‘Don’t Ask . . . ‘

All is not well under President Clinton’s policy for gays in the military. Lesbians and gay service members must still lie and hide to avoid discharge. But even that isn’t enough. Many commanders continue to actively ask, pursue and harass suspected homosexuals. The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network in Washington has documented more than 340 command violations of the new, “don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t pursue” policy in the past year, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Some of us have turned to the federal courts for justice. A few, like myself, were successful and have returned to military service.

Since my reinstatement, I have found co-workers supportive and professional. Our cohesiveness is based not on our sexual orientation but on our work as members of a fighting unit. I’m proud to report that my flight crew was recently selected as the most combat-effective in the Pacific Fleet. Without unit cohesion, esprit de corps, trust and confidence, we would not be a team, we would not be successful.

This spring, I will deploy to the Indian Ocean for six months. I will spend most of my time in the Persian Gulf, and I expect to be involved in dangerous missions. I may even be involved in hostilities. That is my job. I am confident that I will do a better job because I have been honest about my identity with my crew, my country and myself. I will go because that is where the Navy needs me. I will go as a sailor, a son, a brother, an uncle, an acknowledged gay man.

When I deploy, I will proudly wear the flag on my flight suit, a symbol of a nation where all men and women are created equal, with liberty and justice for all. I will serve with the same honor, pride and commitment as other lesbians and gays who, from our country’s earliest days, have shared the responsibility of citizenship and have proved their value in defending the United States of America and supporting the Constitution.

“Don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t pursue” has to end; it is not worthy of our great nation.