PLATFORM : Gays in the Military

I don’t believe gays should be restricted from serving. History bears out their bravery and patriotism in wartime. However, reflecting on my experiences on board the Constellation--once, it was found out that one of the men I shared quarters with was gay. We’re talking tight quarters that slept three men high and 12 deep.

In civilian life it would be simple to walk away, avoid the situation or attempt to understand. But during wartime conditions, normal reactions are not the norm. And while I don’t believe gays should be discriminated against, and they have every right to their own personal life, my relation with the gay person I shared quarters with changed. Everybody was uncomfortable.

Would it have been better to know ahead of time? That’s difficult to answer. All I know is that when death is hanging over your head 24 hours a day, the last thing you want to worry about is whether a man is going to hit on you.