Recently I posted a statement on Facebook that got me into a bit of trouble with a friend.  In a round about way it referenced language used by Christian leaders regarding certain social issues.  My friend took what I had to say as an attack on all of Christendom indicating that “H8” can be dished and received from both ends and that the LGBT community should not be excluded from dishing it.

My argument of action and reaction did not seem to sink as I explained that I was once told by a close African American friend that people of color, living in the United States, cannot be racist.  Any disdain toward the white majority is merely a reaction to centuries of degradation and oppression.  I went on stating that the same could be said about the way that I and perhaps several within the LGBT community feel about many who claim to be Christian.

As the our exchange on Facebook became more heated, I pointed out that Christians are of the majority and there are persons in very prominent positions making deplorable accusations which should be cause to remove them from office.  It is seen that these same individuals gain power due to a majority rule.  I was then corrected as my Facebook friend informed me that this same majority does indeed see LGBT persons as equals and that it is unfair of me to generalize.

What is about to follow are just a few quotes from elected leaders regarding equality followed by some interesting findings on how U.S. society sees itself concerning issues surrounding the same topic..  Please note the point of this article is not to divide but to merely point out how much work we all have ahead of us as a LGBT, Christian LGBT and predominantly Christian nation.

Our policies should aim to strengthen families, not undermine them. And changing the definition of marriage would undermine the family structure.
-George W. Bush

Homosexuality is more dangerous than terrorism.
-Sally Kerns

Governments should not be in the business of promoting a behavior that’s proven to be destructive to our society
-Jim DeMint

[in reference to the murder of Matthew Sheppard] The bill was named for him, hate crimes bill was named for him, but it’s really a hoax that that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills.
-Virginia Fox

Of course you know the miracle of AIDS, we all do. It’s the only disease that turns fruits into vegetables.
-David Duke

[the gay scene is] the biggest suicide cult in history.
-David Hoyle

[Gay rights and feminism are] modern victim movements.
-Jeb Bush

Marriage is the union between a man and a woman is a truth known to each one of us already, and any attempt to allow same-sex marriages is a detriment to the family unit and hurts our state and nation.
-Rick Perry

[in opposition to the construction of a homeless shelter] A lot of them are homosexuals.  They’re criminals.
-Erma Hendrix

Well, I don’t think that’s a radical view to say we’re going to affirm marriage. I think the radical view is to say that we’re going to change the definition of marriage so that it can mean two men, two women, a man and three women, a man and a child, a man and animal.
-Mike Huckabee

Religion in the United States 

Stance on Equality

Catholic – Homosexuality is a troubling moral and social phenomenon, even in those countries where it does not present significant legal issues. 
Baptist – The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Biblical teaching. In addition, read about Souther Baptist here.
No religion – varied stance
Christian, generic – varied stance
Mainline Protestant – varied stance (of those polled, the majority view LGBT persons as a detriment to society) 
Don’t know/Refused – varied stance
Pentecostal/Charismatic – Let us therefore resolve that the United Pentecostal Church International go on public record as absolutely opposed to homosexuality and condemn it as a moral decadence and sin, and do hereby encourage prayer for the deliverance of those enslaved by that satanic snare
Protestant denominations – undefined
Mormon/latter-day Saints -we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation
New movements (such as Wiccan) other religions – varied stance
Jewish – the traditional Jewish position on homosexuality is still difficult for many liberal-minded Jews, and the liberal denominations have debated the extent to which gays and lesbians can be fully integrated into religious communities
Eastern religions – varied stance
Muslim – homosexuality is a deviation from the original rule

Separate is not Equal

Times and views are a changing.  Though the majority do indeed side on denying equality, as the Christisan majority come to know more about LGBT issues acceptance is broadening.  And while clearly not every Christian holds the same views as described above, the findings speak for themselves.

Similar to what my old, white uneducated uncle used to say about African Americans, “Niggers aren’t all bad.  The one across the street is a good one.”  Well…I know some good Christians too.  I even have a couple of Christian friends.

