We don't let things get too heavy here at GG/SG, but if you're unaware of Joseph Rocha's story, please read. He was a victim of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, and his story has more than a few tragic twists and turns. Despite what he's been through, he still hopes to actively serve again. But for now, he's gone public with his story in the hopes that he can make a difference.
The more I talk about what happened to me, the more I hear from others who have been in similar situations. Students in the service academies calling me, crying, asking if they should quit. World War II veterans. Enlisted soldiers serving overseas. They are hopeful that we may soon have a different kind of military, that gay and lesbian men and women can serve the country we love with job security and dignity.
If you're really interested, he'll be online at the Washington Post's web site tomorrow to take questions.
I'm not naive enough to think that combat operations and political correctness are an easy mix. I am sincerely grateful to those who volunteer, and I don't claim to understand what any of them has to go through. But, I hope there's room for more guys like Rocha, and they should never have to suffer through prejudice and petty politics in order to sacrifice and serve.
--Straight Guy
2 comments:
There is a very large group of people that play a very important part in the struggles of gay/lesbians everywhere. In college we called them "Straight but Supportive" and I am blessed to have A LOT of friends that belong to that group.
Conversations with those people will further understanding for those less enlightened, and much faster than I could as a gay man myself.
Thanks for posting this really important, gut wrenching story.
Post a Comment