Don't Ask, Don't Tell; Should You, Would You?

A common phrase used when joking about "gays in the military", the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy was implemented during the Clinton Administration forcing gay servicemembers deep into the closet if they wanted to remain in the military. Now it's one thing to keep yourself in the closet, but to have to do so for fear of losing your job puts a whole new spin on things.

I decided to post this after reading about Robert Stout, a soldier wounded in an attack in Iraq and discharged from the Army for being gay; after a campaign to remain in the Army but as an openly gay soldier. The 23 yr-old Stout said he was open among most of his 26-member all male platoon and knew a tons of gay men that would be more than willing to stay in the Army if they could just be open.

I'd like to use this story as a premise for a discussion about openess in the work place. The military is one extreme example of the conflicts of sexual orientation and occupation. How many of us know of gays or have been with someone in the military? What pressure does being gay add to life on your job, such as questions about why aren't you married, or who's that special woman in your life, etc? I'd like to hear from you!