If any man take a wife, and go in unto her, and hate her, And give occasions of speech against her, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid: Then shall the father of the damsel, and her mother, take and bring forth the tokens of the damsel’s virginity unto the elders of the city in the gate…. But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel: Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father’s house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.

-Deuteronomy 22:13

Stone the sinful whore!  She cannot be married!  The Bible defines it as so!

Society seems to forget that religion was one of the first forms of government.  As citizens became more educated, the rule of religion changed dramatically.  Democracy is threatened as those who push legislation based on religious ideology make a scapegoat of minorities.  African Americans, Women, and now Gays and Lesbians, all of these minorities have at one time or another been targeted by hate groups preaching select passages from the Bible.

H.R. 1269: Marriage Protection Act of 2009, introduced to Congress March 3, contains language that could potentially pave the way for the Religious Reich to tear down the United States Government as we know it, and replace it with a Theocracy.  Though the bill is aimed at regulating the Federal court’s jurisdiction over the Defense of Marriage Act, if passed, the measure would amend Title 28 of U.S. Code stripping the court of its duty, purpose and authority to effectively and justly interpret and execute supreme law, the Constitution of the United States of America.

Protecting, defending marriage is a ruse.  Amending Title 28 under the guise of the very heated topic of Marriage Equality is a smart move for those promoting intolerance.  At the same time however, dissolving the very role our courts were established to perform not only dismisses their importance and redefines our government but it also paves the way for fascism.  The road will be cleared for anyone sharing the same short-sighted views to gain momentum, power and eventually control. 

fas∙cism: a political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition 

Regardless of one’s belief concerning Marriage Equality, a brief review of what H.R. 1269 entails clearly shows the detriment Democracy faces should it pass. 

Write your elected leaders today to protect Democracy!

When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying the cross.

-Sinclair Lewis

See it for yourself! From the horses mouth…One News Now, a media source known for its empathy and ability to identify with the common man, Main Street and most Americans, has posted a poll:

It is quite apparent by the editor’s note, the sole intention of the poll was to feed fuel to the fire that is appropriately known as the Religious Reich. Forgetting that the United States is a “melting pot,” the Reich preaches fear and hate while promoting the ignorance that too often results in violence against the LGBT and Allied community.

Though we should never underestimate the enemy, their following is weakening! It is only a matter of time before they are extinct!

Already on the endangered species list, the editor admits the results do not reflect the views of their typical poll participants. Perhaps what the editor is missing is the fact that the poll was never really intended to capture data from an opposing view.

How the Religious Reich is able to claim legitimacy in their quest to spread hate is beyond most. This is obvious not only by the results pictured above but is even more evident by the comments later added by the editor as those responsible for initiating the inquiry were left licking their wounds. In addition, considering that an unnamed “self professed ‘godless liberal’ who teaches at the University of Minnesota” can muster up enough of a following to skew the very one-sided poll questions is amazing. The lord works in mysterious ways…see miracles do happen.

One sided News Now is on its way down.

Celebrate your PRIDE!

Monday, May 25, 2009, Memorial Day – the day fallen soldiers are remembered for the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.  At three o’clock in the afternoon, the White House Commission on Remembrance, will honor these troops by requesting all American citizens observe a moment of silence.  According to the Commission, the goal is to promote national unity and “demonstrate gratitude and respect for those who died for freedom since the founding of our Nation.”

At the same time however, the United States government is working against national unity and against national security by discrediting the invaluable contributions of LGBT service members.

Due to the social stigma concerning homosexuality and LGBT issues, it is incredibly difficult to map our history.  Unlike the struggle of African Americans, LGBT persons cannot simply be “outed” by our physical attributes.  Therefore, the majority try to erase us from history by denying our existence.

