Lt. Dan Choi, who has been such a public face of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell GLBT fight over the past few years, has been hospitalized.
h/t to Pam's House Blend
Please go read the full story on Pam's site.
NOTE FROM PAM: Today brought news to our inbox that Autumn and I wanted to share with Blend readers in what we feel is an appropriate context. We learned that Dan Choi, who sacrificed his privacy to take on a high-profile role as one of the public faces of the impact of the discriminatory policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, has been hospitalized and is in the hands of professional mental health practitioners at a Veterans Administration facility. Dan explained in his email:
I did not initially want to publicize this but I now realize it is critical for our community to know several things: veterans gay or straight carry human burdens, Activists share similar burdens, no activist should be portrayed as super human, and the failures of government and national lobbying carry consequences far beyond the careers and reputations of corporate leaders, elected officials, High powered lobbyists, or political elites. They ruin lives. My breakdown was a result of a cumulative array of stressors but there is no doubt that the composite betrayals felt on Thursday, by elected leaders and gay organizations as well as many who have exploited my name for their marketing purposes have added to the result. I am certain my experience is not an isolated incident within the gay veteran community.
At the same time, those who have been closest to me know that I truly appreciate their gracious help and mentorship. I am indebted to their hospitality and leadership.
If you could share the info and sentiment I'd be most grateful.
I'll leave it short.
Just passing along Lt. Choi's request that this information be disseminated.
I'll add that I find Lt. Choi's maintaining a fierce advocacy for himself and all the GLBT members of the Armed Services (and elsewhere) the sign of a true hero.
I am certain, that with the support and assistance of the fine medical care professionals at the Veterans Administration Hospitals, that he will have a full recovery, in time.
My personal best wishes for a swift and full recovery.
My thanks for your Service, both abroad, and at home.
UPDATE 1
Perhaps Sara R would be interested in a Caring Quilt for Lt. Dan? Please see Sara R's diary Community Quilt for Lt. Dan Choi Please stop in and leave a message for Lt. Dan (and a donation if you can, for Sara & Ann to defray costs)
I'd be ever so happy to sponsor at least one more diary in support of that. (still true, if needed after today)
UPDATE 2 from the comments
I'll be sure to pass this link on to him
PS: Knowing Dan as I do, in lieu of flowers, he'd appreciate donations to LGBT youth homeless shelters. New York has Sylvia's Place, run by Metropolitan Community Church, which he attends regularly. He has devoted time and money there.
by Clarknt67 on Tue Dec 14, 2010 at 06:17:20 PM PST
UPDATE 3 h/t to jpmassar
Here is the website for Sylvia's Place in NYC
Here's a link to donate to Sylvia's Place
UPDATE 4 h/t to llbear
Note to Harry Reid:
You have a Vet to visit - and we'll expect to hear about it. Bring Dan his ring and your congratulations on doing the deal, making it possible to return the ring.