The Army withdrew the ROTC scholarship of University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill senior Sara Isaacson after she revealed in a written statement that she is gay. Because her action violates the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, Isaacson must return the $79,000 in scholarship money that she has already received. Said Cadet Command spokesman Mike Johnson, "To accept the scholarship, the kid signs a contract and agrees to serve X years in the U.S. Army." Isaacson's father Ken had a different take: "It's disappointing that our country doesn't want her. But she will find some way to make her mark."
On July 26, 1948, President Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which desegregated the military. Until then, African-American soldiers served in separate units, typically commanded by white officers. Now, it occurs to me, why not do something similar for gay soldiers? I don't mean an executive order ending discrimination: I'm talking about the next step on the way to that. The Army could form a separate-but-equal Rainbow Brigade of gay and lesbian soldiers, commanded (naturally) by straight officers. There would be no concerns about unit cohesion and -- let's face it -- most barracks and foxholes could use some decent interior design.
The benefits for gay soldiers, starting with an improved social life, are obvious. No longer would they have to lurk in a psychological dark alley, at terms with their sexuality and yet unable to express it. Instead, they could seek refuge in the safety of a rainbow asylum, free from ridicule (outside of the occasional bit of playful graffiti sprayed on their barracks by soldier boys being soldier boys). When going out on the town, they could band together openly for protection. The Army could even design a special rainbow-colored service ribbon that would prevent misunderstandings in places like restrooms at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. The Navy could paint designated cruisers (the ships) in rainbow camouflage.
Gays have served in the military at least since the days of ancient Sparta. In an only-in-America tale of tolerance and liberality, patriotic homosexuals have, over the span of a few brief millennia, attained the enviable position of being permitted to serve their country as long as they lie about the nature of the most fundamental part of their humanity. A Rainbow Brigade would be the next proud step on the gay journey to the American Dream. But for now, could they maybe walk on the other side of the street?...