I can't believe this day has finally come. The Dec. 18 repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ( DADT ) policy is truly a landmark.
As an American, I am proud because this is a critical step forward for the social justice movement. As a founding member of SEIU's ( the Service Employees International Union's ) Lavender Caucus, I am proud of the work that our union did alongside our allies to repeal this policy. And as a Vietnam veteran, I am especially proud that the institution I was honored to serve for nearly four years can finally honor all service members with dignity.
For too long, thousands of LGBT service members were forced to hide in the cornerthe difficulties they faced only worsened by the tired old rhetoric of anti-equality politicians.
But that's exactly why the survey of troops, revealing that a significant majority of troops saw no issue with the repeal of DADT, was important; it proved that our service members have the right attitude. Their focus is honorably serving our country, not the sexuality of their fellow members. When I was stationed in Turkey and Vietnam, my duty was to serveand in the 40 years since then, the duty of our troops hasn't changed.
Repealing DADT is one of many steps that we must take as we fight for a more just and more equal society. As members of a union, we understand that when we raise a collective voice, when we stand together, we can take real steps towards achieving justice and equality. Through our partnerships across the progressive and LGBT communities, we built a strong coalition of people ready to speak out and demand our members of congress move to repeal of DADT. And after Dec. 18, we can be certain that our voices were heard.
The equal rights of LGBT people are an important part of SEIU's commitment to social justice. We were the first national union to endorse full marriage equality, we bargain for increased protections for LGBT workers and our spouses, and we will continue to fight with our allies until we have achieved full equality for all people. Saturday, Dec. 18, meant a real difference in the lives of thousands of LGBT service members, but it also was an important symbol of the power of our collective voice.
Paul Coke has been a member of SEIU Local 1000 in Sacramento for 34 years, serving the people of California as a Program Analyst for 36. He is a founding member of SEIU's Lavender Caucus, and is newly retired.