Political Morsels and Other Droppings

DADT is over.  These are three little words that come with so much meaning.  I only started taking a more proactive role to see the end of DADT in January of last year.  Before then, I tried to keep my head down and avoid confrontation.  However, something changed.  I came to realize that as a person who believes that action must be taken in order for change to occur, I could not sit at the sidelines.  So I took a chance and I reached out to whomever I could to make my interest known.  I did not have a lot of time between work and school, but I still managed to lobby on a couple occasions, putting my beliefs into action.  I started writing about it on my small blog so that my audience of five people might feel compelled to reach out to their congressmen and let them know that a change needed to be made.  Of course, I also blanketed a certain social network site with my thoughts as well as articles, hoping that it would prompt a few more folks to contact their congressmen and to further the discussion with others.   My role is small in comparison to some wonderful people who have dedicated the past few years of their lives to make a change.

I remember when the Bill was signed in December.  I watched the ceremony on a friend’s phone and I could not hold back the tears.  I know what that signature meant.  Yet, there was one more step to take, and that happened when the clock struck midnight, just a couple hours ago from when I composed this.   I realize that while my experiences in the military were a walk in the park compared to so many fellow vets who I have grown to know over the course of this past year and a half, I was still affected.  For some members of the military, they have only had to switch the pronouns of their loved ones to the opposite sex when in conversation.  Others have had to dodge witch-hunts. For a great number of veterans, their service came to an end by being thrown out because they refused to lie about their sexual orientation.  My heart goes out to those folks the most.  To lose one’s livelihood over so something so petty is absolutely ridiculous.  I’m so fortunate to have made it through my enlistment and to have ended it on my own terms.

Tonight, I found myself in conversations with quite a few folks who still put on the uniform, who continue to support and defend the Constitution and who have had to hide what they are in order to continue to serve this great nation.  When the clock struck midnight, I paid attention to a couple of those people and noticed this sense of relief that was quite visible on their faces.  For some of those folks, the realization of what has just happened will not hit until they put on their uniforms and head off to report to work.    I did ask a couple people if they were going to come out or change anything.  Guess what?  I don’t believe any disco balls are going to drop from the ceiling with “YMCA” blasting in the background.  Desks will not be filled with a ton of rainbows.   If they are, someone please send me some pictures.  For the most part, many will carry on their business as usual, but for one small difference: The worry will diminish. I know some folks will probably (or already have) shout their sexual orientation from the rooftops, but I believe that will be in the great minority.

What strikes me the most, and is something that I have discussed with a few folks over the course of the week is that of those new recruits reporting to basic training, who happen to be gay/lesbian/or bi. These new members of the military will not have to lie about their sexual orientation.  They can be themselves, as long as they follow the rules and regulations of the military.  Most importantly, those who enter into the service today will not know what it is like to serve under DADT.  That is something that I find to be truly astounding.

I not only want to thank those who have worked so hard for the past few years, but for those who served this great nation and whose DD-214s should be modified to respect their service.   I also want to thank the amazing people who I have forged amazing friendships with during the course of the past year and a half. Thank you to those of you who have continued to serve under DADT and who now serve in a post-DADT military. Lastly, I thank the members of the straight community who have taken the time to write, to call and to discuss this issue.  This horrible policy could not have been repealed without your open minds and your open hearts.  You all inspire me.

Filed under: political morsel