“Deploying” the Repeal of DADT
Editor's Note: In May, ignite was proud to feature an article on the impending repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)” by Adrienne, an active duty naval servicemember. This month, we offered her a chance to show us how that process has been playing out.
On September 20, the repeal of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” will officially take effect. One of the stipulations put on the repeal process was that every single member of the uniformed armed forces would sit through a brief, where it was to be explained to us what changes are going to be seen and felt once the ban on gays serving openly in the military is lifted.
Consequently, I along with my other servicemen and women we were herded into auditoriums, conference rooms or chapels last month for an hour long brief followed by a question and answer session. Military leaders reiterated over and over again that no one’s religious or personal beliefs about homosexuality would have to be compromised or changed because of the repeal. It was also made perfectly clear that gay marriage is still not going to be recognized by the military and no spousal privileges were going to be afforded to partners of active duty service members. The topic of HIV was brought up, reminding us that being HIV positive does not grant a separation from service and therefore to exercise caution when visiting medical facilities.
As I sat solemnly in my seat, our commanding officer graciously reassured us that our comfort level in regards to sharing living quarters with gays was his number one priority and that he would personally make sure that all bathrooms in the barracks would have double locks on them. Statements like these prove that just because we’re moving forward in our fight to be treated as equals, we still have a long way to go.
Now that we’re coming up on the official date of the repeal, the anticipation is building. No one really knows what to expect from the thousands of gay and lesbian military members once we are no longer forced to be closeted at work. Some say business will carry on as usual, while others fear that we will all show up with rainbow boas draped around our shoulders in an attempt to accessorize our cammies.
But just like in the civilian world, coming out is a personal choice. And everyone’s process will be different. I have gay colleagues that are anxious to be able to come out at work and finally be able to be themselves, and then there are those that will continue to keep their personal life private. Whether or not a gay service member will choose to exercise our newly given freedom to be out at work will be their decision to make, but thanks to the hard work and dedication of the LGBT community and our heterosexual allies we will at least now have that option!
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