John Laurens – the American Revolution.  While it is only speculation, it is believed his relationship with the First Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, went beyond protocol.  Correspondence between the two describing a closeness so often shared by lovers has been manipulated, forgotten and nearly lost.  A Revolutionary War Hero, Laurens served as an international diplomat, convincing France to rise to the aid of the Colonies in their fight for independence.  He later returned to America and was instrumental in creating a network of spies and tracking British activity in and around Charleston, SC.  During a confrontation with the British, Laurens was shot and killed.  After both gentlemen’s deaths, Hamilton’s family, for what can only be perceived as fear of the stigma associated with same sex relations, censored much of what was written in the letters.  Though incomplete, the couple’s letters are housed in the Library of Congress.

Patrick Cleburne – Civil War and Hero of the Confederacy.  Claiming to care little about slavery, the decision to serve in the Confederate Army was based upon his love of the Southern people.  Among his military endeavors, Cleburne took the lead in seizing the U.S. Arsenal in Little Rock, served in the Battle of Shiloh, TN and the Battle of Richmond, KY.  He was later promoted to Major General.  Upon the realization the South was on losing ground, met with silence, he addressed the Army of Tennessee calling for the emancipation of slaves.  The idea was that the freed slaves would serve the Confederacy to ensure Southern Independence.  Major General Patrick Cleburne, killed at the Battle of Franklin, was survived by partner Captain Irving Buck.

Mrs. James Nash – Custer’s Seventh Calvary, American Indian War.  Mrs. Nash passed away while her husband was on a campaign.  Until that point, she had been aiding the calvary on their campaigns.  It was not until after her death, it had been discovered that Mrs. Nash had the same physical attributes of her husband.  Upon his return, learning of his wife’s death, Mr. Nash was ridiculed by his comrades and neighbors.  Out of grief and fear, he deserted the army and shot himself.

Established in 1775, a 1916 revision of the Articles of War for the first time addressed homosexuality within the military.  During World War I, Article 93 declared assault with the intent to commit sodomy punishable as a felony.  Paving the way for the existing Separate but Equal clause, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the revision did not take effect until 1917.   Only three years later, the Articles were again updated.  Sodomy as defined among many acts would now include consensual same sex relations, deeming it too as a felony.   The witch hunt within the military community legitimized discrimination and persecution from society.

During World War II and for the first time in U.S. history, Gays and Lesbians were banned from joining fellow Americans in the fight for freedom.  While on the other side of the pond Nazis developed “techniques” to gauge if one was of Jewish descent, the U.S. armed forces began “screening” draftees for characteristics that could supposedly mark an individual as homosexual.  For mere survival brave Gays and Lesbians passed such screenings in order to assimilate and become productive members of society.

It is important to note the argument to ban Gays and Lesbians from military service was based primarily on the belief that those inflicted with “homosexual tendencies” suffered from mental illness.  As the psychiatric community began defining homosexuality, for the first time in history with regard to same sex relations “science” was overtaking religion as a basis for discrimination.  A nation founded on Separation of Church and State had a new excuse for condemning Gays and Lesbians.

When that shot rang out, the world was listening.  Gays and Lesbians heard it too!  We were among you in the trenches and we were beside you at Pearl Harbor.  And though we had long since been forgotten, we were with you during the Forgotten War.

Tech Sergeant Leonard Matlovich – Vietnam.  A very telling life story.  Matlovich was decorated with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  Until being discharged in 1975 for being Gay, his career in the United States Air Force was considered exemplary.  Though Sergeant Matlovich was not killed in the battle, he was heavily involved in the war against discrimination; even referencing Brown v. the Board of Education as he came out to his captain.

Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer – Vietnam.  Recipient of numerous accolades, among them the Bronze Star.  The highest ranking, most heavily decorated officer to challenge the military’s ban on Gays and Lesbians, Colonel Cammermeyer was discharged and actually reinstated.  Judge Thomas Zilly found the military’s claim that homosexuals are an interruption to the armed forces, biased and unconstitutional.

Unfortunately however, Cammermeyer’s reinstatement led to further discrimination as the United States passed DADT, the military was once again successful in promoting the inequities that continue to exist for LGBT citizens of this Nation.  Gays and Lesbians, not worthy of recognition, were forced back into their closets.

