March 2, 1994
Dear Admirals,
With the codification of the new "don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue" policy on gays in the military, the Government has effectively told gay and lesbian servicemembers that it is acceptable to be a homosexual, as long as this "orientation" is kept secret. It is unfortunate that knowledge of my orientation may make some "uncomfortable," but the time has come when I can remain silent no longer.
I am gay. I did not choose to be gay. Why would I freely "choose" to endure hate and intolerance? To the contrary, the characteristic is more deeply rooted than all societal, religious, parental, or peer pressures can effect. My sexual orientation is as fundamental and immutable a characteristic as my race, gender, and ethnicity.
At its core, the new policy on gays in the military, like the previous policy, incorrectly assumes that unit cohesion and morale will be undermined when others learn of my sexual orientation. I think that this assumption seriously underestimates that ability of my fellow servicemembers to judge my individual worth to my unit without regard to my sexual orientation. Nevertheless, I think that the government would have no justification for terminating my career in the Navy because it fears the prejudice of others.
I would like to do my part to change the attitudes that created the military's policy on gay servicemembers. But, under this policy, gays and lesbians cannot even try to achieve increased understanding or tolerance within the military because the prospect of defending themselves against a presumption of guilt will keep them "in the closet." The only homosexuals known to most servicemembers will be the ones who have created some type of problem for their command. Old stereotypes will be perpetuated, and the military will remain ignorant of the thousands of gays and lesbians who serve with distinction.
As a young republican from the Midwest, I joined the Navy during the Cold War based upon a sense of obligation to make some contribution toward the burden of our national defense. I have stayed in the Navy because I cannot imagine a more challenging or rewarding career, nor finer friends with whom to serve. I have done well in the Navy and would like nothing better than to continue my career.
To many, the "don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue" policy may have seemed like a good compromise. In reality, the policy compromises my constitutional rights and personal dignity. The United States maintains a military to protect individual freedoms. I see this letter as a first step toward doing my part to make that mission a successful one.
[Signed|
P. G. THOMASSON
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
Distribution:
VADM Zlatoper
RADM Gunn
RADM Ryan
RADM
Konetzni