For many queers, the issue of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) was merely about the ability to serve in the military, and for some, this seemed like a no brainer. Why woulds a person want to go and risk their life for a country that treated them as second class citizens? And others rationalized war as “wrong,” so no need to support the repeal of DADT.  The real value of ending DADT however had little to do with merely serving. It was all about integrity and self-esteem, and the need to bust down the closet door whenever and where ever it stood as a hurdle.

No matter how important that freredom to be out is, what was equally important was the amount of training and education that was begun in the military, such that a whole group of young people will be re-introduced into our society more comfortable with having LGBTQ friends, and co-workers. This translates to a greate chance of visibility all around. Joe.My.God has been covering a beautiful story about the homecoming of one gay marine, starting with this photo and a few updates since.

One thing I think about is how will gay soldiers impact thge perceived notions of gay masculinity? As our culture comes to accept that Gays and Lesbians serve our country proudly, with the stewreotypes of the weak, fearful sissy begin to fade away?

Gay and lesbian soldiers remained in the closet because they had to, but out in the civilian world, many do without that requirement. They find it ewasy to lerad a double life, and self-disclose only part of their lives to most of the folks who know them. Will that begin to change too?