Dont Ask, Dont Tell Policy - Essay Example

I learned about the “don't ask, don't tell” policy (DADT) from reading it in the news but I learned more about it when one of my relatives who is serving in the military service had come back home on a furlough for the holidays. It was a bit of a shock at first but I realized it had more to it than just the simple issue of allowing gays to serve openly in the U.S. military. A fellow soldier had committed suicide because when he came out in the open about being a gay soldier, the other soldiers in his unit ganged up on him, sort of in a psychological way and not physically. He was ostracized and suffered some humiliation and was told he was a disgrace.

The topic is important to me because it exemplifies how all people should be treated equally, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Gay soldiers perform quite well on the battlefield despite some misconceptions regarding their conduct in actual combat. Homosexual soldiers (gays and lesbians) serve the country with distinction and courage in all situations and they deserve recognition and respect from their peers and the public. Part of the reason why people are fighting for the repeal of the DADT policy is to get the same benefits. Read More