haloguy wrote:wait, one, you were in the air force? and 2, the policy was only instated 17 years ago
I was in the Air Force from 1979 to 1983. I spent the last two years of this in an AF Base in Germany.
Yes, Don't Ask Don't Tell was instituted 17 years ago. But all
that meant was that before if they found out you were gay, you got kicked out regardless. Gays have *never* been accepted in the military. All Don't Ask meant was that they couldn't ASK, and you didn't have to tell! Before 17 years ago, they could and
did ask, so either you told the truth and got kicked out (or rejected if you were not already in) or lied to stay in. I lied. Don't Ask was an improvement over this, not a worsening.
Eventually I got caught in a (too intimate) Tug with another airman. With Don't Ask I could have lied (my word against the person who ratted us out) and they'd have had to take my word for it. As was, they didn't have to and gave us both low-class work details (guilty until proven innocent)... and eventually the other guy broke down and confessed after being harassed more than he could endure. That screwed us both and we both got Discharged (not dishonorable discharges though at least).
So believe it or not, Don't Ask Don't Tell was better than what came before it. Before it came along, if you were even suspected you're gay by anyone high enough up the food chain, you were out!!! If you don't admit it, they'd just screw with you until you did. One person even tried to beat me up; fortunately I was tougher than he was (being a masochist does NOT mean I'll let someone beat me up). Shit like that is probably why the other guy broke down. I probably would have too eventually I suppose; any hopes of a 'miltary career' was ruined anyway.
Some day I'll probably tell my Tug's story's The college Years, the military years, and post-military years as well if anyone is interested in them.
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...