Gay Oakdale Marine’s Kiss Garners Major Attention

February 29, 2012 11:28 PM

OAKDALE (CBS13) – It’s a homecoming with a twist when a Marine sergeant jumped into the waiting arms of his boyfriend and gave him a kiss that’s making headlines.

Brandon Morgan grew up in Oakdale before joining the Marines. Now his mother says because of the reaction to a picture of that kiss, her son’s safety is her main concern.

“I didn’t think of it any way — whether it be bad or good or whatever. It’s just like ‘Thank God he made it home safe,’” Angie Panelli told CBS13 in a phone interview.

Morgan, 25, was returning from Afghanistan when he jumped into the waiting arms of his boyfriend, Dalan Wells.

The military’s ban on openly gay and lesbian service members was officially repealed last September.

Morgan said he’s proud of the attention the photo has generated.

“Apparently this photo has been dubbed the kiss seen or heard ’round the world,” he said. “It’s breaking barriers. People feel more confident to live their own life and be truthful to who they know they are.”

Reaction in Oakdale was mixed.

“He’s definitely served our country so he deserves that right,” one woman said.

“I’m a Christian so I wouldn’t advocate it,” said another.

The picture has gone viral, with tens of thousands of hits and comments. Reaction ranges from encouraging to cruel.

Angie appreciates the support but is concerned about backlash.

“You got people out there that are so full of hatred that,” she said. “That’s what scares me and my husband the most is we don’t want him to get hurt because of all this.”

Angie describes her son as brave with a big heart, and reminds the people she calls “the haters” that her son is fighting for freedom.

People have the right to say what they want, she said. She just wants them to think about what they say.

“I think he’s compassionate, loving and caring and any mother would be happy to have a son like that.

Gay Oakdale Marines Kiss Garners Major Attention

Bishop916

You can thank your media for all of this. All of it.
Susan

Looked like a perfectly normal reaction between two people who love one another and are happy to be back together. I’m 86, female and straight as an arrow.

Chris

Susan-Well said!

Special K

thanks lol!!

marco

hear hear

Curious!!!

what I do not get is why do people who do not want to see this sort of thing but yet people who are offended by any thing GOD, it is removed. Bibles, Ten Commandments Pictures, So Help my God from oaths. Can any one logically answer that. All this seems one sided to me.

AlvinA

I don’t think I’ve ever read a post that made less sense. it sounds like “curious!!!” has been endulging in his curousity about smoking some funny stuff.

Curious!!!

I asked if someone could answer a question but apparently it’s not you . By the way I do not smoke dope but since you can not understand my question then you must be smoking no you probably snort it and it has hampered your BRAIN. It is a simple question can ya answer it AlvinA

Special K

Who gives a krap iam gay and I have been with my man lover for 30 years and my sister is gay and she’s also been with her lover for 32 years and no one cares jeezus people get over it cuz this is old news gone dead don’t we got other thangs to worry about like who is going to be the next Krappy President ha ha hee hee

Curious!!!

well special K I do agree on the president thing LOL

Special K

Thanks LOL!!! Like Omg hee hee
Special K

Yep thanks
Soldiergirl

I’m a d.ike and i can’t help it, I wish i could be normal.

Curious!!!

You know Carolyn, I have read a lot of replys against this and I believe you said it with elegance. I agree with you 100%. My entire family is Military, Father, Father In Law, Husband, Brothers, My Daughter, Son and Myself all Air Force and Army. I was in Law Enforcement and an Airman I was training was Gay, she put a move on me the very first day we were on patrol and needless to say I came unglued. I am a religious person and I believe the same as you. My children are all grown and are parents but what is so really bad is now with my Grandchildren being raised through the Lord we have to explain this to 9 thru 12 year olds. It is sad to see every thing about the Lord being removed from sight but yet this issue is in sight for our kids to see and have to live with. I am not judging people just stating my beliefs and I do pray for all.

Soldiergirl

I will feel sorry for any of your grandchildren if they discover they are gay in years to come. It will be hell on them because of your biggotry and they will never be allowed to be who they are supposed to be. You think your family is untouchable? Better think again. I hear they used to labotomize gays, you might want to consider that when you have a gay child come to terms with their OWN sexuality against your wishes.

eljeffee

LOVE IT
Soldiergirl

I am a dik.e and wished i was Normal.. I am seeking help, Just so everyone knows.

justsewmuch

Well thank you…just posted what I believe in my heart to be true! Also, A great big THANK YOU For you & your family’s service to our country!
Garrison

Sounds a little contrived…constructed. Not buying the visual you are conjuring future rigid grandmother.

AlvinA

did god intend for you to be a closed minded bigot? see. Obviously god works in mysterious ways and, ps, welcome to America, which this guy has offered up his life to protect and where we have the undeniable right to believe or not believe in your religion of hate, ignorance and boring self-righeousness.

Curious!!!

