University of Washington.
Grethe’s life wasn’t just about service; it was about defying expectations. She married a fellow officer, raised four sons, and later divorced after 15 years, embracing her identity as a lesbian in a time when that would cost everything. In 1988, during a routine military security clearance, she came out—unapologetically as a lesbian. The military’s response? A discharge in 1992 after 25 years of service, citing that being gay was “incompatible” with duty. But Grethe didn’t back down. She took the fight to federal court, won her case, and was reinstated, becoming a symbol of resistance against discrimination.
When “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) dropped in 1993, locking queer service members in the closet, Grethe spent 17 years advocating for its repeal. In 2010 she was honored to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at President Obama’s signing ceremony to end DADT—a mic-drop moment for equality.
Her story inspired the 1995 TV movie Serving in Silence, produced by Barbra Streisand and starring Glenn Close as Colonel Cammermeyer, and her 1994 autobiography (updated in 2016) is still available on Amazon, alongside the movie’s DVD.
Today, Grethe, now in her 80s, lives with her spouse, Diane Divelbess, and their dog, Bella, on Whidbey Island. After retiring in 2023 from 11 years as a hospital commissioner at WhidbeyHealth Medical Center, she’s focused on “Engaging Aging,” sharing wisdom on living fully after retirement.
Grethe’s life exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and the power of standing up for what’s right—values that hit home for anyone fighting for a more inclusive world.
Why Grethe’s Story Matters Now: From coming out in a hostile era to dismantling DADT, Grethe’s journey is an example of owning your identity and changing the system. Her story is a reminder that progress comes from bold voices—perfect inspiration for today’s activists, queer youth, and anyone ready to challenge the status quo. Check out her book or movie, and let’s keep her legacy trending.
My Spouse
Diane Divelbess: A Legacy in Art and Community
Diane Divelbess is a renowned printmaker, painter, educator, and arts advocate whose influence spans Southern California and the Pacific Northwest. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Diane earned her BA from Scripps College and MFA from Claremont Graduate University. She taught at Cal Poly Pomona for 27 years, serving as Art Department Chair for eight, retiring as Professor Emerita. A past president and life member of the Los Angeles Printmaking Society, her work has been widely exhibited, particularly in California and on Whidbey Island, Washington, where she has lived since 1995.
On Whidbey Island, Diane has been a dynamic force for nearly 30 years. As a leader in the Whidbey Island Arts Council and the Working Artists Studio Tour, she fostered community engagement with the arts. As past chair of the Langley Arts Commission and a founding supporter of the Langley Arts Fund, she championed public art, notably helping bring the iconic whale sculpture to downtown Langley and establishing the Frank Rose Uprise Arts Gallery at the South Whidbey Community Center.
Diane’s transformative impact on the Whidbey Island Fair spans decades. As President of the Island County Fair Association and Superintendent of Fine Arts, Adult Arts & Crafts, Quilts, and Educational Programs, she elevated the Fair’s Fine Arts exhibition, forged a partnership with the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, and oversaw the Pottery Shack’s development and the Pole Building’s refitting for art displays. She enriched youth programs with initiatives like the Scarecrow Contest and children’s clay activities, infusing the Fair with creativity and humor, often with her “hurkle-durkle” charm—a Scottish term for lingering cozily in bed.
In Langley, Diane’s Taj Garage Gallery is a creative hub, hosting a 17-year uninstructed life drawing group, curating shows, and supporting emerging artists with exhibition space and tools, including a donated printing press. Her mentorship is celebrated locally, with X posts calling her “the heart of Langley’s art scene.”
In recognition of her contributions, Langley declared June 21, 2025, as Diane Divelbess Day. She lives in Langley with her spouse, Grethe Cammermeyer, and their dog, Bella. Her artwork is viewable at www.divelbessart.com, and her autobiography, A Lifetime of Art, is available at www.cammermeyer.com (shop).
