Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Do Tell: Jason Knight Responds

Update: Pam has just posted some of Jason's responses to questions from Blenders on Pam's House Blend. Here are Jason's responses from a selection of questions left here at Frontlines. Also check in later today at Pam's House Blend, for responses to questions from blogger extraordinare Pam Spaulding! ______ 1. Dear Jason, Congratulations! You are a true inspiration and bring renewed hope to the thousands of brave and patriotic lgbt service members in America's military, and the million or so of us who are retirees and vets! And, your life changing story could not have come at a better time in our long struggle for justice and equality. I'm reminded of Mordecai's probing question to Esther, when he asked, "...And who knows but that you have come to (this) position for such a time as this?" Jason, I have one question for you -- a question I often ask our lgbt service members. What about the chaplain? Is your chaplain supportive, trusting, available and understanding? Having spent 31 years in uniform as an Army Chaplain, I am intensely concerned that our chaplains serve all of their service members with the dignity and honor they so rightly deserve. Sadly, I have heard of far too many instances where that has not been the case. I sincerely hope your experience has been positive. Know that you will remain in my thoughts and prayers as you continue your heroic and historic journey. Sincerely, Paul W. Dodd Chaplain (Colonel), U.S. Army (Ret.) Colonel Dodd: Wow, what a great question. I myself have not spoken to a chaplain, however I know they are supportive to the troops. However, I know the issue of religion and homosexuality comes up and I know of a few cases where servicemembers confided in the chaplain, but were reported to their command. It's a shame, especially someone who is struggling with thier own sexuality and in need of counsel. That is just another reason why the ban should be lifted. Thanks, and thank you for your service. 2. Jason, Did you consider refusing to rejoin the miulitary since they kicked you out until they did away with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell?" It is one thing for Conservative bigots to kick gays out but if we refused to serve they would have a nervous breakdown. John Selig Dallas, TX I did consider it. But I love the Navy and the military, its just unfortunately under bad policy. I want to defend my nation, as every American has the right to. So I went willingly and out of the closet. Thanks John. 3. Jason, What would you say to a young, out gay man considering joining the military? Would you consider meeting with DOD Secretary Gates and discussing why DADT is even worse then Apartied and Segregation since it not only separates, but makes people live a lie and being in the Navy is all about honor and courage. He seem very intellectual and perhaps he will listen. Maybe he is sensitive to others? I just believe that the tide is turning and this man is our only hope to get through to everyone else. Sincerely, Lisa USA Veteran In San Diego Lisa, Unfortunately, there is no way that the DOD will allow an openly gay person in, like myself-some cases slip by. But I plan to do everything I can possibly do to help get rid of the ban. It's only a matter of time. :) Thanks Lisa. 4. Jason, First off, THANK YOU for your service. And thank you for the courage to make your story public and help shed a light on the hypocricy of the policy. I have two questions for you: 1. What was your immediate, gut reaction when you received the notification that you were being recalled? I imagine it was something along the lines of "you've got to be kidding me!" 2. Since your story has gone public, what has been the reaction of your current and former shipmates? I hope it has been supportive, but I suspect not in all cases. Your story is an important one - keep telling it! Warm regards, Zoe Dunning, CDR, SC, USNR CDR Dunning HAHAHA! Me and my roommate said that very thing in unison. It was shocking! I couldn't believe it and when I decided to go, she said "After all they did to you? Are you crazy?" I don't know, maybe I have that need to serve, need to feel that I can make some kind of difference. Missing the camaraderie, the Navy itself, as I am sure you feel. It is crazy! There has been so much support from so many people. Even people I have never met before have contacted me. If there is negative out there, it sure hasn't come to me yet. But it's not anything I can't face when it comes. Thanks so much. Hoorah Navy! 5. Thank you and Congratulations to you not only for your patriotism and love of you country, but for being selfless enough and brave enough to not only join the military, but to be the face of the GLBT military community. Whether you chose it or not, your story is going to be extremely important to many GLBT servicemembers. I wonder what your advice would be to GLBT servicemembers who are currently overseas? How would you advice them as far as their openness? Good luck to you! Jen Mionske Hey Jen, Its very tough to judge the situation. You really need to ask yourself if you will be willing to accept the consequences should word get out further than you plan. My best advice would be to first tell your friend, someone you feel closest to and trust. You would not believe how liberating it feels to tell someone, even if it is just one person. I hope that helps. Thanks Jen for your kind words. 6. First, I want to say thank you for putting a face on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" It has needed a persons face for a long time. I am sure you do not feel like a Hero, just doing what you feel is right. Yet, you are a Hero to so many people. My question for you is Do you have any plans after your year of active duty, if not renewed, to go public with a fight against the policy in which you were dismissed? Once again Thank You for standing up for your beliefs! You have been given a great setting to enact change. Andrew Shelton Boonville, IN Wow Andrew, You hit the nail on the head. I really don't feel much like a hero at all. I sent a letter in, not even thinking it would be published and boom! It's everywhere. Yes it is overwhelming, but I realize that this has been put on me and yes, I do feel obligated to do all I can for the GLBT community, and that I will. I am sure the Navy will not want me back, so yes I plan on doing as much volunteer work as I can. Maybe, even if small, I can help to make a difference. Thanks so much for your support Andrew. Thanks guys! Wow this was great, and Andrew's comments really hit me. Look forward to more. Jason

Labels: jason knight

05-09-07