Marine Staff Sergeant Eric Alva – Iraq.  The first U.S. Marine that was seriously wounded in Iraq  Sgt. Alva, while traveling to Basra with his battalion, stepped on a land mine.  His injuries so severe, his leg later had to be amputated.  Having also served in Somalia, Alva served his country with the dignity any service member possesses.  Out publicly, Alva is working with the Human Rights Campaign to end DADT.

While not all of those individuals listed here have died on the battleground of a U.S. led war, no one; no government, no branch of the service should deny or discredit the sacrifices they have made.  It is a sad reality that we are still in the midst of this war; this War for Equality and Freedom.

Discrimination leads to intimidation, coercion, violence and death experienced by a specific population.  All of which are promoted by the U.S. military’s denial that LGBT persons have always contributed to the advancement of this Nation.

While we remember our veterans this Memorial Day, we must be sure to include:

Allen R. Schindler – Japan.  Beaten to death by his own countrymen during an overseas tour in Nagasaki.  An attempt to force Gays and Lesbians back in their closets, the U.S. military found itself embroiled in scandal for what many believe to be a failed cover-up.

Private First Class Barry Winchell – United States.  Murdered on the very soil and by the very hands he vowed to protect.  The much publicized beating death of PFC Winchell was later retold in A Soldier’s Girl. Sacrificing life, Winchell’s story brought more stringent punishment on military members who harass LGBT persons.

Yet, punishing a service member who harasses, beats, bludgeons Gays and Lesbians in a world of DADT is quite the oxymoron, like Military Intelligence.  If we don’t ask, if we don’t tell…we don’t exist!?!

The White House Commission on Remembrance home page boast

One Nation, One Moment, America Unites In Remembrance.

One moment to unite by remembering the sacrifices all servicemen and women have made to better this Nation!

Shortly after having moved to San Antonio, a girlfriend of my oldest sister moved down from Chicago.  The use of the word ‘girlfriend’ is perhaps a bit misleading as both my sister and Laura are straight…but we won’t hold that against them.

Each woman was going through what we must all go through at some point in our lives; self-discovery, growing up and learning how we fit in this crazy world.  Laura however, had a little known secret.  She had been born, by all apparent physical attributes, male. 

Although my sister did inform me of Laura’s secret prior to our introduction, I sort of put it somewhere in the back of my mind not really thinking much about it.  When I finally met this seemingly well put together, witty, intelligent woman the burden that she was carrying, the secret I had been told, did not resurface until the day she confided in me.

At the time, I did not indicate that I had any knowledge of Laura being transgender.  I tried to remain careful as I did not want her to feel as though the weight she carried had been scrutinized, dissected and judged prior to our meeting.  As if it matters, although I now pride myself on having excellent gaydar, had I not been told otherwise I seriously doubt I would have suspected Laura as having been anything other than female.  Despite this knowledge, to this day I see Laura only as woman.  Now…let me tell you about her roar!

I was very green, very ignorant when I met Laura.  I was certainly not confident with any bit of who or what I was.  Even in the brief relationships, if they can be called such, in which I had been involved I never felt attractive; never desired.  And here Laura was, coming into my life teaching me a new vocabulary, a new outlook and showing me that life has many facets.  No one is required to fit a certain mold. 

She seemed confident.  She could speak to anyone on any topic.  A make-up artist by trade, she possessed skill, ability and knowledge that was beyond the scope of anyone I had ever before known.

Many times, Laura and I would be hanging out at her and my sister’s apartment listening to music, singing along.  She had an exceptional voice.  I remember being enamored by her range as she sang along to Tori Amos, Caught a Light Sneeze.  She sounded SO much like the goddess herself.

When Laura did ‘come out’ to me, she explained that although she had always known she was female, she had been living as a woman since about age 16.  Her bravery amazed me.  She went on to tell me how much she respected her mother and father and about what it had been like growing up transgender.

