ARKETIPO 187

Image courtesy of Equality Virginia

This Tuesday marked the last day of the Clinton-era policy “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) for gays in the military.

For 17 years, gays and lesbians in the military were not permitted to reveal their non-straight status, lest they make the straight folk uncomfortable and so face termination from the service.

Now, as President Obama makes provisions for the advancement of the LGBT community, gays and lesbians who were honorably discharged under DADT celebrate across the country. Some are still passionate enough to return to the military corps that asked them to leave after coming out. This time, however, these men and women will have nothing to hide or explain about their very personal lives.

Although it took the military and the government almost two decades to agree that there is no reason to exclude gays from the services, the repeal of DADT shows not only presidential support, but the progress of the LGBT rights movement.

Major news outlets like NPR, the Washington Post, and branches of FOX News have reported on the enormity of the repeal.

San Diego, Image from the Washington Post

In a society that previously listed homosexuality as a mental disorder (and where some people still do), allowing LGBT soldiers to serve is the sign of a bright future for the movement.

Breaking the barriers of the most patriarchal institution enough to admit not just women, but also gay men was no easy task. And just because now heterosexuality is not required in the armed forces, the plight of gays and lesbians won’t be a piece of cake, either.

Already, the repeal of DADT is getting reactions from supporters of the policy.

Still, the fruit of years of activism is savored today, and that triumph alone gives strength enough to go on.

Maria Murriel

Maria Murriel is a serious writer for serious publications. Her past endeavors include the Consequence of Sound, The FIU Beacon and she is currently News Editor of Arketipo 187 Magazine. Aside from an inextricable interest in music and culture, Ms. Murriel is mesmerized by issues of gender, power, and the role of religion in tying these together. Ms. Murriel has just finished a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies with a certificate in women’s studies and a minor in journalism. Currently, she devotes her nights and weekends to her job in the restaurant business, where even income is lackluster, while working on a growing portfolio. In her spare time, Ms. Murriel reads convoluted literature on the nature of sex and religion in the collective consciousness and watches Gilmore Girls DVDs. Her aspirations are high and her path is open. If you’d like to contact Ms. Murriel or have tips on stories, please leave a comment or write to maria.murriel@arketipo187.com.