No revolution towards justice ever went backwards. To all the
supporters of equality and Don't Ask Don't Tell's death, I am so
grateful. The road has not been easy. We have learned many important
lessons about social justice, movements, supporting each other, and
speaking out against discrimination.
The mission is not finished; it has only just begun. The most critical
mission is supporting and encouraging closeted soldiers to finally
access their full integrity, dignity, and humanity. This mission is in
keeping with the first lessons learned at West Point or basic
training. As the legislation signals a new chapter in our journey, we
can be sure that our work has only begun. I call on all soldiers to
gain the courage to come out. First come out to yourselves, then tell
your trusted friends and family. Tell everyone who you trust and who
deserves nothing less than truth. Stop hating yourselves as your
country has signaled for so long. Furthermore, your coming out is not
for you. It is for all those who come after. Military service is not
about rank, pension or paycheck. Climbing the ladder is shameful
without true purity of service and I applaud those who give up the
superficial artifacts of career in favor of complete integrity and
justice.
I denounce the fear-mongering of John McCain and others who do our
country a grave disservice by their bigotry and calcified retardation.
His outlandish remarks that justice will result in amputations
demonstrates the ridiculousness of his entire argument. His silliness
proves the fight for justice has no real logical debate; you are on
one side or the other. John McCain, you are on the wrong side of
history. Your feet wade in the toxic septic waste of rabid
hate-mongers who perpetuate America's injustice. It is your argument
that has been amputated today; your claims have no legs to stand.
President Obama, you are not off the hook. The compromise bill passed
today puts the moral imperative squarely on your desk. Sign an
executive order instituting a full non-discrimination policy
throughout the military. If you do not, if you drag your feet and
politicize this with your theoretical calculations as you have these
past two years, you will be guilty of abetting those who loudly
proclaim homophobia from their platforms and pulpits. Provide them no
shelter or safe haven. Institute justice now.
Do not compare this to the integration of racial and religious
minorities in the 1940's and 1950's. Integration of gay people has
already happened. This is one inherent difference between our civil
rights movement and that of the past decades. We are integrated, we
simply fight for our integrity. As each civil rights movement fights
for access to a particular resource, it is clear that the gay rights
movement fights for access to dignity and our own integrity. This
struggle only begins.
I intend to rejoin the military and serve in any capacity I can be of
best use. I intend to marry and have a family of my own. We are living
in a truly historic moment where we can enjoy the rewards of our
efforts. We stand on the shoulders of many who have come before us,
from Air Force Technical Sergeant Leonard Matlovich to our present day
heroes. We owe it to them to continue fighting. Our loudness does not
distract but enhances the fight. Our direct action puts wind in the
sails of lobbyists and political elites who do our bidding on the
inside. We are one team with one goal: Equality in our lifetime. I do
not intend to waver or retreat in pursuit of this new life purpose and
mission, and neither should any American who loves justice.