One night, we went to a local club.  Stepping out of the car we heard someone yell, “Hey, are you a real woman!?!”  Angered, I turned to look toward where this voice was coming.  To my surprise, it was not from anyone I would ever have expected.  It was not some ignorant straight redneck guy Texas so often gets the wrap for having.  The ugly question/statement was made by another transgender woman.  This bitch had abruptly and so rudely called my friend out in the parking lot for all to hear and see.  Laura, being every bit the woman – no, the Lady she is, simply responded, “If you have to ask…”  With poise and grace, she put her hands out, shrugged her shoulders and we walked away.  Laura made no more mention of the incident.

Prejudice in any form is abhorrent.  It fumes me to think back to that evening and what that Boy in a Dress said to my friend.  Knowing Laura, she would advise me on how I should not judge this woman as we all have fears that we must overcome. 

While corresponding with a new found friend, the subject of discrimination within our own community came up.  Although I witnessed discrimination amongst transgender persons I suppose I never really gave it conscious thought.  One might argue “Well, you’re gay.  What do you care about transgender issues?”  Prejudice is ignorance.  Not knowing, not caring about transgender issues promotes ignorance.  We all have the ability and choice to learn. 

Sadly due to many issues that each of us had to go through at the time, we have lost contact with Laura.  She taught me the importance of self.  Wherever and whatever she is doing, I hope she is happy and safe.

Despite the very real threat of arrest, violence and even death, Gays and Lesbians throughout the world continue to come out and tell their stories.  In doing so, the world is taking notice of the fact that we are a people of diversity who possess strength, dignity and honor. 

From the United States to Russia, Malaysia to Iraq, despite antagonistic terrorist groups such as Fatwa, the Religious Reich (Muslim, Christian), the Taliban, Neo-Nazis, the KKK, and even corrupt governments, Gays and Lesbians are taking a stand in order to remain true to themselves and secure their place in the world. 

We are a proud people who possess one message: truth.

I forget what site I was on when I read about Lt. Dan Choi’s dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Army for being Gay.  One of the comments a reader left was something like, “What did he expect?”  The reader went on to sound as if he was a supporter of equality yet at the same time seemed to discourage anyone from taking such a bold stand.

Today PinkNews reported 20 to 40 activists have been arrested during a peaceful Gay Pride demonstration in Moscow.  All requests to legally assemble were denied by Mayor Yuri Luzhkov due to his belief that Gays and Lesbians are “Satanic.”

A comment left by one of the readers stated:

Don’t want to say ‘I told you so’ but this outcome was totally predictable.  Some people might consider it brave, I think it wiser to live to fight another day.

Though the title of this post asks if we should give up, I suppose the real question is more about whether or not community members actually believe the efforts of those who have come before us, and those who continue to challenge injustice, are making a difference.

I responded to the reader by advising that I’ve unfortunately seen such comments all too often in the blogosphere and different media outlets.  Minorities throughout history have always known what we are up against.  We are well aware of what the outcome will be with regard to such demonstrations.  However, without action nothing will ever be gained. 

Though we still have an uphill battle, the West has seen much advancement concerning Human rights.  None of which could ever have been accomplished had it not been for minority members taking a stand regardless of the very real threat of being arrested, beaten or worse.

Do not marginalize the efforts of those individuals that stood for equality this morning in Moscow, or those throughout history that have and continue to stand for what is just.  Staying on the sidelines, in the closet, or silent because one fears for safety is not wrong.  But know…that safety is an illusion and relative only when you do not slip up and mistakenly out yourself with a gesture, a glance or a slip of the tongue.  Stay where you are out of fear but do not discourage others from peaceably working toward a greater good.  Do not discredit others for standing up for what is right.

The world is watching.  Although coverage is still limited, ten or twenty years ago, this dialogue would not have existed within the international community.  It is because of the brave individuals who spoke out this morning, and those that have come before them, that the demand for equality is growing.

