This is huge, folks!
Lt. Dan Choi, after coming out to the nation on The Rachel Maddow Show last year, became the face of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal movement. Our friends over at The Bilerico Project report today that Lt. Choi is back in uniform — and back in service, despite a military hearing that recommended discharge eight months ago.
Bilerico’s Jeff Sheng had an exclusive interview with Choi. He writes,
Lt. Choi is no doubt an incredibly persuasive voice. He is also a person of color, and in a world where Asian American men are rarely given any voice in any debate, he shines at his rockstar ability to persuade, from the airwaves or Rachel Maddow to the offices of Senator Gillibrand.
“[T]he comment that struck me the most was when he said, “Actions speak louder than words.” It made sense all of a sudden, that the sheer act of him rejoining his unit and serving with everyone else, could be his most powerful voice in the debate so far. That seeing an openly gay service member train and fight with his unit, is something that truly does speak louder than words.
Head over to Bilerico to read the rest of Jeff’s piece and to see the photos of Lt. Choi.
While this is only one step, it is a big one. Perhaps we can take it as a good faith signal from the military.
But what is critical to keep in mind is that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal is not up to the military. It’s up to Congress. And that is where we need to take the battle.
On a personal note, I had the pleasure of meeting Lt. Choi several months ago at a meeting held by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Dan is as humble as he is iconic. After all he has done for our nation and our community, his first comment to me was, “Thanks for all you’re doing for us.” Amazing. A true hero.
Congratulations on your return to service, Dan!
Lt. Dan Choi and me, October, 2009