Military Gays Come Out - And Nothing Happens

Surprise, everybody!  It seems we are mature enough to handle same-sex couples in our midst and not burst into flames or catch the gay.  Who knew?

Now that DADT is gone, soldiers are able to come out to their peers, and the most heartening and unexpected news is that nobody has reacted with more than a shrug.  In other words, it isn't anywhere near the distraction or problem that we were told.  Perhaps this will be a first step towards recognizing same-sex partners for benefits.  That's years down the road (barring some sort of political miracle) but a first step is still a step.

"Out of the 4,500 members we have, we haven't had any person come to us about one single problem, which is huge, because right before repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell,' we had tons of problems," like investigations and other issues relayed to the Pentagon, said Air Force 1st Lt. Josh Seefried, the group's co-founder. "But right now, after Sept. 20, there is nothing to relay because everything has been 100 percent positive."

Despite my optimism, surely bad news will eventually follow. Certainly, not all gay soldiers and officers have come out but I am so glad to hear those who have were treated with dignity and respect.