Platoon Leader: Not Telling: Why I Won't Come Out to My Troops

Not Telling: Why I Won't Come Out to My Troops

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Even with the repeal, though, I’ve decided not to fully come out. I’m not going to change my Facebook status or announce it to anyone on my post who doesn’t already know. I’m in no way ashamed of who I am. My family knows I’m gay, and there are people in my unit who I have told. But in the workplace, just because the policy ended doesn’t mean people’s views have changed. The military’s a big melting pot, and unfortunately there can be a lot of hate toward things people don’t understand, like homosexuality. As a platoon leader, it can make your life infinitely harder when your subordinates know you’re different, especially if you’re gay. These last few years, there’s been a lot of talk about “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and you’d hear the rumblings. People would be moaning, “Oh, God, we’re gonna have to let the faggots in.” And they don’t know we’re already there, next to them.

You need the people who stand up and shout it out. That takes a lot of courage. But serving our country, even under a discriminatory policy, also took courage. And yeah, we’re gay. But my friends and I — we’re not making it a big deal. The main thing is there’s no fear anymore. I can hold my girlfriend’s hand.

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http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/09/not_telling_why_i_cant_come_ou.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nymag%2Fintel+%28Daily+Intelligencer+-+New+York+Magazine%29

Some will do what this person is doing. Others will not. I'm glad that choice is available, but sad that people feel they must hide their sexuality.

:hi:

It has now become a CHOICE for people to come out, if they want to, and it means they no longer have to hide it, but do not have to shout it from the rooftops if they choose not to.

Good for him, good for all. Well done.