No revolution towards justice ever went backwards. To all the

supporters of equality and Don't Ask Don't Tell's death, I am so

grateful. The road has not been easy. We have learned many important

lessons about social justice, movements, supporting each other, and

speaking out against discrimination.

The mission is not finished; it has only just begun. The most critical

mission is supporting and encouraging closeted soldiers to finally

access their full integrity, dignity, and humanity. This mission is in

keeping with the first lessons learned at West Point or basic

training. As the legislation signals a new chapter in our journey, we

can be sure that our work has only begun. I call on all soldiers to

gain the courage to come out. First come out to yourselves, then tell

your trusted friends and family. Tell everyone who you trust and who

deserves nothing less than truth. Stop hating yourselves as your

country has signaled for so long. Furthermore, your coming out is not

for you. It is for all those who come after. Military service is not

about rank, pension or paycheck. Climbing the ladder is shameful

without true purity of service and I applaud those who give up the

superficial artifacts of career in favor of complete integrity and

justice.

I denounce the fear-mongering of John McCain and others who do our

country a grave disservice by their bigotry and calcified retardation.

His outlandish remarks that justice will result in amputations

demonstrates the ridiculousness of his entire argument. His silliness

proves the fight for justice has no real logical debate; you are on

one side or the other. John McCain, you are on the wrong side of

history. Your feet wade in the toxic septic waste of rabid

hate-mongers who perpetuate America's injustice. It is your argument

that has been amputated today; your claims have no legs to stand.

President Obama, you are not off the hook. The compromise bill passed

today puts the moral imperative squarely on your desk. Sign an

executive order instituting a full non-discrimination policy

throughout the military. If you do not, if you drag your feet and

politicize this with your theoretical calculations as you have these

past two years, you will be guilty of abetting those who loudly

proclaim homophobia from their platforms and pulpits. Provide them no

shelter or safe haven. Institute justice now.

Do not compare this to the integration of racial and religious

minorities in the 1940's and 1950's. Integration of gay people has

already happened. This is one inherent difference between our civil

rights movement and that of the past decades. We are integrated, we

simply fight for our integrity. As each civil rights movement fights

for access to a particular resource, it is clear that the gay rights

movement fights for access to dignity and our own integrity. This

struggle only begins.

I intend to rejoin the military and serve in any capacity I can be of

best use. I intend to marry and have a family of my own. We are living

in a truly historic moment where we can enjoy the rewards of our

efforts. We stand on the shoulders of many who have come before us,

from Air Force Technical Sergeant Leonard Matlovich to our present day

heroes. We owe it to them to continue fighting. Our loudness does not

distract but enhances the fight. Our direct action puts wind in the

sails of lobbyists and political elites who do our bidding on the

inside. We are one team with one goal: Equality in our lifetime. I do

not intend to waver or retreat in pursuit of this new life purpose and

mission, and neither should any American who loves justice.