Lt. Dan Choi has been hospitalized.

[JackBeck]

Dan Choi Hospitalized; A Discussion About Our Community's Multi-Faceted Sacrifices

by: Autumn Sandeen
Tue Dec 14, 2010 at 20:00:00 PM EST


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.

So yes, this is newsworthy, and Dan clearly wanted to share what he could have left private, or had to deal with had information about this leaked out. But this is another gift to the community -- to open up a multi-faceted discussion: 1) the mental health toll taken by gay and lesbian service members; 2) the stressors that arise when also thrown into the public eye as a matter of fate or circumstance, not as a job.

More at: http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/18211/dan-choi-hospitalized-a-discussion-about-our-communitys-multifaceted-sacrifices

[myrna minx]

1. .

:grouphug: K&R

[JackBeck]

10. Those within the community can sometimes be just as brutal.

Looks like he's had his fill with both the political process and others in the community and needs a breather. I wish him well during his recovery.

:hug:

[gateley]

2. Oh, no. He's done so much. I can't imagine the stress he's been under. I hope

he rests and heals and strengthens. Take your time, Lieutenant, you've inspired many to carry on.

[JackBeck]

23. It also sounds like he's feeling a bit betrayed from others within the community.

Unfortunately, I can totally relate to feeling that way. Not only the betrayal from politicians who pledge their support but from other LGBT people who want to cut you down any chance they get.

[gateley]

28. That is just too sad -- too WRONG. He fought so hard and sacrificed so much

for the Community - I wish I could just give him a hug.

[Plucketeer]

45. I agree!

Quite the soldier - on or off the battleground.

[FLAprogressive]

3. he's a real hero and I hope he recovers

:grouphug: we're with ya, Lt. Choi!

[JackBeck]

25. Rarely, do I ever use the term 'hero', but you are totally correct.

Dan Choi is a real hero.

[coffeenap]

4. Thank you, Dan. May you find healing and peace.

:patriot: :grouphug:

[JackBeck]

26. I hope he's feeling all the love tonight. He's earned it. n/t

[Desertrose]

5. What an incredible stress load he has had to carry.....

Take care of yourself, Dan.

:grouphug:

[JackBeck]

34. He spoke truth to power, quite literally at times to their faces.

And now it's time to step away from a little bit to take some time to heal.

[Mojeoux]

6. I love you Dan Choi !

I hope you are able to achieve a peace and balance within. Without you, yes people can be disgusting and it can break your heart.
You are a hero and a source of inspiration to millions of people.
God Bless you,
Love,
MJ

[TriMera]

7. Thank you for your sacrifice, Sir. Get better, soon. n/t

[glitch]

8. Stay strong our brother.

No shame in getting help when you are sick and tired. :hug:

[FreeState]

9. Get well soon! n/t

[NuclearDem]

11. Get better soon LT!

We need you now more than ever! :grouphug:

[terrya]

12. My best wishes, my best hopes for a full recovery to a hero, Lt. Choi.

When this ridiculous, indefensible excuse for bigotry, DADT, is repealed (not if, WHEN), this man, through his tireless activism, will have had a huge part in striking a blow for equality, fairness and in strengthening our national security in retaining people with skills our country needs.

Thank you, Lt. Choi, for your work...and thank you for disclosing an important, previously undisclosed, situation with our gay and lesbian servicemembers.

[TriMera]

13. +1,000,000 n/t

[JackBeck]

14. Great post, terrya.

Even by going public with his mental health issues, he remains a dedicated activist by bringing attention to a highly stigmatized personal disclosure.

[terrya]

16. Thank you, Jack.

On a personal level, this couldn't have been easy for Lt. Choi. But he is doing a tremendous service disclosing his mental health issues. My god...I know what it's been like living in the closet. We all have. It's STRESSFUL. And imagine living your life in the closet under DADT. Not even counting the ultimate sacrifice our gay and lesbian servicemembers face every day in Iraq, in Afghanistan. He mentioned what happened Thursday. And reading those loathsome comments from the Marine Corps Commandant today. Our gay and lesbian servicemembers face so many issues...and as Lt. Choi courageously disclosed, mental health issues as well.

[Karenina]

31. You mean, yet ANOTHER tremendous service.

;-)

[Texasgal]

15. Thinking of you Lt. Choi

May peace be with you..

[laughingliberal]

17. My wishes for full recovery go out to him. nt

[handmade34]

18. Love you Lt. Dan Choi!

be safe

[Old and In the Way]

19. Sorry to read this.....hope an extended R & R will revitalize him.

Best wishes, Dan.

[Mira]

20. It takes a lot to move me to tears. This did. Recommended

[JackBeck]

21. No matter how much some of us put up a defensive front

sometimes the psychological stress gets compounded by other stressors to the point that we just need to step away for a minute. I'm thinking about him a lot this evening.

[Not Me]

22. Lt. Choi, I would love to tell you "It Gets Better."

But that will have to wait until tomorrow.

[demmiblue]

24. K&R

:grouphug:

[David Zephyr]

27. K&R.

For Dan!

[me b zola]

29. Sending healing thoughts for Dan

You, sir, are the embodiment of courage. John McCain isn't fit to shine your boots.

:hug: :grouphug: :hug:

[Lugnut]

30. Lt Choi is a hero.

Get well soon, sir.

[Delphinus]

32. I am grateful

he decided to share. May he find himself in good hands and may he heal.

[jimlup]

33. Lt. Dan Choi is a very brave man

I wish him well.

[Lucky 13]

35. Our country has failed this soldier.

"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."

This is just how one man in this situation feels. There are hundreds of others like him, though certainly not under as much public scrutiny.

We have to end this. Anything less than full repeal of DADT is a failure. Dan and the rest of these soldiers deserve the right to live their lives.

[madmax]

36. Best Wishes to you, Lt. Dan

:patriot:

[Hell Hath No Fury]

37. Lt, Dan Choi is a REAL hero for us all.

:applause:

Godspeed on your recovery. I wish to hell our elected Leaders were men and women who could match your courage.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

38. Dan's email -

[e-mail]

[dencol]

39. He's done more than his share...

Such a courageous person. Being fired for being gay has a tendency to put most of us in very bad places for a while; I can't imagine having publicity attached to the destruction of a career he's spent his life building.

[JackBeck]

40. If you would like to send your 'get well' wishes

A group card can be found at this link:

http://www.groupcard.com/c/il12LopIv2f

[Hell Hath No Fury]

43. Thank you for that link!

I added my well wishes.

[democrank]

41. A very, very brave man

He has been in my thoughts a lot lately.

[avaistheone1]

42. Prayers and best wishes to him.

A good and honorable man.

[Number23]

44. Wow!

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.

Jack, can you shed some light on what Dan was referring to here, particularly the gay organizations he feels betrayed by and who "exploited" Choi's name??

Thanks for posting. Good to see you around again. Happy to rec.

[JackBeck]

47. He's probably referring to Human Rights Campaign.

After last Thursday's vote, many LGBT bloggers started calling for Solomanese to be fired as head of HRC. HRC is basically made-up of the white, rich, and older Washington insiders that think having a cocktail reception is the equivalent to grassroots activism. And if you ever get stopped by any of their young minions on the street during one of their fund drives, notice the look of Stepford child in their eyes.

[Number23]

49. Ah, I see. I've heard nothing but good things about HRC

So it's good to have your perspective on this group, Jack.

[eleny]

46. Good thoughts going out to one of the good guys

[Blacksheep214]

48. Semper Fi Lt!

The straight obstructionists, (yeah you, McCain!) should have your balls.

Things WILL improve!