This Falls National Coming Out Day Forum , Thursday, October 8th, will feature Dr. Margarethe Cammermeye.
Here is something worth thinking and talking about: It's important that we take a moment to remember those gay and lesbian soldiers who are risking everything to fight for our safety and freedom. Gay and lesbian soldiers who are in the military must live a life of secrecy, or risk being expelled from the military under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Many people are under the false impression that gays and lesbians are allowed to serve openly in the United States military. But the fact is, gay and lesbian soldiers are still being discharged simply because of their sexual orientation.
The New York Times published an editorial entitled: The Damage of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. That editorial includes the following:
New York Times
October 4, 2009
Editorial
The Damage of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
“Sixteen years after passage of the "don't ask, don't tell" law, there is reason to hope that the military is edging away from its destructive opposition to allowing gay men and lesbians to serve openly. At the very least, a prize-winning essay in a prominent military journal suggests that the issue is open to debate and even dissent. The essay, which won this year's Secretary of Defense essay contest and was reviewed in advance of publication by the office of Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was published in Joint Force Quarterly. It was written by an Air Force colonel who researched the impact of "don't ask, don't tell." The law was enacted in 1993 after President Bill Clinton tried to lift an existing policy against homosexuals serving in the military and met strong resistance from military and Congressional leaders. About 12,500 service members have been forced out, including many with distinguished records or invaluable language and intelligence skills….Several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Israel and Britain, have lifted bans on homosexuals serving openly with no adverse effects on military performance or readiness.”
Colonel Dr. Margarethe Cammermeyer, our featured speaker, is perhaps the best known opponent of the military's ban on gay and lesbian soldiers. Dr. Cammermeyer, is the highest ranking military official to come out while in the service. Prior to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" she challenged the military policy banning gays and won the right to serve. Her story and experiences are well worth hearing. |
