The Way Forward

usaf-vet

(7,451 posts) Fri Feb 28, 2025, 11:54 AM Feb 28

I have to admit I don't understand the DEI, transgender, and sexual orientation uproar emanating from the Republicans. [View all]

Notable Stories of LGBTQ+ Heroism

Technical Sergeant Leonard Matlovich (USAF)

Vietnam War Veteran, recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
In 1975, Matlovich outed himself to challenge the ban on gay service members — becoming the first openly gay service member to appear on the cover of Time magazine.
His bravery in war was never questioned — but his career ended because of who he was. His case became a landmark moment in the fight for gay rights in the military.

Staff Sergeant Eric Alva (USMC)

First U.S. service member wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lost his right leg after stepping on a landmine in 2003.
Alva came out as gay after his retirement and became a leading voice advocating for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
His heroism on the battlefield stood as undeniable proof that sexual orientation had no bearing on courage.

Kristin Beck (US Navy SEAL)

Served for 20 years, including 13 deployments — member of SEAL Team 6.
Awarded a Bronze Star with valor, Purple Heart, and numerous other commendations.
Came out as transgender after retirement — her story directly challenged stereotypes about transgender service members and combat performance.
Beck’s combat record and bravery were praised by her peers, who had no idea about her gender identity during her service.

As former military medic I doubt that anyone who

YELLED MEDIC!

question the sexual orientation of the medic who ran to their aid!

29 replies

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Highlight:

I have to admit I don't understand the DEI, transgender, and sexual orientation uproar emanating from the Republicans. [View all] usaf-vet Feb 28 OP

It's othering. It enables scape-goating and division. Gore1FL Feb 28 #1

Great way to control those prone to histrionics SheltieLover Feb 28 #10

Conservatives wake up every morning BOSSHOG Feb 28 #2

Hot button social issues they can exploit to their hearts content. magicarpet Feb 28 #4

It's all cover for kleptocracy and a ruse to get average folks to support oligarchy against their own best interests. usonian Feb 28 #3

Because they are nazis. Basso8vb Feb 28 #5

It's a bunch of different things... yardwork Feb 28 #6

Their religion definately teaches this & is the biggest part of the problem SheltieLover Feb 28 #12

Yes, and it's outside churches, too. yardwork Feb 28 #19

Yes, it is sickening, isn't it? SheltieLover Feb 28 #21

It's bad for all of us. yardwork Feb 28 #22

Excellent post yardwork. Could stand as it's own OP. Clouds Passing Mar 2 #25

Thank you! yardwork Mar 2 #28

It's about maintaining the unqualified white, anglo male power base GoreWon2000 Feb 28 #7

WTF is with their weirdo bathroom obsession? SheltieLover Feb 28 #8

GQP have to hate someone and/or something constantly.................. Lovie777 Feb 28 #9

It is the language they can only understand. The Grand Illuminist Mar 7 #29

All for me and none for thee. FalloutShelter Feb 28 #11

I think it's a control thing on stillcool Feb 28 #13

That's a very interesting point. yardwork Feb 28 #20

Most of the GOP don't care about DEI issues. Irish_Dem Feb 28 #14

Unless you're looking for a date cyclonefence Feb 28 #15

I don't understand it either. People need to think in terms of "who are you, not what are you". LoisB Feb 28 #16

I think porn is at least Gimble Feb 28 #17

It's re-asserting White Privilege. no_hypocrisy Feb 28 #18

It's part of a wedge issue tactic. They've used it again and again against different targets sakabatou Mar 1 #23

ESPECIALLY when they are pimping for CADET BONESPURS Skittles Mar 2 #24

I have a theory sdfernando Mar 2 #26

It's misdirection. Norrrm Mar 2 #27