Yesterday, I spoke of the LGBT heroes of 9/11, and the LGBT men and women who continue to serve in our armed forces. Coincidentally (or not), today sees the DVD release of Serving in Silence, the story of Colonel Margarethe Cammermeyer, the highest- ranking U. S. officer to have been dismissed for her sexual orientation. (I’ve had it in pre-release rotation in the Mombian sidebar for a few weeks now.) AfterEllen.com has a good article on Colonel Cammermeyer, the movie, and what’s changed—and hasn’t—in the armed forces since Colonel Cammermeyer’s dismissal. (Interestingly, though, Colonel Cammermeyer was eventually reinstated by the Federal District Court in Seattle and served for three more years, until her retirement.)
Even if you have no military ties yourself, it’s worth popping over to the Servicemembers Legal Defence Network site to learn about the challenges facing this segment of our community. Many of us may disagree with our country’s military involvement in Iraq and other places. It’s harder to deny, however, that those who choose to serve should be allowed to do so, without having to lie about themselves and undercut the military values of honor and integrity. Colonel Cammermeyer’s story is inspiring, as is Glenn Close’s portrayal of her. It’s worth seeing if you haven’t already.