US Military Closets
Three retired military officers, two generals and an admiral who have been among the most senior uniformed officers to criticize the "don't ask, don't tell" policy for homosexuals in the military, disclosed on Tuesday that they are gay.
The three, Brig. Gen. Keith H. Kerr and Brig. Gen. Virgil A. Richard, both of the Army, and Rear Adm. Alan M. Steinman of the Coast Guard, said the policy had been ineffective and undermined the military's core values: truth, honor, dignity, respect and integrity.
They said they had been forced to lie to their friends, family and colleagues to serve their country. In doing so, they said, they had to evade and deceive others about a natural part of their identity.
The officers said that they were the first generals and admiral to come out publicly and that they hoped that others would follow.
I wonder what the highest rank is in New Zealand for an openly gay officer.
Senior military leaders have argued that openly gay service members would disrupt unit cohesion and morale.
This appears to be a limitation restricted to the US military, in the western world.
Link from Atrios.