BLAH BLAH BLAH you are so boring AlvinA
Just sayin

I’m going out on a limb and saying, God make a rectum for dispensing. Just a guess.
Sickos

bartman03

I am STRAIGHT, MARRIED, and with CHILDREN!. I couldn’t be more proud of you and your fellow Americans for the sacrifices that you ALL make.. Thank you, Brandon Morgan, for serving our country with honor, bravery and distinguishable character. You do America and REAL HONEST AMERICANS proud! Please ignore those close-minded ignorant morons who have NO clue as to what the true bravery really is. Thank you, Brandon. You deserve all the kudos you and your boyfriend can get. I could not be more proud you and your service AND the sacrifices of you boyfriend and the sacrifices You BOTH are to be commended for a job well done. Please forgive the typos//and or misspellings. I have I have Parkinson’s disease THANK YOU BOTH! We live in Sonora and you would both bet welcome here any time.

AlvinA

I wouldn’t allow that f.agg in my house, He might steal all the Bananas. Or jump on me and KISS ME!!! EWWW

Done

doubt it. Really doubt that. Pretty sure that would never happen. Oh wait…your a self hating homosexual. What is life like?
Soldiergirl

Alvin. let’s see that’s a chipmunk right? And if I remember right it was a chipmunk or some type of other small rodent that went up the ass of a well known actor several years ago and he had to have it removed in the emergency room. So, who’s up who’s ass? And you only wish some big strapping guy would jump you. I’m sure he’d prefer the bananas instead.

openminded

well said!!!!

Soldiergirl

Im a d.ike and i can’t help it, I wish i could be normal!!!!!!!

marco

like your comment. : )

Truthful

This Marine is a walking toilet
USN Sailor

I’m a WWiII/Korean ve. pushing 90. My first kiss was from a man while stationed in Norfolk, VA. I still treasure that moment. No kiss since can compare. Men kiss better than women.

marco

ive never kissed a girl, but yes, guys DO kiss good. : ) good for you.

marco

oh ..and i have aids, But it was worth it!!
marco

sorry u have aids, but i hope u havea long healthy and happy life.

Hans

Not really sure what all of the hubbub is about! Who cares? And, if you do, why?

Here’s a guy that joined the marines and served in Afghanistan…willing to make the
ultimate sacrifice if he had too. Isn’t he allowed to love someone and show affection
towards his partner?

Grow up people! Don’t you have enough stuff to worry about in your own lives?
Phil

This Marine disgraced the US Military and America. Homosexuality can not be accepted as ok. Think of what other countries think of us. If ths act is supported let me say that I AM ASHAMED TO BE AN AMERICAN. Anyone who says it is ok is an idiot and if that means you, so be it. This proves America is not the America it used to be. There is no hope for us. America is going to end up like the Roaman Empire.

John

Amen.Another Sodom and Gomorrah

Michelle

I am straight, I am christian and I say he deserves to be happy. God bless him for signing up for another tour!

John

If you are called by the name of the Lord you must call sin what it is SIN-Romans 1
Daryl

I think all of his kind should join up and volunteer for front line fire fights only.
marco

EVERYONE deserves to be happy, no matter who they sleep with. well said. i’d rather he not go back because he is so young to die, but god bless.

seekhelpnow

He’s embarrassing the Country u F,agg lover
David

What an embarrassment to humanity we have become!
eljeffee

so if GOD created everything..he also had a hand i folks being gay..like myself….so all you people who have something against gays….are not a true child of god!!!

Daryl

Gay is a choice that has been made by humans, very stupid humans.

marco

being gay is NOT a choice. why would we CHOOSE to be something everybody hates, is immoral, a sin, lose the love of our families and friends? being gay is NORMAL!!!!!!!!!! if we’re going to hell, then fine. we’re going to hell. at least let us be happy and being with someone we LOVE and live peaceful lives while we’re here on earth.

Proud Gay Christian

There is no just war. I view war as a constant violation of the commandment do not kill. I am constantly amazed that many Christians will condone war but will condemn love expressed between people of the same gender. Jesus said nothing either pro or con regarding homosexuality. Please show love for all of God’s children because all God’s children were created in God’s image. Let’s show love for those willing to die for our country and our freedoms and let’s show the youth of this nation that it is alright to show love to both a person of the same gender and also opposite gender.

Adam

100% True…I’m not gay…but I’ve met better people who are gay than most of the Christians I know…the Christians I’ve met are judgmental, love violence, hate everyone, but then tell you about how Jesus loves me….
Daryl

True Christians can’t be gay!

Jason Ridolfi

Semper Fi. Dont listen to anyone else. You served your country as one of the select few, the proud have. Gay or not you are my brother. The regulars don’t know what combat means. They never will. You fight with us, you die with us. Good luck to you. Sgt. Ridolfi, USMC

marco

i agree. for risking his LIFE, he DESERVES to be happy to be with the man he loves.
Daryl

sempershy, I think Jason wants to meet you!

Soldiergirl

Im a d.ike and i can’t help it, I wish i could be normal!

marco

you ARE normal. god made u exactly who u r.

Daryl

marco, being gay is a choice you have choosen to lay in.
Lovein it

Thanks for serving you country, Brandon. I wish you luck and happiness in the future.
Lovein it

Thanks for serving, Brandon. I wish you luck and happiness in the future.
Mr. Mike

Pictures like this are good exposure for the gay community, because they shatter stereotypes. Brandon, if you’re reading this, thank you for your service, and welcome home. I wish you and Dalan all the best.

Mr. Mike

And I’m also a sick F.A,gg

Garrison

Dude….. You are the man. We are so proud of you. Please get your story out in literary form. There is pent up demand o read about the specifics o your story