Gay Navy sailor recreates iconic New York WWII kiss photo with his husband but faces homophobic backlash from viewers
A Navy sailor recreated the iconic Second World War kissing photo with his husband, but the heartwarming moment did not please many and has been subjected to angry homophobic backlash.
Thirty-three year old Bryan Woodington returned home for Christmas after seven months in the Persian Gulf and Europe on December 21. He was one of 300 sailors returning to their families right before Christmas.
Greeted by his husband of one year Kenneth Woodington, the couple rushed for a kiss as they won a lottery to perform the ceremonial first kiss, a naval tradition that was captured on Jacksonville station News 4 Jax. The lottery allows the winning sailor to disembark first and greet their loved ones with a smooch.
"Bryan suggested that I wear all-white because he wanted to redo that famous photo, but he didn't know we won the lottery until the day he came home," Kenneth a special education teacher, told Yahoo Lifestyle.
"When I saw Bryan, I lost all control and ran over to him," he added.