My brother Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a medical officer, working directly with the Marines. He loved the military and would have considered making it his career, but he was gay and this was prior to even Clinton’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which afforded at least some protection for gay military personnel. In the 1980’s when Jim served, he had to be very careful not to be “caught” as an openly gay man because homosexuals were barred from serving. After his four years of service, Jim chose to leave the Navy because he didn’t want to live in such a repressive atmosphere. He had reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and he proudly wore his service dress blues for all formal occasions for the rest of his life.
I am grateful for Jim’s service in the military. I wish, however, that he had been allowed to serve without fear of being routed out because of his sexual preference. Luckily, our society has moved to a higher plane at this point. In 2010, the ban on openly gay military was ruled unconstitutional and shortly after Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed. As of September 20, 2011, restrictions on gay, lesbian and bisexual members of the military ceased.
I am certain Jim would be exceedingly pleased with this news. I surely am.
I offer my support and gratitude to all veterans today, gay, lesbian, straight, and bisexual. I hope at some point that transgender Americans will be allowed to serve as well. At present, they are still banned.
Many thanks to all our military personnel, now and over the years, who have joined together to keep our citizens safe and guard our precious freedom. We Americans are deeply indebted to your selfless service.
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