Gay Service Members Ponder Military Policy

I know there's been talk about re-examining don't ask, don't tell to see if it still works as flawlessly as it always has (sarcasm).

It's a tough dilemma. How can you serve honorably and continue to tell a big lie about yourself? Don't ask, don't tell I suppose works fine from commander to subordinate, but what about all the small talk that goes on between service members, such as that mentioned in this article?

I can see why gay people in the military just give up. It's not worth what it does to you. I did the same thing in my early life with my family and friends, lying all the time about being interested in girls when I had no interest. I can tell you, not only is it exhausting to have to watch every single thing that you say and do, but it also takes a real toll on your personal well being.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Brian Hughes served four years with an Army Ranger unit, including assignments in Afghanistan and Iraq, while keeping his homosexuality -- a potentially career-ending sexual orientation -- secret.

Hughes, 26, left the Army last month in part because of his frustration with the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which allows homosexuals to serve so long as they do not disclose their sexual orientation and do not engage in homosexual acts.

Now enrolled at Yale University, Hughes said the policy forced him to lie to other members of his unit, who frequently bragged about their sexual exploits. Hughes said he found himself substituting "she" for "he" in stories so he could join in conversations.

"It hurt. I was lying to those people," he said. "I eventually withdrew and became quite anti-social because I didn't want to deal with it anymore." (source)