from Kyrsten Sinema’s blog:

I’m no avid supporter of war—camo doesn’t look good on me—but I recently came across a story about an openly gay lieutenant who is fighting to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell.”

Last week, Lt. Dan Choi appeared on CNN’s American Morning. He is facing dismissal from the military after graduating from West Point, learning Arabic to help while in war, and serving in Iraq. Lt. Choi obviously didn’t take notes from season five of The L Word, and won’t be pulling a Tasha. He’s fighting for his right to serve and is asking that “don’t ask, don’t tell” be repealed.

Instead of playing the discrimination, bigotry, and unaccepted card, Lt. Choi is focusing on values: dishonesty vs. honesty. Which got me wondering, “Dan, have you been reading my book?” While there might be a handful of dishonest people in the world, most of us would agree that deceit is not something that we value. Lt. Choi is taking the approach that “don’t ask, don’t tell” should be repealed because it forces people to be dishonest, to lie about who they are. And those that are protecting our country should not be forced to lie or to give up their dreams and commitments.

Unfortunately, his case has been repealed, but he has taken to the media to help spread his message.

to Lt. Choi I heartily say: thank you for standing up for your rights–for the rights of all of us–whether we are serving our country, working on its infrastructure, participating in commerce, raising a family, or just living life. I love the fact that this man is saying, “hey, you are asking me to hide my authentic self! you are presuming that my authentic self will somehow put my fellow soldiers at risk! you are WRONG! i am a great, talented soldier who loves his country and is willing to die for it. my orientation is but a part of my identity! but it IS part of me!”

*AUGH* all the years spent lying, pretending to be who we’re not…! ENOUGH!!!

It is time for all people to be able to live their lives–and serve their country–in peace, without experiencing discrimination, no matter what gender, ethnicity, or orientation!

for me–while i’m not serving our country–coming out has given me so much peace by letting me be my authentic self. (not that it was a huge shock or anything.) but finally, i live my life with that type of authenticity. YES, it cost me a LOT of friends. but to no longer have to hide, feel judged or inferior…it has been such a blessing. and guess what?!! God still loves me!  because what I realize is that I am truly fearfully and wonderfully made–every bit of me–and I am the same tdub as before–creative, fun, vibrant, a-bit-of-an-ass, loving, strong, hard-working (i must point out these are adjectives my friends have used to describe me haaaahahaaahaaa)–but no longer afraid, closeted, shameful, weak.

WHY should our servicemen have to hide?! Are we really that stone-age …AGAIN? (Remember the struggle of women and African Americans in this country!)

Oh and one other note:  the fact that I look good in camo has nothing to do with this opinion!

best of luck Lt. Choi and to every man and woman fighting this battle the world over.