I want to serve."It's the first time I've been discriminated against because of my sexual orientation sexual orientation n. The direction of one's sexual interest toward members of the same, opposite, or both sexes, especially a direction seen to be dictated by physiologic rather than sociologic forces. , and though I knew they would tell me no, I wasn't ready for that," said Michael Cich of Stillwater, Okla., by phone after attempting to enlist en·list v. en·list·ed, en·list·ing, en·lists v.tr. 1. To engage (persons or a person) for service in the armed forces. 2. To engage the support or cooperation of. v. in the Army at an Oklahoma City Oklahoma City (1990 pop. 444,719), state capital, and seat of Oklahoma co., central Okla., on the North Canadian River; inc. 1890. The state's largest city, it is an important livestock market, a wholesale, distribution, industrial, and financial center, and a farm recruiting station August 23--with his straight twin brother, Robert, at his side. Cich's attempt was part of a national two-day "Right to Serve" campaign sponsored by gay rights group Soulforce that had gay people making a case for enlistment ENLISTMENT. The act of making a contract to serve the government in a subordinate capacity, either in the army or navy. The contract so made, is also called an enlistment. See, as to the power of infants to enlist, 4 Binn. 487; 5 Binn. 423; Binn. 255; 1 S. & R. 87; 11 S. & R. 93. to military recruiters around the country. "It wasn't because I am a criminal, have a drug problem, or that I'm not physically or mentally fit. It was simply because I am gay." Michael Cich's rejection was a first for his family, which has a long history of military service. His grandfather served in the Army, his father served in the Navy during Vietnam, his older brother recently left the Army, and Robert, who came with his twin out of solidarity, wants to enlist soon. Despite Michael's being turned away, Robert said he's still optimistic op·ti·mist n. 1. One who usually expects a favorable outcome. 2. A believer in philosophical optimism. op that the ban on openly gay service members will one day be overturned. "I think, in my lifetime it won't matter to the military whether someone who wants to enlist is gay or straight," he said. His brother hopes that day comes sooner rather than later. "It might be hard to be openly gay in the military, but I think I can do it," said Michael, who next will ask his congress-person to sign on to the Military Readiness Enhancement Act The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246) is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 28, 2007. Sponsored by Representative Marty Meehan (D-MA) with 136 cosponsors, the bill is currently in committee. , a bill to repeal the ban in the U.S. House. "I know I'm just one voice, but if this gets the support needed to repeal 'don't ask, don't tell,' then I think that would be justice." |
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