Don't Hide

Following his coming out on The Rachel Maddow Show on cable tv in March 2009, Dan Choi's world changed forever.  Dan is the son of a Korean-American Baptist minister and grew up in a pretty conservative part of Southern California. He graduated from West Point Academy in 2003 with a degree in Arabic and then served as an infantry officer in Iraq.  In June 2008, he transferred from active duty Army to the New York Army National Guard.

Dan's military record was spotless, but the Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy at the time meant he could not service in the military as an openly gay man, so after telling Rachel Maddow (and the world) that he is gay, his service was about to come to an end.  Sure enough, the discharge papers arrived in the mail.

Did Dan just quietly go home?  I should say not.  He became the poster boy for a change in military policy and led rallies and protests, made public appearances, held fundraisers, was part of several Pride Parades, and even chained himself to the White House fence. 

It wasn't just one issue for Dan.  He also worked for marriage equality, voiced public support for Chelsea Manning, and even ran for the San Francisco City College Board of Trustees.  The Don't Hide shirts he frequently wore, were created by his sister and spoke to being who you are without having to hide anything.  What an appropriate message as Pride Month comes to a close.  Everyone should be able to be their true self.

Dan Choi has been less active in recent years, spending more time in performing arts, but one thing is certain.  Dan inspired many along the way and indeed made a difference.