Withers: Soldiers talk about ending DADT. Gay soldiers had to be quiet
Posted on April 10, 2010
Filed Under 365Gay, News
[1]
On Tuesday the Defense Department [2] hand picked about 350 soldiers to discuss what would it mean for DADT to end. From many accounts, the comments were thoughtful and perceptive. Some wanted to know how the military would deal with benefits if gay soldiers are married. Right now troops who are legally hitched can’t transfer them to their mates.
A female solider noted that for her sharing living quarters with a lesbian equals bunking with a man. Another soldier said he had no desire to wade into the conversation. Just give him the orders and he’ll follow. The moderator of the conversation asked if anyone thought they served with gay troops. About half said yes.
There might have been gay soldiers in the 350, but because of DADT they can’t publicly speak up. Even as the military talks about ending the ban. If they want to add a voice to the conversation, a third party will be used. Then their thoughts will be made known to the decision makers.
There is no problem with the Defense Department going through a slow repeal process, but the fact gay soldiers don’t have the same speech rights as their peers galls. Publicly the military brass [3] have no problem with this. “We want gay soldiers to serve openly, but don’t talk to us as we go over what needs to be done.”
I’m not sure gay troops should participate when they have so little value to their superiors. Of course this is true everyday for gay soldiers under DADT. So what’s one more indignity? Isn’t that the holy grail of minority life in America? Trying to decide which dishonor is worth ignoring, and which requires holy hell?
[1] http://www.365gay.com/wp-content/uploads/news-female-marine-military-top.jpg
[2] http://www.365gay.com/news/troops-question-impact-if-gay-ban-is-lifted/
[3] http://www.365gay.com/blog/040210-secretary-of-the-army-changes-his-mind-he-will-adhere-to-dadt/
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