The Silence Is Ending

For the first time ever in the United States, the first time ever, some 200 or more active-duty troops and veterans, wearing T-shirts emblazoned with their branch of service, marched in a Gay pride parade.

The times are indeed changing.

Last Saturday, in San Diego's Pride parade, carrying American flags and rainbow banners, many of these active-duty troops said they were moved to come out because it is time to end the military's ban on openly gay troops.

National Guard member Nichole Herrera,\didn't think twice about marching, even though the policy is back on the books. She said she was "choked up" several times as she walked down a main thoroughfare in San Diego, a major Navy port: "This is one of the proudest days in my life. It's time for it (the policy) to be gone. I'm a soldier no matter what, regardless of my sexual orientation."

The crowds roared as the military groups walked by.

Every branch of service was represented Saturday, Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, National Guard, even the Coast Guard, all carrying their branch's flags over their heads. People stood on the sidelines, but as the troops passed, many stepped into the streets to salute them. One man in a rainbow colored shirt waved his feather boa and yelled "Hooah!" the military battle cry.

The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network--representing gay and lesbian active-duty military personnel--informed organizer Sean Sala that they are warning members that it is still a risk to come out as long as "don't ask, don't tell" is on the books. But Sala, a former Navy operations specialist, said it's time for the gay and lesbian community to stop hiding in fear: "This is not in any way a violation of military policy and it's time for the country to move on - plain and simple."

Rolling slowly behind the 200 service members was a green half-ton military truck with the banner "Taking pride in our LGBT service men and women."

Walking with the group was Miranda LeClair, a former military police officer for the Navy, who carried a sign that read: "Proudly served in silence for nine years." She attended with her girlfriend, also a former member of the military police: "It's been a long time coming. This is really an emotional day for me."

LeClair was investigated under DADT in 2008 but her commanders decided not to pursue discharging her. She was one of the lucky ones.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Derek Collins, who has served for 11 years: "I'm so happy I'm here and I'm able to come out and support not only myself but those who can't be here today".

Marine Corporal Will Rodriguez-Kennedy is on active duty and said he looks forward to next year's parade, when he believes it will be possible to march in "dress blues": "One of my friends here has been back from Afghanistan for three days, and when he heard about the parade he said he served in uniform and he should be able to march in uniform."

Hopefully this is a trend that continues, and one day, LGBT servicemembers will march in their uniforms, like everyone else and it won't be such a big deal.
 
Just another day in America.

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