GAZETTE Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian News

By John Chambrone
For our Gays in the Military issue, we wanted to include a story about someone currently serving in Iraq. Where could we find such someone willing to talk to us? Where can you find anything? On the Internet, of course! I came across a young man, Ty, who is serving in Iraq, and I requested an interview with him. We chatted for a bit, and his personable demeanor and candor made me realize I had found a great subject to talk with. I emailed him a few questions, and what follows are his responses-in his own words. I hope it touches you the way it did me.

IRAQ-Lets clear the air. I am not "gay," I am "bi-curious." I have never had relations with a guy, but would like to. I share with the gay attitude because they are people as well and if they feel comfortable expressing themselves in that way then who's to say that it is wrong. I don't judge people or discriminate against people because of being an African-American. My people have been discriminated against long enough, and it would be hypocritical of me to do the same to a set of people because of the way they choose to express their love.

What it's like being this way overseas? It is all right, I guess, but I guess I feel kind of upset at the fact that it is impossible to tell who is or who isn't gay in the military, because the people are so afraid of losing their career because it is, in fact, against military law to be that way. However the military isn't being biased, because they imposed a no-sex policy to all soldiers, whether male or female, while deployed. It is out of the question for anyone.

Do I feel that I am treated fairly? Yes. No one knows who is or who isn't gay in the military and if they do think that an individual may be that way they are not allowed to ask or imply.

What is war like in general? (laugh) Well, we are at war :)) It doesn't seem at all like we are at war, because regardless of what the media reports, things aren't as bad over here as they make it out to be. A brief comparison would be this: imagine an American soldier at home in the states riding in a Humvee making sure the streets are safe. That is exactly what it is like. All we do is patrol, and every now and then something will occur. So to classify this as War would be an overstatement. I classify it is as keeping what is left of this country sane by trying to help them realize that they have a voice and they are free.

How do the straight guys treat the women? Believe it or not they treat the women extra special, because it breaks my heart to see a beautiful woman not able to express herself. They lend a closer hand to the women here because they are not as free as the men. They still are bound to their religious and ancestral background. They love the women and try to help them as much as possible. The real reason we are in Iraq, I think, is because everyone is and should be entitled to a voice, freedom, and the ability to work and provide for their family without persecution. I think the soldiers are here to make sure that happens. Do you know what will happen to these innocent people if we pull out now? Everything that we have helped them accomplish in this last year would be ruined and wasted. They would literally crumble to the nations around them.

I was in prior to 9/11, and so, no it didn't effect my decision to join. However, I want to keep what happened to us from happening to these people. I miss being able to drive my car, I miss spending time with friends and going out and just being able to be an young adult. I miss being able to have sex if i want. Overall I can handle anything that Iraq throws my way. I have been able to handle everything-even the unbearable heat.

I don't regret joining the military and i wouldn't change my decision for anyone. It has made me a better man and I can provide for myself on the outside. I am a health care specialist, a medic as they call it. I have seen action, very small but yes. We hear the explosions and we react to them, but overall my day is this: we patrol the streets to let the bad guys know not to make a mistake. I don't fear for my life here, not one bit. Fear is for cowards. I am an American soldier. We have been through way more dangerous than this in the past. This is a minor pebble to the encounters that our brothers and our sisters in the past endured.

Oh for the most part the people love us. We ride down the street and they wave and thumbs up. They salute us and yell for us to stop. We gave these people hope and you can see it on their faces when we are around. You heard the expression that one bad apple spoils the bunch, well this bunch can't be spoiled because they now believe that they can survive.

What do I see as the future military stance on gay soldiers? Do I think it will improve? Get worse? We'll you can quote me if you like, but whether the military likes it or not, it exists, and pretty soon some soldier is gonna make a stand and the closeted soldiers are going to back him/her 100%. I am not saying that that is good or bad, but what we need to know is that it exists and people are going to eventually make a stand. I support them and pretty soon I will hopefully have an experience to elaborate on.

I am single if anyone is interested (laugh). You can add me to people who are interested in sending care-packages of snacks, and letters by email. The only thing about mailing packages is that they cannot contain any gay writing on the outside, and if gay contents are inside, it must be inconspicuous. I love my job and I don't want to lose it.

(Anyone wishing to write or mail a care-package of snacks and personal care items may contact editor@gazettetampabay.com for contact information.)

Ed. note: We at the Gazette send our best wishes and gratitude to Ty and all of the soldiers who place themselves in harm's way to protect our freedom. We pray that you'll be home, safe and sound, as soon as possible.

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