There is a reason German generations to come will continue to bear the mark of Cain.  Their predecessors, the majority, were “wise” and stood for nothing.

This Mother’s Day, I wanted to take a moment to talk about a mother’s love.  While obviously I am no mother I am fortunate enough to have one.  And…I know many.  Often we hear things like “only a mother could love…” That is because typically a mother’s love is unconditional, beyond judgment.

When I came out to my mother and father (simultaneously), the response was much different than I expected, “you’re my son.  And I love you no matter what.”  It’s true!  I know that regardless of what I am, I am my mother’s son first and foremost.  Nothing changes that nor ever will.

I am sure there are things that I’ve done that my mother is not the most proud of, but when it comes to my identity she is never one to judge.  She, along with my father, opens their house to me and Jay (my husband to be someday).  Our room is always ready upon our arrival, which unfortunately is not often enough due to the distance between us.  And just as my parents are so graciously accommodating when we are at their house, I hope they know our home is their home; for it would never have come to be, had it not been for the two of them.

My Mom-N-Love is just as gracious.  She is a strong, independent woman who has taught her boys (myself included) what it is to be fierce!  A force to be reckoned with, she is smart, witty, sassy and vivacious. 

Forever the protector, my Mom-N-Love, is conscious of the length we must drive home from the city.  Again our room is always prepared as she takes care of her boys. 

When I lost my own grandmother, Jay was out of town on business.  I will never forget how my Mom-N-Love consoled me.  She is my family and I believe that she loves me unconditionally just as I love her.

Jay and I are truly blessed.  While we’ve seen friends who have had their families turn away from them for being Gay and Lesbian, our families…our Mothers simply say they don’t understand.  They could never turn their back on their children…for anything.

To our Mothers and all the real Mothers in the world…Happy Mother’s Day!

Growing up in the United States my family and I, for the most, lived on a military base.  Life was good yet extremely sheltered.  Although I was exposed to and befriended people from all over the world, secretly I believed I was the only one of my kind. 

Just prior to graduating from high school my father was issued PCS orders to Europe.  He was to report to Geilenkirchen, Germany (GK), a NATO base just minutes from the Dutch border.  Although my father had been overseas many times, my mother, kid sister and I had never been outside of the U.S.  We were all in for the culture shock of a lifetime.

Fortunately for this closeted teenager, Europe became my escape and in many ways my salvation.  I was all too familiar with the U.S. Armed Forces’ discriminatory stance on Gays and Lesbians.  And though outwardly people saw me as suffering from typical teenage angst, my behavior was a direct reflection of all that I was trying to hide. 

I could not shame my father by announcing my identity.  Up until the PCS to Europe, given all I had learned about Gays, I was certain that by “coming out” my father’s long tenure in the service would somehow be jeopardized.  As his son, it was important for me to remain quiet.

We were lucky enough to live in the Netherlands while my father completed his overseas obligation to the military.  No base housing meant that we were living in the real world, off base, “on the economy,” as it is so often referred to amongst military personnel.  This meant that we had to learn the ways of the locals.  We shopped using the Guilder.  I took lessons to try and learn the language.  The majority of our acquaintances were Dutch and/or German.

Europe, especially the Netherlands, is known for being progressive.  By the relationships that were created, my whole family began to see a shift in views.  Perhaps some things had always been but just never discussed.  We were learning the ways of the world. 

Though, for the most part, I remained in the closet I had a hand full of confidants that respected my secret and allowed me to be.  Having taken this first breath, experiencing this little taste of freedom, I was left gasping for air when we inevitably moved back to the States.

 My father had dreams of me joining the service.  Upon moving back to the United States, I was secretly already on the verge of suicide.  Fortunately my head was clear enough to know the armed forces were not right for me.  Besides, if DADT didn’t eventually catch up to me I was afraid that one of my would-be colleagues would; neither seemed very appealing.

The fears I had about being a Gay dependent of someone in the U.S. military can’t possibly compare with that of our Gay and Lesbian servicemen and women.  It is difficult enough to come out in the workplace if one is civilian.

