As we here in the States are seeing an average of 2 enlisted people a day being persecuted by the US Government for openly and honestly talking about their sexuality, it was fantastic to come across a Tweet from The Advocate Magazine about the cover story for Soldier - the Official Magazine of the British Army. Handsome and proud, Trooper James Wharton graces the cover and in a feature article entitled Equal Partners. Tpr Wharton is a 6-year veteran in military service, and have been serving as an out gay man for the last 4 years. Accompanying the article are a few pictures, including one of Tpr Wharton marching - in uniform - as part of of a group of enlisted soldiers - at the London Gay Pride March. They also mention he is in line for a promotion [not a court martial], and will soon be a lance corporal.
Trooper Wharton poses and Tpr Wharton in uniform at London Pride.
Interestingly, the magazine allows Trooper Wharton to make a comment about the policy of the American armed services. “I still can’t get my head round the US’ ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy,” said Tpr Wharton, who has served Queen and country for six years. Luckily I don’t have to deal with it, but clearly there will be gay soldiers in the US Army who are not being themselves – they aren’t allowed to be.”
It is an interesting article that seems to actively take on some of the myths and misconceptions about gays in the military, as well as in general. Nice to see the British Army taking that on, unlike our own armed services, who spend time and money to discharge qualified and patriotic men and women who want nothing more than to be of service to our country. You can read the complete article here.
It is an interesting article that seems to actively take on some of the myths and misconceptions about gays in the military, as well as in general. Nice to see the British Army taking that on, unlike our own armed services, who spend time and money to discharge qualified and patriotic men and women who want nothing more than to be of service to our country. You can read the complete article here.
Hopefully a lot of people in the U.S. will see this. I had no idea 2 people a day are becoming victims of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." So wrong.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great article. Thanks for directing me to it.
ReplyDeleteMichael, DADT is really becoming a disaster. while a couple of the cases become well known, so many just pass under the radar.
ReplyDeleteLarry, you are welcome. Once I saw it, I knew it was something I needed to share.
Thanks for posting this. As a Petty Officer 1st Class in the US Navy, I am constantly amazed by the illogic of DADT. Hopefully, the new movement to see it repealed will gain momentum and put an end to this stupidity.
ReplyDeleteDmappin, thank you so much for stopping by, and for your service to our country. DAFT is bad policy on many levels, from the discriminatory policy to shortchanging the military of the services of brave and talented men and women.
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe we're so backward in this country about so many things. DADT is crazy to begin with and has caused the loss of so many highly qualified, exemplary servicemen and women. I don't even know why it's an issue.
ReplyDeleteJoy, DADT was bad policy to start with, a compromise made when Bill Clinton was being spanked. It is an issue because the LGBT community is one of the groups that are hot-buttoned for many, stoked by some in the Republican party. The rights of no other group would be put to public vote, would they? Although I will have to say between Judge Sotomayor and the recent comments about the President by Fox personalities like Glenn Beck, racism is being put back on the table.
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