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Dec 30, 2010
After an autumn in which a number of gay youth took their lives and scores of LGBT allies lost their political offices, Congress’ vote to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell” came as a particularly welcome holiday gift. It’s a gift that will keep on giving.
The military ban was rooted in straight men’s homophobic revulsion toward gay sexuality and their contempt for strong women who don’t need them. The ban gave social credence to the most destructive myths about gays and lesbians – that we are mentally and physically unfit, immoral and out-of-control sexual predators.
Throughout the ages, serving one’s nation in battle has been a sacred honor that brings with it stature and respect. Denying gays and lesbians the right to distinguish themselves in this way relegated us to permanent second-class citizenship.
That’s precisely why right-wing Christian bigots who are otherwise staunchly pro-military fought so hard to maintain “don’t ask,” despite the documented negative effects it had on our Armed Forces.
In recent years the Pentagon actively recruited criminals and gang members, along with people who were unable to meet minimum standards of physical and mental competence, in an effort to sustain the personnel requirements of two wars. But at the same time, the Pentagon routinely ferreted out and discharged lesbian and gay servicemembers with outstanding records of service and expertise in areas that are badly needed by the military.
Religious bigots fought to preserve this self-defeating status quo because it reinforced their message that gays and lesbians are defective and inferior to everyone else. They didn’t – and still don’t – want America to see gay and lesbian heroes risking their lives to defend this country, because they know that would bolster our bid for social equality, just as it has in other countries.
Aaron Belkin, director of the California-based Palm Center, said that Congress’ vote to repeal the military ban “ushers in a new era in which the largest employer in the United States treats gays and lesbians like human beings.”
That’s a development that’s long overdue. It gives the entire nation something to celebrate as we enter the second decade of the 21st century.
