Many of you know I was in the military for 8 years, from 2001 until 2009. I served during the beginning of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and over the last few years I've been very vocal about it's repeal. Below is a speech I wrote and delivered at the International Mr. Leather Contest in May 2009.
“We’re looking for a few good men”… That’s what was on the poster when I joined the Army. But it was during basic training when I realized … I too, was looking for a few good men!Thank you President Obama, Congress and all the courageous servicemembers and activists who have fought tirelessly to see this overturned.
It's kind of ironic that I had my first sexual experiences while serving in the institution that hunted down and expelled men who have sex with men.
I joined the Army on an ROTC scholarship, was first in my class, and served as a combat medic.
But it was my open support for gay rights that kept me from being mobilized, and rumors that I MIGHT be gay, that caused an investigation into my private life.
Since implementing “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”, over 12,000 Gays and Lesbians have been discharged, making it the only law in the U.S. that mandates firing based on sexual orientation.
I think it's time the U.S. Military should undergo its' own regime change, or they should change their recruitment posters to read: “We’re looking for a few good STRAIGHT men”!
IT'S TIME we advocate for Gay and Lesbians in our Military, as well as queer veterans of the armed forces.
IT'S TIME they lift the ban and change the rules…. NOT the poster.
Regardless if you support the military or not: IT'S TIME our military finally delivers Liberty and Justice...For All.
