". . They gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one."

[sixfullerst]

"When I was in the military they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one."

These are the words Leonard Matlovich chose for his grave marker.  His story is one of 50 gay veteran's stories featured in "Out Ranks," a new exhibit at the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco, CA.  To read more about the exhibit go to www.

Comments

[zaipixie]

First of all - yay for updating your lj!!

Second. There are times in our lives that are altering. To remember them is a beautiful thing. Thank you so much for sharing!

[sixfullerst]

Thanks for commenting & understanding. I had to post so that I could use my very cool new user pic! ♥

I sure did mess up that cut line. I'm going to go back & try to edit.

[flashfly]

I didn't know that gay men came to stand at clinics. But it makes aboslute sense.

[sixfullerst]

But it makes aboslute sense Yes, it does. But even after I understood why, it amazed me that they would stand with us week after week.

[such_a_steph]

This post moved me on many levels. Firstly, that sentiment for his headstone just sums up all that is wrong with bureaucracy and it's inequality.

Secondly, because I am so proud to hear you stood up and fought for thise rights for women. It's one thing to feel and voice those hings, but to stand up and be counted like that is really something.

And thirdly, what a wonderful thing it is when people stand together united by principle though from different worlds.

[sixfullerst]

Thank you for understanding & commenting. When I read that simple line my heart just broke. No matter how hard I try, I can't wrap my brain around killing = medals/honor & loving = discharge/punishment. On the 38th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, we remain hopeful that one day all love will be equal.