Honoring Gay Soldiers

Today marks the United States' observance of Memorial Day, where those who have served in the military and who made the greatest sacrifice are honored. How many of those we honor today were gay is anybody's guess, but we know they served. Although they served their country bravely, they were forced by a conservative-laden military to serve hidden in their khaki closets. The US Military needs to wake up, and join its close friends around the world who do allow their gay citizens to serve openly in their respective militaries.

Twenty-four nations, including Great Britain, Australia, Canada and Israel, already allow open service by gays and lesbians, and none have reported morale or recruitment problems. And although the US Military is concerned about morale of straight soldiers serving along gay soldiers, nine of these nations allowed their open service members to fight alongside American troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and twelve nations allowed open service members to fight alongside U.S. troops in Operation Enduring Freedom.

This post honors all openly gay military service members who have made the greatest sacrifice for their country, and for all those who now serve, as openly as they can. For more information, check out the American Veterans for Equal Rights, The Military Education Initiative, and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.