This past week, with the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, I felt so optimistic about a new era in gay rights. I guess I got caught up in the excitement and was overwhelmed by the change. But since Michele Bachmann is still spewing her bullshit and gay teens are still killing themselves over homophobia in schools, my high has quickly dissipated. I know that despite our military triumph, we still have so far to go in our pursuit for equality.

Nowhere was this more obvious than at the Republican debates in Orlando, Florida, last night. Stephen Hill, a soldier in Iraq, asked candidate Rick Santorum a question via webcam: "Under one of your presidencies, do you intend to circumvent the progress that's been made for gay and lesbian soldiers in the military?" Before Hill could even finish asking his question, several audience members booed him.

Santorum answered Hill's question by saying, “I would say any type of sexual activity has absolutely no place in the military. The fact they are making a point to include it as a provision within the military that we are going to recognize a group of people, and give them a special privilege too, and removing Don't Ask, Don’t Tell, I think, tries to inject social policy into the military. And the military's job is to do one thing: to defend our country…” 

I know, I know. Another crazy and homophobic Republican who can't formulate a proper English sentence. What a shocker, right? His statement is so depressing. "Sexual activity has absolutely no place in the military." I'm sorry, what? DADT isn't about "sexual activity." It's about the right to be open about your sexuality!

The reason I'm blogging this is because Santorum, and the Americans like him (and there are many: the audience enthusiastically applauded and cheered his statement), are so dangerously confused. And it is dangerous! Because when someone who could potentially be the next president of the United States twists something revolutionary and beautiful (like equal rights) into something sordid and wrong, people believe him. People follow his lead. People think, "Hey, that's a good point. I don't think our military boys should be giving each other blowjobs over there!" 

That's why it's important that we call out misled influential people who are spreading lies or contorting the truth into what they think it is. We must call them out because if we don't, people will believe them, and we'll be right back to where we started.

The repeal of DADT isn't about "recognizing a group of people and giving them special privileges" as Rick Santorum would like us to think. It's about justice, compassion and acceptance. It's about integrity, a virtue (one amongst many, I assume) that he evidently lacks. 

I love this boy! He is so adorable. I laughed out loud when, while recounting his coming-out process, he said, "I told my girlfriend." I'm sure a lot of guys can relate to that particular awkward conversation. And I was moved when, after telling his father on the phone (while filming a YouTube video!) his dad said, "I love you, son. It doesn't change our relationship." This is an inspiring video, especially when you see Randy telling another soldier that he's gay, to which the soldier replies, "Love is love, man." Watch the clip, and welcome to the start of a new era in homosexuality. 

Congratulations, America! After watching this video of several gay military servicemen and women speaking about DADT, I have tears in my eyes. Such a victory! These people no longer have to live double lives, they do not have to be afraid of being outted, and they no longer have to repress who they are. The army released a statement today saying simply, "The law has been repealed." Members of the military who were discharged because of their sexuality can officially rejoin, and for many this means a second chance to do what they love. President Obama said it best: "We are all made equal." Check out the video (below) to get a sense of how truly paramount this change is for gay rights. 

With the official repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell a month away (and about fucking time) gay advocacy group OutServe is debuting a gay military-themed magazine, which will be available at base newsstands. According to OutServe's website, the magazine "highlights the contributions that actively serving LGBTs are making to the United States military, discusses and educates readers about DADT policies, and advocates for the continued fight for equality for all Americans."

The first issue will feature a photo spread of 100 (very brave) active-duty servicemen, sharing their sexuality for the first time in the military. There will also be an Ask Sarge self-help section, where readers can ask questions and discuss their problems with a mental-health expert. 

OutServe's co-director, an active-duty officer who goes by the pseudonym JD Smith, said in a written release, "Our first objective with the magazine is to let all the gay, lesbian, bi and trans members currently serving know that they are not alone. And we also want to communicate to all troops that there are capable gay military members serving honorably, and that accepting that and moving on will make our military stronger."

My only question is, why is the co-creator going by a pseudonym? I guess he's waiting for DADT to be repealed officially. I certainly hope that after it is he uses his real name with pride. But either way, this magazine is amazing, progressive and needed!