365Gay features writings from Michael Duffy, an 11 year service member currently deployed to Iraq.    For protection from the U.S. Government’s unjust treatment of Gays and Lesbians, Mr. Duffy is obviously using a pseudonym.  He takes on the many challenges facing our service members, including what it is to be serving in a war torn nation while identifying as Gay.

The comments, left by his many readers, are just as fascinating as the topics Mr. Duffy brings attention to.  On his most recent post, How gay soldiers find each other, Duffy explores the false belief that Gays are anymore promiscuous than our straight counterpart.  His audience, consisting primarily of active and/or retired military members, has a lot to say about this particular subject.

A reader by the name of Chad explained that for him, the issue of promiscuity was not important.  What was important was establishing a support group that would respect him enough to keep his identity secret in order to avoid discharge due to DADT.  Chad goes onto explain that upon changing duty stations he lost that “close base of support.” 

Again, I can only imagine the fear Chad and others must face to avoid losing their jobs, their careers and potentially their lives.  Meanwhile the military’s stance continues to breed contempt for Gays and Lesbians throughout the nation.  DADT propagates hate and destroys what our servicemen and women work so hard to protect…freedom.

While Dan Choi and many other brave service members are currently being discharged for their identity, it is estimated over 36, 000 active duty members are serving in silence.  Further estimates indicate Gays and Lesbians make up an additional 29,000 guard and reserve members.  Is the U.S. military prepared to discharge an estimated 65, 000 troops simply for being Gay and Lesbian?  And at what cost to our nation?

Coming out in the work place is not the issue.  Having to remain secret about one’s identity for fear of losing everything is what is at stake.  Fearing someone may ask about whether or not you have a girlfriend, boyfriend (and now thanks to the five States that actually stand for equality, husband or wife) or something as simple as “what did you do over the weekend,” and having to lie about it, that is the issue!  Gay and Lesbian service members must be extremly covert in order to survive the very operation they’ve vowed to protect.  Per the many comments left by Mr. Duffy’s guests, straight service members could learn a lot about discretion from our Gay and Lesbian troops. 

Though I did not possess the discipline, the bravery and honor that one must have to serve in our nation’s military, I proudly stand and fight for our troops!  DADT must be repealed so that the United States may once again join the ranks of civilized nations.  Our servicemen and women, regardless of sexual identity, deserve to be honored.

To Michael Duffy and our many Gay and Lesbian service members: I salute you.  DADT will be stricken from law and Gays an Lesbians will no longer be required to serve in silence!

I find it difficult to make time for just about anything and everything in this hectic life.  However, from time to time I get the chance to pop on GayWallet to see what topics are being discussed and sometimes add to the discussions by posting my own sordid opinions.

Admittedly, the voyeur in me also enjoys looking at what is becoming the thousands of member profiles listed on this networking site.  It is wonderful to see the many faces from all over the U.S. and the world that make up the LGBT and Allied community. 

We are an incredibly diverse group.  Our political and religious views are just as varied as our ethnicities, our physical locations and upbringing.  Thanks to the GayWallet team, Genia, Jay, Robin and Joanne, we have an on-line community center offering a forum where members find support with regard to the many challenges facing LGBT and Allied persons.

Browsing through member profiles, I catch myself thinking “Wow, she’s a good looking kid.”  Or, “That’s courage!  He’s from a small Texas town.  And there’s someone from Arkansas!  Here’s a straight boy!”  I pause as I come across individuals that are obviously very young and I think, “To have the courage and support at such a young age…that’s amazing!” 

It is amazing.

While reading the blogs and discussion boards I am filled with PRIDE as I remember what it was like thinking I was the only one and thinking I had very little support.  Though I believe I will always struggle, to some degree, with aspects of my identity GayWallet encourages me to rise above adversity. 

I am one step closer to self-acceptance and self-preservation.  Anytime I am feeling as though I am not good enough, I will pull GayWallet out of my back pocket and remember I am not alone.