July 12, 2010
Source: Asian American Justice Center
On March 19, 2009, Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate and Iraq veteran fluent in Arabic, announced that he was gay on “The Rachel Maddow Show.” Because of three words – “I am gay” – Lt. Choi’s life changed forever. For his willingness to speak out, we honor him with this year’s Courage award.
Despite his extreme value as an Arabic speaker able to communicate quickly and clearly with the Iraqi people, the Army began discharge proceedings against him within a month. He was one of only eight soldiers from his graduating class who majored in Arabic. At West Point, Lt. Choi recited the Cadet Prayer every Sunday. It taught him to “choose the harder right over the easier wrong” and to “never be content with a half truth when the whole can be won.”
The cadet honor code demanded truthfulness and honesty. It imposed a zero-tolerance policy against deception, or hiding behind comfort. Following the honor Code isn’t always easy, but honor and integrity are 24-hour values. That is why Lt. Choi refused to lie about his identity. Lt. Choi served for a decade under “don’t ask, don’t tell,” a policy that forces American soldiers to deceive and lie about their sexual orientation and forces others to tolerate it. These values are completely opposed to what he learned at West Point. Deception and lies poison a unit and cripple a fighting force.
Lt. Choi is committed to applying the leadership lessons he learned in the military. He helped form Knights Out, an organization of West Point alumni advocating for the rights of gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. Lt. Choi is an inspiration to soldiers and veterans who feel isolated, alone and even suicidal because of the torment rejection and discrimination foster. Respecting each soldier’s service is his personal promise.
Lt. Dan Choi was born in Orange County, Calif. A first generation American, his parents emigrated from Korea and founded a church. He resides in New York and has become a full time activist for the LGBT community.
Source: Asian American Justice Center
