Gay British soldier talks about coming out to his comrades

[WillParkinson]

Gay British soldier talks about coming out to his comrades

Ben Rakestrow, who is serving in Afghanistan, says he has had nothing but harmless banter since revealing his sexuality


An openly gay soldier in Afghanistan has spoken about the support and acceptance he has received from his comrades.

Trooper Ben Rakestrow, said that since he came out to his squadron a year ago he has faced nothing but harmless banter from his fellow soldiers.

The 21-year-old, who serves with 2nd Royal Tank Regiment (2RTR), said it was difficult to reveal his sexuality in such a high-testosterone environment. "It was difficult to start with," he said. "I didn't know how they'd react."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/dec/11/gay-soldier-ben-rakestrow

[La Lioness Priyanka]

1. i love this line"Respect for others is not an optional extra,"

[Name removed]

2. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jonnyblitz]

3. nice story. I can't imagine what the "deleted sub-thread" could

have been about. :crazy:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

4. me either

[Starry Messenger]

5. I replied to a low post count guy

He was fishing with some comment about the Afghans "having a problem with this" and I snarked at him and asked what the Afghans had against the British. I came back expecting to cut troll bait and the subthread was gone.