This Is A Long Time Coming!
The feelings I have about certification today are difficult to describe – happiness and relief are definitely feelings I am experiencing. This was a long journey with many bumps in the road.
For years, 12 of us (Cook v. Gates), fought in Court and were never allowed to testify a single time to share our story. I lobbied Congress for over nine years, worked at SLDN to help other service members who were feeling the way I did after my discharge, worked to get the first House bill introduced with numerous LGBT groups, and told my story to countless media outlets. I even put my uniform on and went on the VMAs with Lady Gaga to show the public what a lesbian soldier looks like and how the law affected me. I can’t believe this day has finally come – emotions escape me. In 60 short days, very happily, I’ll be able to begin the process of finishing what I started in 1991 when I was 17 years old.
There are so many people that helped make this happen that it is impossible to name them all. I am grateful for the veterans that came before and after me as well as the service members who continued to serve, doing a phenomenal job everyday to demonstrate our talents, commitment, and professionalism and paving the way for repeal. Their impeccable service records brought the discussion about qualifications and performance over sexual orientation to the forefront of the political and social discussion that ultimately led to this day. It is truly a highlight of my life that I was able to participate in efforts to repeal this discriminatory law that destroyed careers.
07-22-11 By Stacy Vasquez, former Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army (1991-2003) |
4 Comments
Comments for this entry are closed.Xavier Davis in Houston Texas on July 22, 2011 at 08.47 pm
Now that this is done, I would like to re-enlist with a group of discharged vets who plan to re-enlist, let’s make it happen and show them what they already know that gay or not, all soldiers serving honorably bare true faith and allegiance to the same the United States of America!
Ken in Minneapolis on July 22, 2011 at 05.24 pm
As a long-time supporter of SLDN’s efforts to get rid of DADT, I am overjoyed at today’s news. And the best part is my birthday is on September 20th; so, I’ll have two reasons to celebrate it this year!!!!!
Hooray!
Bill on July 22, 2011 at 04.05 pm
Thank God. Now we have to wait for Sen. Byrd’s 60 days. Homophoba and caution from the grave. A few hateful homophobes in Congress will still try to derail the end of DADT, but they are probably impotent and ineffective. The world will change for the better late next September. By the way, for those who are old and gay and military, it will be nice to no longer live as unindited felons—and be finally fully free and completely American and dedicated servicepersons.
Levis in on the road to Fort Benning on July 22, 2011 at 01.47 pm
just as i was giving up to the idea this happen, i havent been this happy since i had boots HOO AH!, now the biggest and only deterrent from re enlistment its gonna be gone not long after my b-day, i havent been this happy since i got swore in, soon im going to be back where i belong, where all of us belong…