Don't Ask, Don't Tell ends, ctd

Using a pseudonym, Josh Seefried used Facebook groups and other resources to establish an organization for LGBT troops called OutServe. He is said to have connected around 4,000 such troops around the globe, including many serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. As the controversial 'Dont Ask, Don't Tell' policy comes to an end today, the airman reveals his identity fully.

Now I and thousands of other gay and lesbian troops can walk into our units free from fear of losing our jobs, our integrity restored. For most of us, the repeal of DADT has been Y2K all over: something hyped, but nothing more. Most soldiers probably knew the date of Sept. 20 more for the season premiere of Glee than for the date DADT finally died. The hype built around the repeal of DADT has created a situation in which there will be many gay troops who are scared to come out of the closet, a fear built upon decades of slandering gay soldiers. We were painted as soldiers who would put fellow soldiers and this nation at risk. Instead of honoring the courageous actions of troops who were gay and lesbian, we were being fired, investigated, and told we did not deserve to be part of this team. Any contribution offered by a gay soldier was overshadowed by his or her sexuality.  

(Image via New York Times; caption: "Staff Sgt. Chris Cano, a Marine recruiter, prepared to set up Tuesday in Oklahoma. The Marines got a small but warm reception.")