The U.S. military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was repealed effective midnight last night and Dan Choi — who was discharged from the U.S. Army after coming out on a talk show — said he would reenlist, according to Politico.
“Going back to the military will be a vindication,” Choi told Politico. [I’m] going back because I fought to go back. The seriousness of our claims was not just political theatre – it was really drawn from our lives. I sacrificed so much so I could go back.”
In October 2010, he attempted to rejoin the U.S. Army, but has gone back and forth since then. Choi has scheduled appointment with a military recruiter to talk about joining the Army Reserves later this week.
Choi became a gay rights icon after the West Point grad told television host Rachel Maddow that he was gay back in March 2009. His resulting military discharge galvanized opposition to DADT, which allowed for gay individuals to be removed from service. Choi’s activism led to trouble with the law, and he was later arrested for chaining himself to the White House fence during a protest.
Choi, who previously served as an Arabic linguist, said he was not sure what duties his Army future entails.
Meanwhile, Choi says that although he is happy with the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – after all, it allows him to reenlist – the victory is incomplete, something that he doesn’t think is well understood.
“There is time for some well-intended criticism here – the parties that have been going on. I think they misrepresent the meaning of this event. People who believe that discrimination is somehow all erased will have a rude awakening,” says Choi, pointing out that same-sex spouses will not be extended benefits by the military.
Check out our August 2009 cover story on Dan Choi.
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