Gay and Lesbian Connection

On May 11^th, Veterans Lobby Day, hundreds of current and former members of the military will deliver a message to Congress: Put an end to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this year.   For more information go to:  www.VeteransLobbyDay.org

Here’s a story from the first American soldier wounded in Iraq: 

I signed up for the Marines when I was just 19 years old. I served for 13 years, from Somalia to California to Japan, and then shipped out to Iraq. Three hours into the start of the ground war, I stepped on a landmine and almost lost my life.

I was the first American soldier wounded in Iraq; I received a Purple Heart, and President Bush visited me in the hospital. As I slowly recovered, the shame of this policy that forced me, and thousands of other soldiers to hide began to enrage me.

I traveled to Washington and came out with my story, which was all over the national news. The response blew me away. Almost every single Marine I’d served with – gay and straight – called me with support. And I’ve been fighting this fight ever since.

This campaign has been building for the past three years.  Lobby Day is an opportunity to speak out before Congress takes action on the National Defense Authorization Act – the bill that should contain the repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” language.

Let’s hope they listen.

advocacy Dont ask dont tell Gay Lesbian gay lesbian issues Gay soldiers

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There’s been a lot of talk about the importance of coming out.  So why is it so important?  For one thing people who have a gay family member or a gay friend are more open and accepting of gay and lesbian issues.  It’s hard to fear or hate someone you know and care about, or someone you’ve watched grow up.  A faceless stranger can be judged and treated with contempt, but someone you know?  Not so easy, especially when you know their story.    

So if you’re thinking about coming out–a scary thought I know–maybe it’s time–if not to your family or origin what about a good friend?

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