A group of unsung and unnoticed heros in the DADT debate

[dsc]

One of the thing which likely helped clinch our win was the results of the survey that made it clear that large majorities of the military had no problem with gays serving. The change between 1993 and now was nothing short of astounding. One big reason for that change. Out gay kids in high school. Even in rural areas it is very hard for someone to go through a public school and not know at least one gay kid. I can't help but think of two marines from my school who, if they voted in that survey, I am pretty sure voted the right way. One dated the secretary of the gay straight alliance at my school and the other was a good friend of the president of the GSA. Those kids who in one case showed bisexual pride and in the other showed gay pride made a difference. Kids like that, and not to sound self serving, but the teachers who help them be themselves, deserve some of the credit for the massive change in opinion in those years.

[Skittles]

1. off to the Greatest Page with ye

[Lisa0825]

2. k&r

[teenagebambam]

3. Hear, hear!

I am a college professor, and the number of 17 and 18 year olds who come to college already out and comfortable with themselves is astounding to me, who came out at 26 and wasn't all that comfortable with it even then. To say nothing of the straight kids who don't find anything remarkable about differences in sexuality!

[TriMera]

4. k&r. Not self serving at all, dsc. Very true. n/t

[Starry Messenger]

5. k&r

[justiceischeap]

6. I'd guess LGBT people being more out in general has helped with the change in attitude

When you hide in a closet, and no one can see that gay people really are no different from straight folks, it's hard to change attitudes. With more and more gay people being open about their sexuality, it really does help.

I understand there are reasons for being closeted but we really should encourage people, who can come out safely (or as safely as we can in this society) to do so. It only helps with the perceptions of society in general.

I think another thing that's helped is Hollywood, in some ways anyway. More and more gays are being portrayed on TV and movies in a less stereotypical manner. As I said above, it's all about perception and the perception in the last ten years or so is that we love and care and are no different than Mr. & Mrs. Jones next door struggling to make a good life.

[bullwinkle428]

7. K&R for the huge attitude shift on the part of the younger generation!

:applause:

[Jennicut]

8. I graduated high school in '94. I think a lot has changed since then.

My generation was better then our parents but Gen Y has been been excellent.

[myrna minx]

9. K&R

:applause: